How to earn a cats trust?

3catmom

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I'm feeding a big ol yellow tom. I have recently gotten him to come on the porch to eat. I'd been moving the food dish closer each day. It took about a month before he'd come on the porch. He lives in my neighbor's shed (she's ok with this, and knows I'm feeding him), but comes to my proch to eat. He "talks" to me now, and will meow loudly to tell me if his food is running low. He's a pretty chunky guy, but since I've been feeding him for almost 2 months now, I wonder if it's because of me. Anyway, the poor guy has half ears. They look like a piece on each ear is missing, but the ends curl over. I don't necessarily want him to live in the house, he seems content outside, doing his own thing. I'l like to be able to pet him. I am making progress, but is there something more I should be doing? He also teases the dog!! It's kinda cute.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by 3catmom

I'm feeding a big ol yellow tom. I have recently gotten him to come on the porch to eat. I'd been moving the food dish closer each day. It took about a month before he'd come on the porch. He lives in my neighbor's shed (she's ok with this, and knows I'm feeding him), but comes to my proch to eat. He "talks" to me now, and will meow loudly to tell me if his food is running low. He's a pretty chunky guy, but since I've been feeding him for almost 2 months now, I wonder if it's because of me. Anyway, the poor guy has half ears. They look like a piece on each ear is missing, but the ends curl over. I don't necessarily want him to live in the house, he seems content outside, doing his own thing. I'l like to be able to pet him. I am making progress, but is there something more I should be doing? He also teases the dog!! It's kinda cute.
If it were me, I would trying to trap him so that he can be taken in to a vet and neutered if he hasn't been. Trust is something that is gained over time....it sounds like this guy has been outdoors and probably is weary of humans for a good reason...so you will simply need to be patient....but I would still try to get him to a vet to be neutered.

Katie
 
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3catmom

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I've thought about trapping him, but am worried that would make him even more leary of me, which I don't want. Do I just get one of those traps for wild animals?
 

hissy

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Talk to your local feed store, often they have Hav A Hart traps you can rent or borrow. I would actively trap him as well and not worry about him not trusting you. He won't trust you for awhile, but working slowly with him, you will find that moment of when he starts to bond with you-

http://www.thecatsite.com/Cats/Cat_C...eral_Cats.html

This article was written awhile ago. One important aspect I neglected to mention is to vet the cat first- I need to rewrite that part of it
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by 3catmom

I've thought about trapping him, but am worried that would make him even more leary of me, which I don't want. Do I just get one of those traps for wild animals?
He may be more leary of you initially..but having him neutered and vet checked will be so much more healthy for him. When I've talked to caretakers, they mention what a positive impact neutering has on the males.

Here is a list of low cost clinics in IL:

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


Katie
 

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I agree that trapping and neutering is key. Our vets office loans traps. While it seems to us that being trapped will scare the kitty off, the benefit well outweighs the risk. They get neutered, which reduces the risk of wandering and fighting. They also get all their shots, so they are safer from many illnesses. And when they come home, it is you that lets them free, and they know that.

It also prevents unwanted kittens, and with less fighting there is less risk of illnesses from the bite of another cat.

Make sure the vet you are bringing him in to realizes he is a feral, or wild cat. Most vets are experienced, but you want to be sure he will be sedated before being released from the cage, and put back into the cage before he fully awakens.

Best of luck with this kitty!
 

tnr1

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Make sure the vet you are bringing him in to realizes he is a feral, or wild cat. Most vets are experienced, but you want to be sure he will be sedated before being released from the cage, and put back into the cage before he fully awakens.
Not to mention that the vet needs to use dissolving stitches and glue since you will not be able to bring him back for a follow up.

Katie
 
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3catmom

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Thanks for all the replies. I'll try to trap him, even though it worries me, and take him to the clinic in Galesburg, since it is the closest to me...about 35 miles. But, since it's the Knox County Humane Society, they won't try to keep him in the shelter will they? I'd never be able to forgive myself if I tried to do a good thing, and just made it worse for the kitty, whom I've named Yellow. I'll try to post a pic of him in the pictures gallery.
 

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They shouldn't keep him if you say you're keeping him and working with taming him. You should check around and see if there aren't some organizations in your area that work with ferals. They may be your best bet for neutering. Food is the best way to earn a cats trust! It takes some time, but can be done. Good luck to you!
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by 3catmom

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try to trap him, even though it worries me, and take him to the clinic in Galesburg, since it is the closest to me...about 35 miles. But, since it's the Knox County Humane Society, they won't try to keep him in the shelter will they? I'd never be able to forgive myself if I tried to do a good thing, and just made it worse for the kitty, whom I've named Yellow. I'll try to post a pic of him in the pictures gallery.
I would call them ahead of time just to make sure that they will neuter a feral cat. Also, you should let them know that he is an "owned" outdoor cat so that you will be taking him with you.

Katie
 
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