Yard Cat....

[Robeson]

OK. I need some advice. I live in a relatively urban area which has a lot of "street" cats. Lately, I've had a cat who is hanging around in my back yard. I mean ALL the time. My situation is that we have two indoor cats, and can't take another indoors. My wife is already on a prescription drug for allergies related to cats, so bringing the guy in is not a possibility.

Right now, he will not come up to me, and runs away anytime I approach him. He seems almost totally ferel. However, winter will eventually come, and he will be here. What should I do? I would be more than happy to keep him up and feed him and just keep him as an outdoor cat. So far, though, he doesn't want anything to do with me other than for me to leave him alone while he stays and sleeps under my pine tree in the back yard.

Should I try to feed him? If so, wet or dry food? By-the-way, he's not malnourished, since I have plenty of snakes and birds in my back yard. In fact, I think thats why he's made us his home. But as I said, I know winter will eventually come, and I want to make sure he's safe.

Any advice will be most appreciated!

[Lorien]

1. I had a "yard cat" for about seven years

I had him put down about a year ago; he was around 17 years old and went into kidney failure (after surviving cancer and a urinary tract infection) it was just his time. Anyway,like most of the outdoor cats in my area, Jasper had FIV, so he couldn't come anywhere near my indoor cats.He had been killing wildlife to survive, so I put a reflective collar with a bell on it and started feeding him kibble. It's best to use an ant proof bowl (find them at pet supply stores) if you are going to feed an outdoor kitty. Our winters are mild in Florida, but we still have freezing nights from time to time. I got him a covered, padded kitty bed and lined it with a polar fleece baby blanket and put it in the garage, atop a heating pad. He seemed quite cozy there. During severe storms, I would bring him indoors and put him in a large bathroom/ utility room until the danger had passed. One of the biggest issues with a "yard cat" is fleas, so Advantage is usually a good idea (but you would have to catch him first)!

I hope that helps. Good luck!

[Robeson]

3. That helps a lot!

Thanks! I was worried about the ants getting in his food. We have ants everywhere.

Thanks again. :hi:

[flvegan]

2. Nice of you to want to help this guy.

First, I'd trap him and find a low cost spay/neuter program (or call the nearest TNR advocacy group) and get him/her fixed and a rabies shot. Then, I'd go ahead and start feeding him (dry). At least it should slow down his carnage on the local birds, etc. As for the winter, you can put a cat carrier or other box (preferably plastic/wood/metal as it will get wet in the snow/rain) with a blanket somewhere safe in your backyard. He should be fine if he can curl up out of the elements.

Good luck, and thanks for looking out for him.

[Robeson]

4. Thanks....

....I was thinking about everything, but the obvious, i.e., spaying/neutering and shots. Thanks for reminding me.

I appreciate the good advice! :thumbsup:

[roguevalley]

5. build a shelter and put stuff in it that is soft. In winter put straw and

change it often. feed it. give it a place, a sense of place and God will smile on you. Whatever we do to the least among us, so we do for Him.

[Robeson]

6. "give it a place, a sense of place "....

...Thanks. Thats what I'm hoping I can do for the little guy...:thumbsup:

[zanne]

7. I did that last year.

I built a couple of little shelters for the strays (I made them with styrofoam and lined the walls with Mylar). I fed them; first, close to where they were staying, then moving the food (canned), closer and closer to my back porch. Before long, we had a feeding schedule going and I started to feed them only once they showed up, not putting the food out before. They started to get used to me that way. I was quiet with them, speaking in a low voice because I noticed that speaking normally scared them. Eventually, with alot of patience and alot of courage on their part, they came into the house. Two stayed and became pets and the other four go in and out. Most strays can be "calmed down" if they get to trust you enough. It just takes time and patience. I wouldn't count on getting ferals to do this, however.