What would you do - feral cat

We have several wild cats in the area (i am thinking they are feral because they will not allow you to go anywhere near them) there is one tiny gray/black stripe one we really like even though all it does is eat and run.

So i put some cat food out for it and he/she is like clockwork at 6:30 shows up and eats and leaves. I sit by the door and watch it and say hello, etc. last night he/she came very early like 5ish and I saw it cross the street to come to our house. Then it did it again at 9ish (fed it some more) but it cross the street again. I am worried because we live on a busy street should I just stop feeding it so it will stop crossing the street?

Re: What would you do - feral cat

Maybe put the food out on the other side of the street? I mean, I know it's not your property but maybe there's a place where it wouldn't bother anyone? That would make me nervous, too, but I also wouldn't want to stop feeding the cat!

Re: What would you do - feral cat

i am scared to go across the street - some very bizarre people live there. I noticed they do feed the cats as well so perhaps they just like my food better. We are using the same type of food we give our cats (blue buffalo)

Re: What would you do - feral cat

Cats roam so it is likely it will cross the street either way. If you are going to feed a feral cat or cats you should consider participating in a trap/neuter/return program.
http://www.licp.org/about_tnr.html
I am all for feeding the feral cats but overbreeding can become a big problem.

Re: What would you do - feral cat

this is the reason I have 4 ferals in my house right now. They where behind my job watch one of the babies get struck by a truck and They never stopped. the poor thing was still alive I called the town and they came and got her I contacted a local lady that was a cat rescue in the area. She helped tn but because of the dangers of behind my job I dont have the heart to release them. All but one is warming up very nicely. I had them in a create while they recovered from being fixed so it was a little easier to get hands on. Yeah a few bites but nothing horrible. Now all 4 are roaming my house. They all get along with my animals thank god. For the most part they stay in the basement but come up and play with the other cats and LOVE my dogs. I just have to now find them homes.

Keep feeding by your house. Just take notice of when you put it out where he is and then check for cars.

edit to add: maybe walk to the end of your property with the food in your hand. dont show him till it is clear for him to pass and slowly walk back to where you put the food down. hopefully he will follow your clue

Message edited 3/4/2011 7:59:34 AM.

Re: What would you do - feral cat

last night i tried to stop feeding but i couldn't. She/he started to MEOW!!! Came up right to my door and was meowing and my cats heard and notified me. So I gave Ulysses (name) some food, then it stayed on my step for a while and gave it more food/treats and put a towel out there for it to sleep on if it chose too. Ulysses left not sure if he/she came back to sleep on the towel but it was moved a bit from where I had left it.

I just wish he/she stayed at its original pattern of waiting until later when there is not that much traffic now its doing it during rush hour as soon as I pull up. I will try to see if I can wait outside. As soon as I get the cat comfty with me I will def. get the stray lady in our area a call. This way we can trap/fix/release.