Hi, I'm new here, and could sorely use some solid advice about 2 ferals I've been feeding for some time. I'm so sad for them because it is SO cold, below zero at times. I don't know how they have survived the winter so far.
Anyway, bought a heated cat house and will set up this week. I also made a shelter using straw to keep them warm in the meantime.
Anyway, the major story is this: The black feral has always let me touch him since last spring and would come to me without issue. A few weeks ago it was below zero and snowing so hard, he let me pick him up and I brought him inside with no problem. He was neutered and has a clean bill of health. He loved being petted on the belly and everywhere, and he and my male cat like each other.
I had no problems keeping him in, he would only cry and yowl at night because he wanted to get out. Long story short, I caved when I saw him and the girl feral looking at each other through the patio window. The black one inside cried and tried to touch her through the glass. The other feral is very afraid of me but when she saw him she did not care that I was so close. I caved and let him out. I am so sorry now
He came to be fed and would still run up to me; but several days ago I tried to get him and he ran away. Since then he comes to eat and he won't let me near him. I believe he is a stray and not feral but my heart is broken because I think I made him feral I want him back to keep, he is so mellow, calm and sweet inside, but I will probably have to trap him to get him
Is there any hope, or have I screwed this up for good? I'm having a hard time sleeping since this happened last week when I caved, and feel like I'll never get another chance. What do you think? He has always trusted me until I tried to pick him up the second time, and I feel I've ruined everything Any advice would be great, I really love this little guy.
Anyway, bought a heated cat house and will set up this week. I also made a shelter using straw to keep them warm in the meantime.
Anyway, the major story is this: The black feral has always let me touch him since last spring and would come to me without issue. A few weeks ago it was below zero and snowing so hard, he let me pick him up and I brought him inside with no problem. He was neutered and has a clean bill of health. He loved being petted on the belly and everywhere, and he and my male cat like each other.
I had no problems keeping him in, he would only cry and yowl at night because he wanted to get out. Long story short, I caved when I saw him and the girl feral looking at each other through the patio window. The black one inside cried and tried to touch her through the glass. The other feral is very afraid of me but when she saw him she did not care that I was so close. I caved and let him out. I am so sorry now
He came to be fed and would still run up to me; but several days ago I tried to get him and he ran away. Since then he comes to eat and he won't let me near him. I believe he is a stray and not feral but my heart is broken because I think I made him feral I want him back to keep, he is so mellow, calm and sweet inside, but I will probably have to trap him to get him
Is there any hope, or have I screwed this up for good? I'm having a hard time sleeping since this happened last week when I caved, and feel like I'll never get another chance. What do you think? He has always trusted me until I tried to pick him up the second time, and I feel I've ruined everything Any advice would be great, I really love this little guy.