If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Advice on adopting a stray?
Hi everyone.
About a month ago a very skinny and very cute cat appeared on my doorstep and we started feeding him. I called every shelter and animal rescue organization and they don't have any reports of him or a lost cat that is even close. I would love to adopt him, but I am not sure what I need to do to make that possible. I have 2 indoor cats already (and hadn't intended to get another one, but I think he adopted me) and I am not entirely sure what the risks are. I know I have to take him to the vet before he can come inside, but will that make it safe to introduce them over time? My other question is: Does anyone have a good idea for trapping him without scaring him to death? I looked at the hav-a-heart traps, but I am afraid of getting all the neighborhood cats but him. If you have any ideas, please let me know. He's such a pretty cat and he seems really sweet the less he is afraid of me. Thanks so much, Anna |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Advice on adopting a stray?
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Advice on adopting a stray?
Anna sounds like he's a feral...if he's that scared and you've been feeding
him for awhile..I'd say just pick him up and put him in a kennel If he'll let you. any other questions? E-mail me direct through my website http://lauraspetrescue.tripod.com |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Advice on adopting a stray?
The trapping problem is difficult. I used a steel trap (not sure what
it's technically called) to capture the adult feral I adopted. If you're genuinely concerned that you'll inadvertently catch one of the neighborhood cats (and simulataneously scare away any cats who happened to be watching), then you could monitor the trap and do some selective sniping with a water pistol to keep the unwanted ones at bay. Whether the stray will get along with your indoor cats is anyone's guess. My feral is very submissive, and she gets along great with roommates' dogs and cats. She has no interest in defending her territory/food/whatever. She observes but does not approach other dogs/cats. I was able to get a voucher from the local humane society and have my feral friend spayed and vaccinated for free. Don't know if you have a program like that in your area. My cat's been very healthy for the past 4 years (the vet guessed she was 1 when I trapped her), although she came into my life with a major flea problem and some infected lesions. IMPORTANT NOTE: If a cat has grown up feral (and isn't just a "stray," accustomed to human contact), then don't expect him/her to be a good pet in the classic sense. He/she will likely never permit any kind of physical contact, as is the case with my cat. Thus, you'll have to "re-trap" the cat for every trip to the vet, which can be quite exhausting. But, if you keep your expectations low and regard this cat as a wild animal who happens to eat and sleep in your home, then the two of you will get along fine. I've been able to scratch my cat under the chin once or twice (but only for a few seconds) in four years, and she no longer runs for cover whenever she sees me, so we are making slow progress. A roommate once tried to wash and groom my cat and acclimate her to human affection, but the effort was utterly unsuccessful. While no stitches were required, several boxes of bandages were employed, and the experience was frustrating for both parties. P.S. On the plug side, my feral needed no introduction to a litter box, and she's perfectly quiet (only meows after getting painful shots at the vet's office), and I never have to worry about being kneaded awake with sharpened claws in the mornings! On 31 Jul 2006 15:28:04 -0700, wrote: Hi everyone. About a month ago a very skinny and very cute cat appeared on my doorstep and we started feeding him. I called every shelter and animal rescue organization and they don't have any reports of him or a lost cat that is even close. I would love to adopt him, but I am not sure what I need to do to make that possible. I have 2 indoor cats already (and hadn't intended to get another one, but I think he adopted me) and I am not entirely sure what the risks are. I know I have to take him to the vet before he can come inside, but will that make it safe to introduce them over time? My other question is: Does anyone have a good idea for trapping him without scaring him to death? I looked at the hav-a-heart traps, but I am afraid of getting all the neighborhood cats but him. If you have any ideas, please let me know. He's such a pretty cat and he seems really sweet the less he is afraid of me. Thanks so much, Anna |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
feeding stray-- who me? | Cantate | Cat anecdotes | 15 | April 22nd 06 10:12 AM |
I think I have four owners now | Bridget | Cat anecdotes | 17 | April 10th 06 02:38 AM |
Is there any way to train a cat? | Karen AKA Kajikit | Cat anecdotes | 33 | January 25th 06 02:49 AM |
Advice Needed for Adopting Adult Cats | Lee | Cat health & behaviour | 28 | July 5th 05 01:48 AM |
No one came running... | Mischief | Cat anecdotes | 8 | June 21st 05 07:28 PM |