catching a semi feral cat/bring indoors

lhoncharik said:

 
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?

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I have used a chair pad or pillow to block and gently push the cat back.  It does become hard when they see the door as an escape.  I use a pass through baby gate.  It's a pressure mounted gate that has a door you can open to easily walk through.  I sometimes still need to use a pillow or cushion to push him back from the door.  

Just be prepared he may squeeze by you one day.  If he does, just remain calm.  Then do your best to put Izzy elsewhere and close off all other doors.  Most likely he will run out and then go to hide underneath something.

Thank you; good idea.  If Henry DOES manage to get past me, he would still be contained in the bedroom; of course, I'm sure he'd go right behind the bed/headboard, and I'd have a time getting him out, but he would still not have access to the rest of the apt.  I knew this would happen, but I am really feeling sorry for him!  I'm sure in time he will come around, but right now he meows at me and looks so forlorn.  I wish there was something more I could do other than the classical music that would entertain him in some way.  Today I did buy some of the cat phernome(?) spray to make things a little calmer for him; sure was expensive, but he's worth it!  Hope it helps somewhat.

The bathroom I have him in gets a little chilly (but of course not nearly as chilly as outside-it's been in the low 40's overnight right now in Phoenix);  do you think a very small space heater (it makes a slight hum) on in the room for a short period would freak him out?  To get that bathroom really warm would really heat up the rest of my place.

I am going to try the chicken baby food on a spoon next week; want to give him a few more days as he hissed at me once today when I gave him some tuna.  He's using the litter box just fine, and eating very well.  When I go in and talk to him, he gives me several BIG meows.

lhoncharik said:

 
Thank you; good idea.  If Henry DOES manage to get past me, he would still be contained in the bedroom; of course, I'm sure he'd go right behind the bed/headboard, and I'd have a time getting him out, but he would still not have access to the rest of the apt.  I knew this would happen, but I am really feeling sorry for him!  I'm sure in time he will come around, but right now he meows at me and looks so forlorn.  I wish there was something more I could do other than the classical music that would entertain him in some way.  Today I did buy some of the cat phernome(?) spray to make things a little calmer for him; sure was expensive, but he's worth it!  Hope it helps somewhat.

The bathroom I have him in gets a little chilly (but of course not nearly as chilly as outside-it's been in the low 40's overnight right now in Phoenix);  do you think a very small space heater (it makes a slight hum) on in the room for a short period would freak him out?  To get that bathroom really warm would really heat up the rest of my place.

I am going to try the chicken baby food on a spoon next week; want to give him a few more days as he hissed at me once today when I gave him some tuna.  He's using the litter box just fine, and eating very well.  When I go in and talk to him, he gives me several BIG meows.

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He is still adjusting and he hasn't had much time at all.  When bringing a cat inside that has lived outside for so long it can take months and months and months for the cat to adjust.  He needs lots and lots of time and patience.  

I would not run a space heater.  As long as he has a warm bed/blanket, he will be just fine.  

Also something to think about is when he is ready, the next step might be to allow him access to your room.  Your other cat would need to be put elsewhere.  This also will require blocking so that he cannot get under the bed and also blocking so he cannot get under/behind large furniture.  If it is not possible then you could possibly carry him to the main area of the apartment, but you would need to be sure you can handle him first.  The same goes for allowing him time in your bedroom.  

Just remember this is all a process.  It might be very very slow.  You might move forward to only move backwards again.  Yet always remember that he is so much better off inside with you than outside with all of the dangers.  He will adjust , but the process may be very slow.  I found it easier to not set any expectations.  Sometimes you will need to help him move a bit forward, but mostly allow him the time to adjust on his own.  Keep visiting and spending time with him.  

Hi.  I am going into his room multiple times a day; sometimes it's only for a couple of minutes, if he seems a little agitated. I had taken everything out under my bathroom sink vanity, and put a blanket in there.  Last night Henry went inside - I keep the door open on one side.  This gives him a little more shelter/privacy.  He has hissed at me today however whenever I go in; he wasn't doing this when he was in the tub, so I'm giving him his space.   I have to be careful, as the sink/vanity is closest to the door, the tub is in the back of the room..  He's still eating very well, using the box, etc.  I know this is going to take quite some time, so I'm not pushing him to do anything, just to be as comfortable as possible, and to get more used to my sitting near him, and hearing my voice.  If he doesn't seem to want a lot of "company" I just take him some food and stay in with him for about 5 minutes.

I have fostered quite a bit and if the cats are young I do not want them in the bedroom yet. I use a piece of foam core, or you could use cardboard. Cut a piece about 12 inches across and about 30 incheshigh. Use this as a "barrier" when you open the door. You can keep him from running out til you can get the door closed.

You could also make an interior door from foam core or cardboard Attach it on either side with a duct tape hinge. Then you could enter without scaring him if he would not jump over over it. Hope this helps

You might try just sitting in the room with Henry for longer periods of time Catch up on email or phone calls. Just beong on the room and not interacting with him will help him realize that you are not a threat. I worked with a feral at the shelter. He had been there several months whenever anyone came near it was claws and hiss so he was ignored. I came in once a week. Many times I would just sit or stand in front of him and talk to him or talk on the phone. I gave treats (tuna) if he wanted it. He eventually realized that nothing bad was going to happen when I was there. The more you can just be in the room the sooner he will realize you are not a threat. Years ago I got an abused cat. She hid under the bed for months. This was before the internet so I just guesses on what to do I just sat in the room and talked to her. She eventually came out and she became an affectionate cat. You are a good person for rescuing this kitty,even though Henry doesn't realize it yet. Most folks would just give up.

Brag to us on any little step he makes . In time he will respond.

You might try just sitting in the room with Henry for longer periods of time Catch up on email or phone calls. Just beong on the room and not interacting with him will help him realize that you are not a threat. I worked with a feral at the shelter. He had been there several months whenever anyone came near it was claws and hiss so he was ignored. I came in once a week. Many times I would just sit or stand in front of him and talk to him or talk on the phone. I gave treats (tuna) if he wanted it. He eventually realized that nothing bad was going to happen when I was there. The more you can just be in the room the sooner he will realize you are not a threat. Years ago I got an abused cat. She hid under the bed for months. This was before the internet so I just guesses on what to do I just sat in the room and talked to her. She eventually came out and she became an affectionate cat. You are a good person for rescuing this kitty,even though Henry doesn't realize it yet. Most folks would just give up.

Brag to us on any little step he makes . In time he will respond.

lhoncharik said:

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.

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In my experience, even the most streetwise cat will eventually be killed by a car. When Henry meows, you know, of course, that he is saying hello. Cats do not meow to each other. Even if Izzy never becomes fond of Henry it is still stimulating for her to have another cat in the house. My Looby Loo and Kandy are not what I would call friends, but they can sleep on the same blanket together nicely.

When you approach the bathroom door, do you have a little bell you could ring so Henry knows you are coming in? I think I would probably just walk in normally because sooner or later Henry has to face some of his fears, which will make life easier for him.

Yes, I could ring a bell; right now Henry is spending a lot of time under the sink inside the vanity.  He comes right out to eat once I leave the room; here's a question for you; I know Henry likes and gets along with other cats, as I've seen him outside playing with several other cats at the same time, jumping around, playing, etc.  Don't know about my indoor kitty Izzy; last night I took Henry's carrier out of the bathroom, as it's obvious he's not going to go back into it on his own.  I brought it out to the living room, and Izzy was extremely interested in it and it's smell, and immediately went inside; she has also approached the bathroom door and scratched at it to go inside, and I just shoo her away.  At some point I will want to let Henry out of the bathroom, and into the bedroom; I will have to do something so he can't get behind/hide behind the bed.  WHEN I get to the point of doing this, what would you suggest about Izzy?  I  can't keep her out of the bedroom; she spends a great deal of time sleeping in there, her litter box is now there, etc.   Perhaps an introduction over several days through the bathroom doorway?  I am going to have to get a screen of some sort, to put in the bathroom doorway.  Then Izzy and Henry could see each other, etc.  Any other suggestions for me?

Yes, thank you.  I am trying to do this; even if I just go into the room for a few minutes and sit there, I'm sure it helps him to get used to me being somewhat close.  He just looks so sad and I'm sure he's very puzzled as to what's happened to him.  I know I shouldn't assume he's sad just because I think he looks sad, but I keep telling myself that in the long run this will work out........we all tend to want immediate results, but I am determined to see this through; he is such a wonderful boy!

lhoncharik said:

Yes, I could ring a bell; right now Henry is spending a lot of time under the sink inside the vanity.  He comes right out to eat once I leave the room; here's a question for you; I know Henry likes and gets along with other cats, as I've seen him outside playing with several other cats at the same time, jumping around, playing, etc.  Don't know about my indoor kitty Izzy; last night I took Henry's carrier out of the bathroom, as it's obvious he's not going to go back into it on his own.  I brought it out to the living room, and Izzy was extremely interested in it and it's smell, and immediately went inside; she has also approached the bathroom door and scratched at it to go inside, and I just shoo her away.  At some point I will want to let Henry out of the bathroom, and into the bedroom; I will have to do something so he can't get behind/hide behind the bed.  WHEN I get to the point of doing this, what would you suggest about Izzy?  I  can't keep her out of the bedroom; she spends a great deal of time sleeping in there, her litter box is now there, etc.   Perhaps an introduction over several days through the bathroom doorway?  I am going to have to get a screen of some sort, to put in the bathroom doorway.  Then Izzy and Henry could see each other, etc.  Any other suggestions for me?

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What would be so terrible about Henry hiding behind the bed?

Your gradual plan sounds very good. Bear in mind that even with a gradual plan there most likely will be initial discomfort. It's a rare thing when cats like each other from the get go. You've had Henry for only 5 days. My Looby spent her first week under our bed!

Hello; nothing would be wrong with Henry hiding behind the bed, but I can't keep my cat Izzy out of the bedroom; she sleeps in that bedroom overnight, and is often in there during the day; her littler box is also in there right now.  This is a 2 bedroom apt; the bathroom Henry is in if off my room, the master.  My 2nd bedroom and bathroom are used by my 90 year old mother who lives with me; I am her caregiver, and as her bathroom is set up for her special needs, I couldn't put Henry in there even though it's a much larger bathroom.  There's really no other place for Henry other than the bathroom he's in now.  I'd like to let him have more space and go into my bedroom, but then Izzy won't have anyplace to go.......Izzy ignores my mother per se and does not spend any time in her bedroom, but my mom needs her space.  Henry divides his time either inside the bathroom vanity, on a blanket on the floor, or on blankets in the tub.  He has also been on top of the vanity but so far has not lain in the sink; Izzy was sleeping every day in that sink and doesn't seem to mind that she doesn't have access to it at the moment.  I'm sure Henry is somewhat bored, but you're right, it's only been 5 days, and the first two days he was under the weather from being neutered, shots, etc.  I'm trying not to attach too much human emotion to him......he's probably more puzzled than "sad" and his appetite is excellent, so I'm not especially concerned that he's depressed but it's always in the back of my mind.  I also spray some of that "calming" spray in the room several times a day hoping this makes him less anxious. 

lhoncharik said:

 
I am grabbing this from your other post you just started to keep the flow of this going all in one place.

I am curious if anyone has any thoughts on why Henry has made absolutely no attempt to get out of the bathroom; he seems perfectly content to either sleep in the bathtub on his blankets or under the sink vanity; he obviously knows how I come in and out of the room.  Everything I've researched indicated he'd howl, throw himself against the door, etc. but this has not been the case at all, which I would imagine indicates he's not in a panic, etc., a good thing; do you think it means he feels secure and/or somewhat comfortable?

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Most likely he has lived in a house before.  He is remembering it.  He does feel safe, warm and loved by you.  He also has not been inside long and is still working on adjusting to his new space.  

For now I would work on trying to handle him.  I think you mentioned that you can pet him.  In order to bring him out to your bedroom or other living space, you want to be able to carry him back and forth.  Work on that with him right now.

I also would get a screen door or other barrier for him.  I liked to use it to allow the cat to hear, see and smell the comings and goings of the house.  Be sure to supervise any visits between he and Izzy.

Here are a few articles on cat to cat intros and a great video too.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

 

You are probably right; however, I have never touched Henry; I am going to start very slowly getting a little closer to him; when I'm very close, I get a little hiss, but this is infrequent.  I am going to work on the screen door issue over the weekend, so he gets a look at my other cat.  Thank you for your continuing imput; you are a great help to me!

I would also greatly appreciate your thoughts on the best way on how to even begin to start trying to get a little closer with the goal in mind of being able to touch Henry; I will try the baby food on the extension spoon, but any other ideas would be a great help.

Baby food is a great tool.  I also use plain cooked chicken.  I toss a small piece close to the cat and then each toss I make a bit closer to me.  Once close by you can show the cat your closed fist with knuckles pointin towards the cat.  This mimics a cat head and often the cat will head bump the fist just as they would another cat.

Also watch for eye contact.  If direct eye contact makes him nervous they divert your eyes or close them.  

I like to bring a yummy treat with each visit and then leave a yummy treat when I leave.  This makes him associate you with something good.

Also try the pet petter  I posted about.  If it freaks him out then just wait and try it again in a week or two.  

The key is really to not rush the entire process.

Right now I would focus on socializing him with you.  Work on touching him.

Don't rush the introductions.  It might be too much too soon.  Have you done the swapped sock or wash cloth yet?  This should be the first step.

Do you mean the sock on a wand?  I will be trying this very shortly.  I will also try the chicken.  When Henry was outside I tried "tossing" him a cat treat from a couple of feet from him.....he always scooted off, but I'll try it inside from 6 inches or so.

One new thing; Henry has always had rather "squinty" eyes; not open as big and wide as you might expect; I've noticed today that his right eye is always 1/2 closed or so, sometimes totally closed.  It is not swollen, wet, running, or anything like that; looks perfectly normal.  When he does open it wider, it looks normal.  I called my Vet and of course he wants me to monitor it.....If he does need to go back to the vet, I'm not sure how on earth I'll ever get him back inside a carrier.  I would certainly have to get him scared or worked up and push him into it, so I'm really hoping it's nothing.  His eyes always had a rather odd look to them, so I'm hoping he's not getting an infection.  Vet says these eye infections usually just clear up anyway, and if he was outside anything like this would have been untreated.  If I do have to get him back to the vet, any suggestions as to the most painless way to get him back in the carrier?

lhoncharik said:

 
Do you mean the sock on a wand?  I will be trying this very shortly.  I will also try the chicken.  When Henry was outside I tried "tossing" him a cat treat from a couple of feet from him.....he always scooted off, but I'll try it inside from 6 inches or so.

One new thing; Henry has always had rather "squinty" eyes; not open as big and wide as you might expect; I've noticed today that his right eye is always 1/2 closed or so, sometimes totally closed.  It is not swollen, wet, running, or anything like that; looks perfectly normal.  When he does open it wider, it looks normal.  I called my Vet and of course he wants me to monitor it.....If he does need to go back to the vet, I'm not sure how on earth I'll ever get him back inside a carrier.  I would certainly have to get him scared or worked up and push him into it, so I'm really hoping it's nothing.  His eyes always had a rather odd look to them, so I'm hoping he's not getting an infection.  Vet says these eye infections usually just clear up anyway, and if he was outside anything like this would have been untreated.  If I do have to get him back to the vet, any suggestions as to the most painless way to get him back in the carrier?

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I was referring to swapping scent via a sock.  If you read the articles on introductions, the first step is to do scent swapping.  Lots of people use old clean socks or wash cloths.  You take one wash cloth and rub it all over one of your cats.  You want to try to hit the scent glands under the chin on on the feet.  For Henry you could just put a wash cloth where he sleeps.  Then you switch the wash cloths.  Izzy gets to smell Henry's and Henry gets to smell Izzy's.  You don't force them, just put the wash cloth/sock in their area.  You can do this over and over.  

As for the sock on a wand, this is just for Henry.  You might try it first as a toy.  See if he will follow it when you move it back and forth then up and down and then lightly touching him.  If he freaks, just leave it in the bathroom for him to see and try again in a few days.

As for needing to get him back into a carrier, I would place the carrier back in the room.  Keep it in the tub.  You may need to throw a towel over him and shove him inside.  You also could try putting some yummy treats or chicken in it.  Yet unless the eye is weepy, runny and he constantly keeps it closed, I would wait.  If it does get worse, he may need to be seen.  

If you are able, you might want to go into the room and just sit and read aloud to him.  You also could take a laptop, ipad, phone, etc... and just be with him.  Tell him about your day.  The more you talk to him the better.  Tell him why you brought him inside and how you are going to take care of him.  Tell him he is safe.  I always tell my cats over and over that they are safe.  

I will try the scent swapping tomorrow; sounds good.  In a couple of days I will try the sock on a wand within the next few days, trying it as a toy first, as you suggest, before I make any attempt to touch him anywhere with it.....his eye is looking better; much more open; I actually had noticed this eyelid looked a little droopy as it were,  before when he was outside.  It does not look infected, not weepy or runny, but I will keep close watch on it...he may just naturally have a droopy eyelid for some reason, and it might just be a little irritated for some reason, rather than an infection.  ..thanks for the advice on the carrier; I have a larger one than the one I caught him in (for up to a 10 lb animal); the larger one holds up to a 25-30 lb cat or dog, large enough for 2-3 cats, and high enough for Henry to stand up in.  I think I could chase him into this one with a towel if need be.

Yes, I sit with him several times a day and talk to him in a soft voice, telling him he is safe and that he's starting a whole new wonderful life inside with nice soft places to sleep, and new cat friend, Izzy, and lots of goodies to eat.  He often falls asleep when I'm talking to him, or he just lays quietly watching me or half dozing.  He only tries to get a little more behind the toilet if I get my hand a little to close for his comfort zone.  Tried "tossing" him a couple of bites of chicken, but he didn't move toward it, he was a little suspicious.    Sometimes I go in only for a minute or two to check his food bowls or litter box, just to get him as familiar as possible with my presence in the room, coming & going, etc.  I always announce to him that I'm coming in, in a sing-song voice, and he always meows immediately when I go into the room.  He doesn't sound scared, it just appears to be a greeting.  The classical music plays non-stop for him.  I have not really noticed that the calming spray has much effect, but I could be wrong.  My vet had sprayed some in the room, so he must feel it does some good.  Can't hurt. 

I would like to aim for letting him into my bedroom once I have the screen and he and Izzy have become fully acquainted.  I can block off behind the bed, and he could have more space, but I can't keep Izzy out of the bedroom, so I'm hoping that after trying the sock swap for a few days, I can put up the screen, and then I can put Izzy in the large carrier at first, and put it by the screen with Henry on the other side.  I don't want to rush the intros; I don't think Henry's ready yet; no need to rush anything.  Izzy is a real handful, she is a bad biter; she only bites me, never anyone else.  After I had her for several months, she bit me one day and never stopped.  We've tried all kinds of meds, anitdepressants such as Prozac, Buspar, and tranqualizers such as Xanax, but nothing helped or had any effect.  I mean very aggressive biting, not "love bites" by any means.  She will sometimes lunge and draw back, like a snake striking.  If she becomes too agitated, I put her in a carrier for a short time until she calms down.  I had a cat behaviorist come in for suggestions, but none of her suggestions had any effect.  I don't think she'll fight Henry, as she really appears uninterested in him, but I know Izzy gets terribly bored; she can play with a feather on a string on a wand, literally for 2 hours non-stop and she does NOT get tired or wear out.    When you stop playing she cries and will become aggressive in wanting more play, but you can only play with the toy for so long. 

I doubt very much that Henry is bored, sad or depressed. I think you are worrying too much & don't give yourself enough credit for what you have done for him. To reiterate, I doubt very much that Izzy will be bored once she sees Henry. Even an annoying cat is stimulating to another.

When you say squinty eyes, you don't mean when they look at you with half-closed eyes do you? Because this means they love you.

As to handling Henry, go from behind & see if you can put one finger on his back. I have been very surprised by some cats in the past who I never thought would let me touch them. Then, when I plucked up my courage they weren't bothered at all no matter how much I stroked them. But always from behind at first.