I have a feral cat at home...here is the story.
2 years ago, my boyfriend gave me a cat for Christmas. The cat seemed freidnly and gentle when it was in the shelter, but when we got it home, it was very scared and didn't like humans at all. It slept under my bed for a year and a half. I provided it with high quality food, a pristine litter box and tons of different types of toys. I would often try to coax the cat out from under the bed with cat treats and little toys. I would talk gently to it and try to pet it as much as it would let me...but it very obviously didn't want to be touched.
My boyfriend called the shelter and told them about the cat's behavior. they told him that the cat was found outside and was likely feral. That cat cried at the window every night. When I would walk into my bedroom, the cat would freak out and run under my bed.
My boyfriend opened the screen door and let the cat out and we didn't see it for months. I was very upset with him. (I don't think letting cats outdoors is right).
About 6 months later, I adopted another cat and so did my boyfriend. We decided to move in together. Before the big move, the feral cat appeared. We took her with us. 3 cats in out apt. now.
This month, my boyfriend and I are splitting up. He is moving to CT and I am moving home to help take care of my sick mother. There, I will have a dog, 3 hampsters and a guinea pig. My boyfriend is taking the two adopted cats (that are very friendly) and I am left to either find a home for this feral cat or take it home.
What do you suggest I do?
Take the cat home and let her live "undetected" in my house?
Take her home, keep her inside for a while, and then let her be an indoor/outdoor cat?
Give her to a shelter? (Which totally breaks my heart)
Cat barn?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Kara