Hi everyone;
I'm new here and very far away. I'm in South Africa. I'm battling with a decision and who like some input.
I have been feeding a feral/stray colony at my work for the last six months but I'm leaving and have organised someone to take over.
I have two neutered males of my own, brothers that I have had since kittens. They are 2 and half years old, very spoiled and strictly indoor cats. I live in a very small house right by a busy road and don't have cat friendly neighbours.
There is one cat in the colony, female has been spayed, she is about 6 months old. Was dumped there as a kitten. This cat is ultra affectionate towards me, to the point that she wants her love before her food and eats by me. She is very timid and never aggressive to any of the others, she always backs down first.
So the question is, she has stolen my heart. I want to adopt her, but I'm so confused if it's the best thing for her and for my boys. She will go from being an outdoor cat to an indoor cat. Can she adapt?? Will my boys who are the apple of our eye adapt? Also, what do I need to have her tested for before she is adopted. Is there anything that could be contagious to my boys? I'm not allowed to build any specific shelter for the ferals, do cats look for warmth somewhere on a winters night or do they just curl up more? Our winter is approaching, and although mild by your comparisons, it's killing me that this cat is out in the cold. Sorry this is long, needed to give you background. Thanks
Munchie
I'm new here and very far away. I'm in South Africa. I'm battling with a decision and who like some input.
I have been feeding a feral/stray colony at my work for the last six months but I'm leaving and have organised someone to take over.
I have two neutered males of my own, brothers that I have had since kittens. They are 2 and half years old, very spoiled and strictly indoor cats. I live in a very small house right by a busy road and don't have cat friendly neighbours.
There is one cat in the colony, female has been spayed, she is about 6 months old. Was dumped there as a kitten. This cat is ultra affectionate towards me, to the point that she wants her love before her food and eats by me. She is very timid and never aggressive to any of the others, she always backs down first.
So the question is, she has stolen my heart. I want to adopt her, but I'm so confused if it's the best thing for her and for my boys. She will go from being an outdoor cat to an indoor cat. Can she adapt?? Will my boys who are the apple of our eye adapt? Also, what do I need to have her tested for before she is adopted. Is there anything that could be contagious to my boys? I'm not allowed to build any specific shelter for the ferals, do cats look for warmth somewhere on a winters night or do they just curl up more? Our winter is approaching, and although mild by your comparisons, it's killing me that this cat is out in the cold. Sorry this is long, needed to give you background. Thanks
Munchie