Feral Kitten Question

One of the feral kittens I spotted a while back came back last weekend and the last time I saw him was the morning of 4th of july. I fed him some tuna and a few kitten treats i got. He came back 3 days so i fed him each time and then I fed him monday morning on the 4th and he hasnt come back since. I want to see if I could get him on a schedule. How can I get him to come back. I think he spends sometime in my garage. Has this happen to any of you? Do they just come back anytime? I think it was starting to get used to me it let me get a close i was about 2 steps away from him.

You set up a feeding routine and you stick with it, understanding that while this kitten is outside, he is at great risk for harm. Automobiles, other tomcats, disease, not staying warm enough, other predators, anemia from fleas or tick-born diseases, he could fall prey to one of these dangers. Put food and water out during the day at scheduled times so he can count on you. If he is old enough he could be joining the mating quest- if just depends on his cross breed and how sexually mature he is. In warmer climates, kittens are maturing faster than normal.

I usually feed him in the evening. I only fed him in the morning that day was because I was going out and wasnt sure if I would be home on time do you think that messed everything up? I think he/she is about 8-9 weeks old. If it did joining the mating quest will he return again? I think that one of its parents might be a stray. Should I leave tuna out for him at night?

I wouldn't feed tuna, it isn't that good for cats. Just feed quality dry food and provide water for him. Leave the dry food out for a bit- it will air stale after a bit, but it will still be better than garbage food tidbits the kitten would be left to find.

Ok i will see what I can get thanks for your help I hope he returns. I might try and catch him when he gets used to his schedule but I wont be able to bring him in the house is there a way he can be my outside pet?

My little colony outside knows exactly when feeding time is They could be 3 backyards away but as soon as I step outside and give a little psss...psss (sound) they come running. I do this twice a day with dry, wet food & fresh water.

Originally Posted by shadow79

Ok i will see what I can get thanks for your help I hope he returns. I might try and catch him when he gets used to his schedule but I wont be able to bring him in the house is there a way he can be my outside pet?

Click to expand...

Certainly if you live in a safe neighborhood he could be your outside pet....but you must take responsibility for this kitten and have him neutered. I would contact some vet clinics to see if they have familiarity with ferals/strays and see if they would neuter this kitten for you.

Katie

Lees thats really cool that they come you to like that how long did it take for them to learn to do that?

TNR, Do they neuter/ spay for free?

Originally Posted by shadow79

Lees thats really cool that they come you to like that how long did it take for them to learn to do that?

TNR, Do they neuter/ spay for free?

Click to expand...

Some groups do offer free spays/neuters for people with low incomes or people with feral cats...but it depends on the clinic. I would contact a few and see if they offer discounts. If you go here and scroll down to your state and click on it..it will list several low cost clinic options:

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

Katie

There are a few close to me so if he comes back I can try to get him. Arent they supposed to come back once you feed them?

Originally Posted by shadow79

There are a few close to me so if he comes back I can try to get him. Arent they supposed to come back once you feed them?

Click to expand...

There may be someone else feeding cats in your area....so it just depends.

Katie

its been about 2 weeks now since i last saw him do you think he will remember me if he does come back or will he be more feral and run as soon as he sees me?