taking in an outside cat

So, I had posted a while back about kittens that were outside my house in the winter time that we built a make shift home for. It's now July and there is only one little guy that still comes around but not in the make shift house, but up to my deck every night. I have been fighting it for a long time but I think would like to give him a permanent home. We have grown attached to him, his name is George and we look for him every night to make sure he is okay and fed so I know I am emotionally attached. I was wondering if anyone has ever done this and if you could offer some advice?

I already have one indoor cat who we adopted clawless and I am afraid what this new guy might do to Lenny. I don't have it in my heart to declaw, I just can't do that to him. Also, he doesnt let us get very close to him, about an arms length away so I am not even sure he would want to be with us. Lenny is going insane, every single night he cries by our back door for hours when he sees him and keeps us up. We have watched them have staring contests and it doesn't appear either wants to harm the other but I am still nervous. Obviously I would want to get him his shots before letting him in the house but I just don't know. Is it cruel to try and home him when all he is knows is the outside? How do I know it would even work out with Lenny?

Re: taking in an outside cat

I have done this quite a few times. In my opinion, it is definitely not cruel to take him in when all he knows is the outside. Cats have longer lives when they are indoors. Through the years, I took in quite a few stray cats, and once they were in, they never wanted to go back outside again. My cats despise the outdoors and run away from the doors when we open them.

I wouldn't worry too much about the claws. You could always clip them if it becomes a problem. All of mine have their claws, and no one has ever seriously injured each other by any stretch of the imagination.

Let George get close to you outside. Once he warms up, I would just pick him up and put him in. I had to take in two very wild cats once (it was an emergency...the other neighborhood cats suddenly started dying...we think they ate poison). They were rough, but I got them in. I find that they use their front paws the most to wiggle about, so I'd gently put my arm over their front paws so they aren't running/scratching/etc.

You could also try putting some food in a cat carrier and then closing the door when the cat is in. I did this once, and the cat was very pleased inside his carrier. We went right inside and everything was fine. Your other cat will probably be a bit suspicious at first, but everything will mellow out.

Seriously though, if you have any questions/need help, just message me. I'm an old pro at this I'm sure I could help you out.

Re: taking in an outside cat

Honestly it will be fine just bring him to the vet first since you don't know if he has worms, fleas etc. as the pp said just make sure his claws are clipped. I use nail clippers every 2-3 weeks so the nails don't get too long and wrap him in a towel so you dont get clawed. Once inside he probably won't try to go out. Out of my 4 only one still attempts to get out but we just make the screen door closes. Also get him neutered so he could lead a long healthy life

And Lenny will adjust there may be some hissing growling fighting but they'll work it out

Message edited 7/20/2012 6:04:21 PM.

Re: taking in an outside cat

I don't have experience bringing in an outdoor cat, but I would imagine any life he could have outdoors would not even compare to the love you can provide for him inside your home. I also have a ton of experience with multiple cats and getting them to coexist. We have 4..... and they all either get along well or tolerate each other, depending on the cat. We always introduced our new cats gradually by putting the new one in it's own room and letting them sniff each other through the door for the first week. This is what we were told to do by North Shore Animal League. When we were new at this, we brought home a new kitten and let it immediately run around with Penny. It was a BIG mistake..... and all the other times that we followed the rules, the adjustment for everyone went much smoother. Good luck!!!!! Post pics!!

Message edited 7/20/2012 6:14:45 PM.

Re: taking in an outside cat

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! I called my vet this morning and they suggested that I start bringing the food a little bit closer to me each day, and sit outside with George while he eats to make him feel a little more comfortable with me. I also rented a have a heart cage which I will use eventually to get him to the vet and checked for feline aids and leukemia and bathed before I bring him inside. I will definitely post pics once I receive the resize

Re: taking in an outside cat

We have done this growing up in my home. Our outside cat wanted to go out so badly...she missed it for a long time. She even clawed through the screen and got out 2 times. Wound up getting pg...anyway....

I used to take her out on a leash to let her enjoy the sun. Eventually she got used to her home.

As for getting along with other cats, all of our cats had claws and so they fought OR they stayed away from each other. I would be concerned about your declawed cat but it wouldn't stop me. I would watch carefully.

Very first thing you NEED to do is go to the vet to get the cat tested for feline leukemia, rabies shots, flea and worm meds, etc. You don't want to risk your other cat's well being. Then after that is all in order, you can try it out but be prepared to step in if your other cat gets into a fight with George.

We had that happen a few times and it honestly worked out. Cats learn their boundaries, etc. Nice of you to want to help George out. Good luck!

Re: taking in an outside cat

Just wanted to show all you lovely ladies who have been so helpful with your advice, George. He is letting us get a little closer and I am hoping this time next weekend, he will be indoors with us. The first pic is of him and Lenny having a staring contest which they have gotten pretty good at, and the second is of him enjoying his breakfast on the deck. Not the best pics so I apologize but I didn't want to freak him out too much! Thanks again!

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Message edited 7/22/2012 10:00:12 PM.

Re: taking in an outside cat

aww very sweet!! Thanks for sharing!! I think George is going to be very happy in your home! When we adopted my youngest kitten, Finnegan, he purred the entire way home from the shelter. It's as though he just KNEW he was going to a place where he would be loved.

taking in an outside cat

Last year I took in a mom and 2 of her kittens. The mom, who definitely just hid at first, is a total mush now. she is really a happy cat and very sweet with me. she still hides with others, though. One of the kittens is an even bigger mush with me. The other kitten is just recently coming around. I think they are very, very happy with their new indoor life.

Re: taking in an outside cat

Such cute pics!

Re: taking in an outside cat

I would give it a try.. I agree with you not declawing him.. He may escape your home and never be able to defend himself.. But hust keep a close eye .. I would give it more time.. I can actually pick up my feral who lives outside my home.. She is a sweet baby . But my dh is allergic.. I have a heated home in the winter for her.. She crys for me and waits for me all day and night .. She took about a year to let me touch her .. Now I can pick her up .. shje rolls on her back for belly rubs.. She is just delish.. Good luck to you..