catching a semi feral cat/bring indoors

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for me?  I have got to try to catch this wonderful semi-feral cat that I have been feeding for 2+ years now; he visits my patio vrs times daily for food; friendly but wary; don't know if he was abandoned at one time, or born outside.  He is approachable but not touchable at this point.  Don't think he would go in a trap per se.  He has now started crossing a very busy road daily and I've got to get him out of harms way.......I have the time to work with him extensively in a cat safe room, as I am recovering from cancer.  I am just unable to catch him.  There MUST be a way.  Any organizations or individuals that one could pay to catch/trap him?  If anyone in metro Phoenix can help me, please contact me by PM.  ANY help would be so greatly appreciated.  Taking care of this little boy during my treatment truly kept me going; I would give him an excellent life with the best veterinary care.  It can't be impossible to catch one little cat, but it is proving so for me.

Thank you for wanting to help this sweet kitty.

A trap is the easiest and safest way.  You can start by not setting the trap, just tie it open.  Begin to feed the kitty right outside the trap and each day move it just a bit inside until you finally have it in the back of the trap.  Be sure to have a vet appointment lined up so the kitty can go straight to the vet.  You really do not want to trap, bring it into your home and then have to catch the cat again for a vet appointment.  At the vet you will need to get shots, spay/neuter and also dewormed.  

Here is a great video that tells about trapping and gives some great tips

My vet told me something I had not encountered in my feral research; he feels it could be dangerous to try to tame a semi feral cat, as he feel's it's possible that the cat could revert to it's feral tendencies and cause injury; anyone have any thoughts?  This little kitty has never tried to bite or scratch; if he gets spooked, he just trots off.....the often comes up to me meowing for food, etc.  Never have seen him in attack mode.....never seen him fight with other cats.

lhoncharik said:

 
My vet told me something I had not encountered in my feral research; he feels it could be dangerous to try to tame a semi feral cat, as he feel's it's possible that the cat could revert to it's feral tendencies and cause injury; anyone have any thoughts?  This little kitty has never tried to bite or scratch; if he gets spooked, he just trots off.....the often comes up to me meowing for food, etc.  Never have seen him in attack mode.....never seen him fight with other cats.

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I find this to be a very rare case.  Many vets are not familiar and do not like working with feral/semi feral cats.  It is best to find a vet that has some experience or just ignore his advice.  

I have brought two feral/semi feral cats into my home.  The latest I am working with now and has been in a room of his own for 8 weeks.  I am working on introducing him to my other indoor cats.  

The little kitty might try to bite you out of fear, but if you work slowly to socialize him/her, this is very unlikely to happen.

If you want to bring the little kitty into your home, it is best to have a room of his own.  This room will need to be cat proofed.  If there is a bed, it will need to be picked up off the floor, or laid flat.  Under the bed is the first place the kitty will run to hide and it will be nearly impossible to get him out.  

Secondly you will want to block other hiding spots under and behind large furniture.  Cats can squeeze into very small spaces.  Watch that closet doors are securely closed too.

Do have a cozy bed and/or a cat tree or perch for him to watch the world.  If you have a window in the room, watch for any blind cords that might dangle.  Also be sure the windows are tightly closed.  

Be sure you have at least one litter box.  If he doesn't know how to use the litter box, you can get some Dr. Elsey's litter attract to mix into the litter.  You can sop up any urine with a paper towel and bury it in the box.  The same with his stool.  

Don't be surprised that when you bring him into his room that he freaks out a bit.  He may try to get out of the door or even throw himself against the windows.  It can take a bit for them to calm down.  I usually make sure the room is safe, stay for a few minutes and then give the kitty some time.

Feliway plug ins work really well to help a scared kitty feel more calm.

There are lots and lots of tips here.  Your first job is to trap the kitty and find a feral friendly vet.  I often use low cost spay/neuter clinics as they work with feral cats.  I hope you will give this kitty a chance.

THANK YOU!  I can't believe it, but I managed to catch this little kitty, "Henry" this AM; took him immediately to my vet; he is in excellent shape, negative for FIV and leukemia, no fleas, ticks, mites, etc.  He was immediately neutered and given all shots; I pick him up at 4:00 today.

I am keeping him in a small bathroom; no windows; nothing in there to hurt him;  put a big soft blanket in the tub, and cleared everything out under the sink, put in another blanket; he will have the cat carrier in there also, litter box, food and water.  Vet advises to leave him alone until tomorrow, when I will then enter cautiously to bring him new food, etc., and talk softly to him.  HOW MANY TIMES A DAY DO YOU ADVISE I GO IN AND SIT WITH HIM/TALK TO HIM????  I wish I had a bigger room to keep him in, but I don't have an extra bedroom, and my current indoor cat izzy spends a lot of time in my bedroom, so she has to have access to this room.  I am planning to use regular old clay litter at first, vrs websites say don't use the clumping......I'm not familiar with Dr. Elsey's'; what is this?  Can you buy it at Petsmart or Petco?   Some websites advise using potting soil, but I don't think this kitty is used to dirt; more likely grass or gravel, so I think I'm safe with clay litter; since he's in a bathroom on tile & bathmat, accidents don't matter.  I sure hope this works out; in a way it seems cruel to keep him in a small room for awhile, but I want to give him a better life, and it was just a matter of time before he was hit by a car or sustained some other injury or illness.  Any further tips or insights are GREATLY WELCOMED.  Please let me know how much time a day you'd advise I spend with him.

THANKS AGAIN!  Leslie.

Leave Henry alone today as your vet advised. Spend as much time with him tomorrow as you can, but don't crowd him & don't try to rush things. He very easily could get spooked & refuse to eat or drink. And then later you will have to introduce him to your other cat, which also could cause some problems.

The thing is, you have done an amazing thing with this cat to rescue him. He's been unloved & outside his entire life so this is a huge change for him. Good luck & keep us updated on Henry's progress.

lhoncharik said:

 
THANK YOU!  I can't believe it, but I managed to catch this little kitty, "Henry" this AM; took him immediately to my vet; he is in excellent shape, negative for FIV and leukemia, no fleas, ticks, mites, etc.  He was immediately neutered and given all shots; I pick him up at 4:00 today.

I am keeping him in a small bathroom; no windows; nothing in there to hurt him;  put a big soft blanket in the tub, and cleared everything out under the sink, put in another blanket; he will have the cat carrier in there also, litter box, food and water.  Vet advises to leave him alone until tomorrow, when I will then enter cautiously to bring him new food, etc., and talk softly to him.  HOW MANY TIMES A DAY DO YOU ADVISE I GO IN AND SIT WITH HIM/TALK TO HIM????  I wish I had a bigger room to keep him in, but I don't have an extra bedroom, and my current indoor cat izzy spends a lot of time in my bedroom, so she has to have access to this room.  I am planning to use regular old clay litter at first, vrs websites say don't use the clumping......I'm not familiar with Dr. Elsey's'; what is this?  Can you buy it at Petsmart or Petco?   Some websites advise using potting soil, but I don't think this kitty is used to dirt; more likely grass or gravel, so I think I'm safe with clay litter; since he's in a bathroom on tile & bathmat, accidents don't matter.  I sure hope this works out; in a way it seems cruel to keep him in a small room for awhile, but I want to give him a better life, and it was just a matter of time before he was hit by a car or sustained some other injury or illness.  Any further tips or insights are GREATLY WELCOMED.  Please let me know how much time a day you'd advise I spend with him.

THANKS AGAIN!  Leslie.

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How awesome!!!  So happy he is now neutered too.  As for visiting him, once home tonight he may still be woozy from the anesthesia.  I would leave out some food and let him be.  Go in first thing tomorrow to give him  more food and to visit.  Keep the visits short, but visit often.  You want him to see you often for short bursts.  When you come to visit you might bright an extra special treat.  I like to use plain cooked chicken or even a piece or two of canned tuna or salmon.  Don't be surprised he doesn't eat for awhile.  He will be scared.  

Dr. Elsey's Litter Attract is available at Petsmart.  You can just sprinkle some into the regular litter you use.  

Just know that he is safest in the bathroom.  He may yowl, howl, hide and you will feel sorry for him and think you should let him out.  DO NOT let him out.  He will adjust, it just takes time.

My latest feral has been inside now for 8 weeks.  He is still in a room of his own and just starting intros with my other two cats.  Introductions are another issue.  Yet you want Henry adjusted an used to you before attempting the introductions.  We here at The Cat Site can help you with introductions later.  Just give him time.  You know he is safest inside and most likely at one time he lived inside.  This will all just be an adjustment.

Keep us updated.

Thank you!  After we got home from the vet, I put him in the bathroom in the carrier; I put a blanket he likes between the tub & toilet, put in his dry food, water, and some plain chicken wet food bites.  I looked in on him just once since, and he was out of the carrier, on the blanket, and he'd eaten some of the wet food!  I think he pooped, but not sure if in the box or not....I did buy some of the Dr. Elsey's litter box attractent, and mixed it in with the kitty letter; he also may have peed in the carrier, but I'll wait to tomorrow to check that, and change the bedding if needed.  My house cat Isabella does not seem too worked up, a little excited, I just hope moving her litter box doesn't upset her too much....no choice on that.  I'll worry about introducing them to each other down the road.........taking it slow, one day at a time.  I'm sure kitty feels under the weather from the vaccinations and neutering; but he'll feel much better in 24 hours.

Thanks again!!!

It seems that all is off to a great start.  It's good he came out of the carrier already and ate some.  I hope that today will be a good day.

For introductions down the road you may need to purchase a few items.  A baby gate might be needed to put in the door way.  Yet if any of the cats are jumpers a baby gate may not be tall enough.  I have also used screen doors.  I bought a cheap wooden one from Lowes and instead of attaching and defacing my door, I used cheap tension rods. to secure it.  It worked well, but I only used it with supervision.  

I am introducing a semi feral into my house right now.  He has been in a bedroom for 8 weeks.  I have a baby gate in the door way and now I am using wire shelving panels that are zip tied together to create a barrier.  They are each 48" high.  Here is the article that tells about it and also a picture of my set up.

https://pethelpful.com/cats/Build-a-free-standing-cat-dog-pet-gate-with-virtually-no-tools

Thank you!  Excellent idea; the new feral, Henry, is quite a jumper and climber; I have seen him on a rooftop at least twice, and he easily scales a 6ft block fence.  He's doing good today; I sat with him for about 10 minutes; he cried at me twice.  I kept talking softly to him, and he stretched out on his blanket and dozed off.  I also set up a radio playing classical music just outside the door to soothe him and hopefully entertain.....it's deadly quite in the bathroom, so I hope some soft classical music will also help.  He is not crying at all; silent all night.   He still feels a little under the weather from the anesthesia and pain meds, but I'm sure within another 24 hours he';; be feeling much much better.  He does not seem terribly afraid of me, and he is not backing away when I go into his room, he is staying laying on his favorite blanket.  So far, so good!!!!!

What would you suggest is the best way to start to attempt being able to touch this kitty? I am able to get pretty close and put food close to him and/or under his nose, per se.......REALLY want to avoid a nasty bite if possible, as I am a recent cancer survivor, and have a somewhat compromised immune system.......I have never had an infection from a cat bite, but don't want to tempt fate. How long do you suggest I wait before slowly easing up to attempt to make physical contact? Thank you, any suggestions or methods are greatly appreciated.

Fantastic!  You give excellent advice, and have already been a great help to me......I'm really afraid of messing this up, so want to ask a lot of questions and take it slow so I don't take any backward steps.  I do have one particular question.........why is using the clumping cat litter a bad idea?  I bought some of the Tidy Cat regular old clay litter, since it's more like the gravel around our property.  Unfortunately, the clay litter really smells, and the room is so small, I don't want poor Henry to have to put up with that, and my indoor cat Izzy notices it.......the Dr. Elsey's litter attractent says not to use with any litter that uses baking soda or deodorizers, since they absorb the smell of the product.  However, I don't think I'll really need the Dr. Elsey's anymore, since Henry is using the box with no difficulty.    Do you know the reason why the clumping letter is not a very good idea?  Could I mix clay and clumping 50/50?  What do you suggest?  Also, Henry has obviously never seen a toy.......once when he was outside I took out a wand toy with a toy mouse on it; the mouse "squeaked' when it was moved around.....Henry freaked out when he heard the squeak and wanted nothing to do with the mouse, so I imagine it was just the noise that spooked him......I have certainly seen him chase small Arizona lizards (we have a lot of them around in the daytime heat, even in the winter), and also go after a few birds (with no luck on his part). 

Why do you think that so far Henry has not made any move toward the bathroom door......he is content just to lay on the blanket; he does get up and move several steps to the cat food and box, but goes right back and lies down; he does not seem to have any interest in the door, or getting past me to get to the door, at least not yet.   Of course he is still slightly under the weather, but I think by tomorrow he will be much better.  He only growled once today, when he saw the cat grass.  He didn't seem to like it around him at all, so I took it away.  I've had cats all my life, but this whole experience is totally new to me, and I realize everything has to be on Henry's timetable.  Finally, do you think one of those pheromone sprays or infusers would be a good idea?  Sorry If this is too much to cover at once!

Hello - glad you found you way to this FABULOUS forum!!! It's saved my sanity many times...comforted me by hearing what others have done....and soothed jangled nerves more times than I can count. That said - note you will occasionally get differing opinions - rarely are any "wrong"---many of us just do things slightly differently - we all do what works for us!

I admit it's late - & im sick - so possible I missed something in this thread. But is there a reason you don't feel you can use clumping litter? You're very right - clay litter smells much worse much more quickly than clumping - you have to keep clay meticulously clean and change the whole box fully OFTEN! But it is cheaper, so changing it fully a lot more often generally evens out cost-wise. I don't ever use clumping with tiny kittens when I foster---they tend to try to eat it more often, they rarely "shake it off" and it's not healthy for them to intake much of it. But - particularly since Henry is over 2 years old AND in very tight quarters where every smell is magnified, I'd use clumping. Go with a "simple clumping"--avoiding overscented ones if possible. You can start by sprinkling a small amount of the clay litter he's currently using -just so the transition isn't as radical for him. And -this goes for every every litterbox - whether you use clay, clumping, Next Year's News..whatever- scooping at least once a day is critical (for kitty's sake - AND your nose [emoji]128568[/emoji].

I will say I'm a little stunned - given your willingness, time availability, and strong desire plus the fact Henry was already associating you with good things like food -- I say "bully for you" for trying! Yes - 2 1/2 years is outside of the range where it's "relatively easy to socialize - but it CAN 100% be done! (One of our little TNR ferals wedidnt bring in until she was well over a year --and with a lot of work, she's become the sweetest lapcat you could ever ask for! If you use reasonable precautions (don't pick him up out of the blue, don't grab him, don't "force" petting...you get the idea)----honestly I've never been bitten by a feral I was socializing. I've been bitten ALOT by "tame kitties" who had been displaced, etc and were terrified. Feral -or at least cats that have functioned as ferals for quite some time, are far more likely to retreat then attack!

As far as how often to sit with him --the answer is: as much as possible I work from home as a graphic designer, so I often take my laptop downstairs and work in "their" room. I talk out loud (softly) whenever possible. I even read magazines etc aloud - I'm sure someone watching would think I was nuts I try to establish a routine --it helps them be more comfortable bc they know what's coming. Before I enter kitty's room, I sing-song softly something like "here I come---time for treats, time for pets..," whatever I make up on the spot. But keep it high, soft & feminine- Henry will find it the least threatening since he's never surprised as you enter a room--and come to get all excited when he hears you ready to come in. I talk or sing softly most of the time I'm with them. I also keep the radio (or tv sometimes) on sometimes classical, but sometimes talk radio. Then Henry will get more used to voices!

And does he have things to keep him occupied and stimulated? Toys? Even things like empty toilet paper tubes -or paper towel tubes or even small cardboard box--all are favorites of most fosters we've worked with! I notice you feel he's not fond of wand toys - it could just be the kind. I know the bathroom's small - but "da bird" is a silent toy that looks & behaves like a real bird - they all go crazy for it!

Two quick last things --- take intros with your cats VERY slowly. VEEERRRRY slowly - they've"don't get a second chance to make a first impression"! so ask on here for "intro ideas (you already have some great ones above!

Lastly-try to bribe him into coming closer and accepting your love -- by using an "extending fork" (or spoon)---Amazon has them. Put a little Gerbers Chicken Stage 2,, extend the telescoping spoon slowly towards Henry. Few cats can resist it! We all call it kitty crack!!!!! (Don't use it as his only food source though -it's not balanced for kitty's needs.) but start by offering it -just a bit, talking softly to him. I've yet to have a feral cat/kitten start following me to beg some from me!

Hope that helps a bit! Keep at it -you're doing AN AMAZING JOB!!!!! Keep us posted!!!

Hello!  Thank you very much!  You also have some excellent ideas; I was happy to see this AM that Henry was not still just laying on his blanket on the floor; he was stretched out on blankets in the bathtub (at least he's moved).  I was a little concerned that he hadn't at least explored the tub or sink.  It's a very small bathroom, but it's the only place I have to keep him.  Yes, I have plenty of time......I was widowed very suddenly 6 years ago and within a week I moved my 85 year old mother in with me and became her full time caregiver; then I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent 18 months of chemo/radiation etc.  so I'm home here 23 hours a day more or less.  I am dedicated to helping this animal, but I am quite concerned he'll become depressed.  I have a radio tuned to classical right outside the door for him to listen to.

I will get some unscented clumping litter today, and mix some clay litter into it and on top; he used the box immediately and I've had no issues with the box, other than the smell.  I will also get some toys that are not interactive per se, stuffed catnip mouse, bird etc that he can just bat around.   Sudden movements do startle him.  He has not hissed or growled at me, but he did so when I brought in a container of cat grass-he definitely had no interest in it.  My indoor kitty Isabella has not interest in it either, but she loved the paper bag that it came home from the store it, of course.

Another post I received suggested, when Henry's ready, to start gently touching him with a sock attached to a long wand as opposed to my hand.  This sounds like a very good idea.  I will also try the extending spoon and baby food.  This really sounds like a good idea.  I definitely welcome your further comments, suggestions, and help.  This website has been a godsend.  This is a very scary process for both of us and we're taking it slow.  Thanks again, have a great day.

Don't be too concerned with him being depressed.  He may be sad for a bit or confused for a bit.  Yet his life inside will be so much better than his life outside.  He may never be a cuddly lap kitty, but he will have a safe warm home and someone who loves him for who he is.  

I have brought inside 2 feral/semi feral cats.  Both had been living outside for 2-3 years.  Both are scared of many many things.  When others come to my home, they will never see these two.  People ask me why I would want these cats when they are not social.  I just want them to have a better life.  It does not matter to me if they are cuddly or no.  One of my former ferals now sleeps with me and cuddles all night.  During the day, he likes to sleep in our dining room under a cabinet.  He has come so far in the almost 4 years he has been inside.  He is still afraid of the vacuum cleaner and will hide for hours.  He doesn't like the sounds of the lawn mower or snow blower.  Yet he is now used to the garbage disposal and blender!  

I use Dr. Elsey's Multi cat clumping litter.  It is excellent for odor control.  It's called Precious Cat Litter and in a blue bag.  I have tried so many litters and this one is a winner.  I loved the World's Best Cat Litter.  It was so light weight, easy to clean and great odor control, clumped well too.  I actually liked the corn scent.  Yet my cats hated it.  It also was flushable.  So Precious clumping cat litter it is!

The baby food idea is a great one.  Most of my boys love it and will go crazy for it.  Food rewards are a definite way to work with him.

Just don't set expectations for him.  Allow him to settle and help him adjust slowly.  Since he isn't hiding that is great.  My guy likes to hide and I have had to block under chairs to force him to be out more.  For now though Henry just needs time.  

I definitely recommend the Feliway plug ins.  Amazon has them for great prices.  They will also help when you are ready for introductions.

The two I have brought inside had no idea about toys either.  They do like catnip toys, but I had to be careful when doing introductions to not use them.  They often can rev a cat up too much and cause negative reactions.  The favorite toy for my two was a simple shoe lace ( I cut the sharp ends off).  I would hide parts of it under a towel and then pull it fast or slow.  Both learned to like the da bird toy, but at first it was just too overwhelming.

Hi.  Good tips on the litter; I had originally purchased just your usual open box, and put plain old tidy cat clay litter in it, with the Dr. Elway's attractant; he was using it just fine, but the box was unsatisfactory; too shallow, and the clay litter was becoming wet and smelly, too hard to keep clean, so today I bought a larger box;d it looks like one that would have a covered top,  but it's uncovered.  I was afraid Henry would be afraid to go into a covered box, so this new one holds a lot more litter.  I bought an unscented clumping letter and added some more new tidy cat clay litter in the middle and on top,  about an 80/20 ratio, and then added more Dr. Elway's.  I think this will be fine, but if I have any trouble I'll try the litter you recommended - I saw it at Petco.

I will try the baby food on the long extension spoon this weekend; I made my own; Amazon had a couple for around $50.00; too expensive for what it is.   I had a old wand about 2 ft long from an old feather toy.  I took the feather and string off and taped a spoon to the end with duct tape.  I will try and see if Henry will take some chicken baby food off the spoon.  This seems like a very good idea, and will get him familiar with being "approached" by something.  I am looking forward to trying the sock on a wand for first touching contact.

He does seem to be completely uninterested or leery of even simple toys such as a stuffed mouse.  He looks at them, but does not approach.  I will work on trying the shoelace.  Don't want to overwhelm him.  Some other sites also indicated favorite toy would be a string or something similar.  I will not leave him alone with it, as I don't want him to swallow it.

I am surprised that Henry is keeping away from the bathroom door - not trying to get out at all, at least not yet.  I open the door very carefully to be sure he's not sitting there.  If he did get out, he would still be contained in a bedroom, but this would not be too good; I'm sure he'd go right behind the bed/headboard and I don't think he wants to go back inside a carrier anytime soon.  He has not gone back into it in the 2 days he's been here.

If you have any other ideas on how Henry could be entertained somewhat, just let me know; he's either sleeping or just sitting on his blanket; he has the music, and I've been going in much more frequently, even if it's only for a couple of minutes.  He does not cower or try to hide, he meows at me a couple of times, but he stays right where he is, either on the floor blanket or the blanket in the bathtub.

I have really been surprised that my indoor cat, Izzy, appears completed unconcerned and uninterested; I'm sure she knows Henry is in the bathroom, but hasn't tried to go into the bathroom when I open the door, and she's acting like he's not even here.  Doesn't appear to be jealous yet.

I would guesstimate that Henry feels he's died & gone to heaven. He is perfectly content to relax & sit on his blanket. Probably this is the first time in his life that he can just sit & chill without a thousand worries. I have found that cats who have lived outside their entire life have no interest in toys. They have struggled for survival & there was no time for toys. Be thankful that Izzy is fine with him being there. Some cats simply ignore new cats. They many never be friends, but that's okay.

Thank you!  This makes me feel better.  You are probably right, as he doesn't seem to be especially unhappy; he only meows when I come into the room, no other crying, howling, and as I said, he hasn't made any attempt to go to the door or to get out.  His appetite is excellent, really eating up a storm. Izzy may well be cool with Henry; I've never seen her around another cat, but I know she likes dogs.  I've had other cats in the past that although they weren't especially good friends, tolerated each other and lived together harmoniously.  That would be good enough for me, but I am hoping they could be friends, as I know Izzy gets terribly bored, even though she gets a lot of play time, and she could use a friend.  It is just so wonderful being able to look out my front window knowing Henry will not be hit by a car!  I felt positive that he would be, even though he is quite street smart, as he had a couple of near misses the last week or so.  Don't know why he started crossing a busy street; I'm positive the behavior was new, just over the past 6 weeks or so.....maybe a female in heat.  Anyway, now he is safe.  Even the small steps are encouraging.....tonight when I took him some canned food, I set the bowl down in it's spot, he meowed, looked at me, and got up off the blanket and started eating while I stood right next to the bowl; this is the first time he's done that.....he's been waiting to eat until I left the room, so maybe he's getting a little more comfortable with me, and a little bit of trust is developing.  Good to hear from you.

What would you suggest is the best way to get Henry back away from the bathroom door when I want to enter?  I have been saying his name and softly knocking on the door before entering, and so far he's always been back away from the door on his blanket, or in the back of the room in the tub.  When I went to go in tonight for the last time he was much closer to the door, which I had not expected, and he startled me and I startled him, causing him to hiss at me and jump back into the bathtub.  I need to be prepared now for him to be quite near the door, and I certainly don't want him to jump past me and get out into the bedroom, but I don't want to have to startle him either.  Any suggestions here?  I only open the door a crack to make sure he's not too close, but if he is, what do you think would be the best way to get him to move back so I can open the door without scaring him too much?