I keep a ground floor window open at all times for my cats to
get in and out as they please.
In the last several months, a feral tom has been getting into the
house
through that window at night, and the sounds of him fighting my
cats used to wake me up 2 or 3 times a week around 3 am.
I would get out of bed and run into the kitchen but by the time I
would get there, I would only see his tail disappearing through the
window
into the night.
So I propped the window up with a stick, tied a cord
to the stick, and ran the cord into the bedroom.
About a month ago, I heard them fighting, and I pulled
the cord trapping him inside. He went completely wild,
screaming, bouncing off walls, knocking furniture and
objects down, etc.
In the end, he hid in a cupboard where he spent the night, and
I released him in the morning, thinking that he'd be scared enough
of the experience to not come visit again.
Last week, he started coming inside again. Last
night, I again trapped him inside, but this time
I managed to get him into the cat carrier. It
wasnt easy or pretty--I had to use an improvised
noose on a stick thing, like the dog catchers
use (I used 2 tubes from a vacuum cleaner and
plastic clothesrope). I'm sorry I had to do it that way, but
he was again so utterly nuts and wild that I couldnt
handle him.
So now the question is: what should I do?
1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
the vet may get hurt.
2. take him to the humane society: they'll
kill him, so not an option
3. drive him 20 or 30 miles into the
boonies and release him there.
Any other options?
Thanks.
Dan M - 30 Mar 2006 23:11 GMT
> So now the question is: what should I do?
>
> 1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
> The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
> the vet may get hurt.
This is my vote. Make sure the vet knows he's an untamed feral - some vets
are able to handle them. If he has a squeeze cage he can give the guy a
jab without endangering himself or his staff. Once that's done it might
be possible to find someone willing to try to tame him.
Victor Martinez - 31 Mar 2006 00:24 GMT
> This is my vote. Make sure the vet knows he's an untamed feral - some vets
> are able to handle them. If he has a squeeze cage he can give the guy a
> jab without endangering himself or his staff. Once that's done it might
> be possible to find someone willing to try to tame him.
What he said.

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223rem - 31 Mar 2006 01:43 GMT
Thanks everyone.
I'll have him neutered, my vet can do it. I'll then release him
not far from my house (within his territory).
But I wonder if the entire experience will be traumatic
enough to stop him from ever getting into my house again.
That's what I thought the first time I trapped him, but he
failed to learn.
Are cats that stupid?
Matthew AKA NMR - 31 Mar 2006 01:49 GMT
no they are creature of habits just like us
> Thanks everyone.
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Are cats that stupid?
Jo Firey - 31 Mar 2006 03:23 GMT
> Thanks everyone.
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Are cats that stupid?
Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
Who is stupid?
Hugs and purrs for doing right by him.
Jo
223rem - 31 Mar 2006 04:25 GMT
Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I should have kept the windows shut and my cats
confined indoors?
jmcquown - 31 Mar 2006 05:15 GMT
> Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> So I should have kept the windows shut and my cats
> confined indoors?
I would, but then again I live on a busy street corner. There are also
still wild animals that could hurt a cat, not to mention the dogs people
just let run loose because they are too lazy to walk them or leash them to a
stake in their back yard (if they don't have a fenced yard).
Jill
Jo Firey - 31 Mar 2006 06:20 GMT
> Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> So I should have kept the windows shut and my cats
> confined indoors?
Not at all. Just can't really blame the poor guy for taking advantage.
Plus he found someone that cares enough to worry about him. He's smart
enough in my book.
Jo
223rem - 31 Mar 2006 06:51 GMT
Not at all. Just can't really blame the poor guy for taking advantage.
-------------------------
The question is why didnt he learn that there is a lot of danger
associated with this particular source of food.
jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt@sonic.net - 31 Mar 2006 07:30 GMT
> The question is why didnt he learn that there is a lot of danger
> associated with this particular source of food.
Because there wasn't. It might have scared him to be trapped inside,
but it didn't harm him, so really, there was no actual danger.
Do you know if there are any feral rescue groups in your area? Your
vet might know if there is. They would probably be very helpful to you.
Joyce
Rhonda - 31 Mar 2006 17:30 GMT
> -------------------------
> The question is why didnt he learn that there is a lot of danger
> associated with this particular source of food.
He must be very hungry.
Rhonda
EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) - 31 Mar 2006 22:09 GMT
> Not at all. Just can't really blame the poor guy for taking advantage.
>
> -------------------------
> The question is why didnt he learn that there is a lot of danger
> associated with this particular source of food.
Define "danger". Perhaps the advantages outweighed the
disadvantages, in his mind.

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EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) - 31 Mar 2006 22:07 GMT
> Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> So I should have kept the windows shut and my cats
> confined indoors?
A lot of people here will say "yes"! I'm not one of them -
I believe in allowing my cats to be indoor/outdoor, if at
all possible. ("The authorities" seems to be divided on the
subject - quite a few of them claim that cats do better if
NOT confined.)

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Jo Firey - 31 Mar 2006 23:15 GMT
>> Warm house. Open window. Other cats. Cat food.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> authorities" seems to be divided on the subject - quite a few of them
> claim that cats do better if NOT confined.)
Our new family member seems to be weighing in on the subject. Kayla the
five month old BC pup. For whatever reason, trying to keep her "herd"
together, or knowing I'm more relaxed when the cats are in or what, she
makes a effort to keep the cats from going outside. And if they try to
relax in the back yard that is her domain, she tries to get them back
inside.
Their Royal Highnesses and a bit miffed by the whole routine. But tend to
come in and stay in more just so she will leave them alone. They have not
however conceded her portion of the house to her.
Jo
EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) - 31 Mar 2006 04:21 GMT
> Thanks everyone.
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Are cats that stupid?
Not stupid at all - look at the attractions that might
outweigh the fright being trapped gave him. You feed your
cats, don't you? He was probably looking for an easy meal,
and got violent when your cats objected.

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Karen - 30 Mar 2006 23:19 GMT
> 1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
> The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
> the vet may get hurt.
My vet gladly does this. Often.
jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt@sonic.net - 30 Mar 2006 23:26 GMT
> So now the question is: what should I do?
Many vets treat feral cats, especially for spaying/neutering, to
test them for any serious illnesses, and vaccinate them.
I wonder if he belongs to a nearby feral colony. If he does, then
performing a "trap, neuter, and release" is the best thing to do.
You've already got the first one down. :)
One suggestion is to try to find a feral rescue group in your area.
They would probably know about any cat colonies in the area where he
either belongs already, or could possibly be introduced and intergrated
into it. They would also certainly know of vets who work with ferals.
It's not impossible to tame a feral, but there are no guarantees.
Some cannot adjust to being close to humans, and are better off
living in a feral colony where a rescue group watches over them,
making sure they're fed and getting medical treatment if necessary,
and not reproducing. On the other hand, some friends of mine took
in an adult feral cat who wouldn't let anyone near him for over a
year, and now he's a lovey-dovey, purring, belly-exposing lap fungus.
So you never know!
Good luck,
Joyce
Debbie Wilson - 30 Mar 2006 23:31 GMT
> 1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
> The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
> the vet may get hurt.
The right vet will know how to handle ferals properly - in a squeeze
cage as Dan says, and wearing thick leather gloves. Motorbike gloves are
what we use in our group. Do you have the number of a nearby rescue
group - call them and ask which vet they would recommend for neutering
ferals. You will be doing this cat and yours a huge favour by getting
him neutered, good luck to you. He will probably live much longer and
more peacefully. If you just release him a long way off he will be out
of his territory with increased dangers as a result.
HTH
Deb.

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He only bit the ones he loved, because they tasted good." S. Greenfield
Monique Y. Mudama - 31 Mar 2006 00:49 GMT
> by getting him neutered, good luck to you. He will probably live
> much longer and more peacefully.
And he'll father far fewer unwanted kittens!!

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Debbie Wilson - 31 Mar 2006 08:52 GMT
> And he'll father far fewer unwanted kittens!!
Natch :-)
Deb.

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Victor Martinez - 31 Mar 2006 00:24 GMT
> Any other options?
http://www.alleycat.org/resources_ancare.html

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223rem - 31 Mar 2006 01:28 GMT
Good resource. My trapping method wasnt very humane, I'm afraid.
Rhonda - 31 Mar 2006 01:30 GMT
Have him neutered and shots if you can, please. Driving him away will
either create a problem for someone else, or take him away from his food
sources (he could starve or be attacked for being on another cat's turf.)
Some vets specialize in feral spays and know how to do it. One here (in
Seattle area) will gas them while still in the crate if needed. Call the
Humane Society or other animal groups for a vet recommendation. You
could also call your own vet -- they may do it or have a referral.
This guy may calm down quite a bit afterwards. Maybe you could start
feeding him outside and take it from there.
I hope you can help him out. Let us know!
Good luck,
Rhonda
> So now the question is: what should I do?
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> 3. drive him 20 or 30 miles into the
> boonies and release him there.
Christine Burel - 31 Mar 2006 03:46 GMT
Hi, 223rem, I have sent you a private email on this with some possible
suggestions.
hope this helps,
Christine Burel
> I keep a ground floor window open at all times for my cats to
> get in and out as they please.
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
> Any other options?
> Thanks.
EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) - 31 Mar 2006 04:16 GMT
> So now the question is: what should I do?
>
> 1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
> The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
> the vet may get hurt.
The vet probably has more experience with ferals than you do!
> 2. take him to the humane society: they'll
> kill him, so not an option
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Any other options?
I'd opt for neutering him, then trying to socialize him.
Neutering may calm him down a bit, but even if you have to
let him go again, at least he'll not be fathering litters of
unwanted kittens, and may also be less inclined to pick
fights with your cats.
One of the best cats I ever had was a male feral who found
my pet door, discovered my cat's full bowl, and decided to
stay. Of course, Miu was already altered, so didn't try to
confront the intruder. (Also, I think the stranger had been
someone's pet at one time, although he'd been on his own for
about three years when he adopted me.)

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Adrian A - 31 Mar 2006 13:52 GMT
<snip>
> 1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
> The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Any other options?
> Thanks.
Take him to the vet and have him neutered, it is the kindest thing to do.

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glsummer@neptunelink.com - 31 Mar 2006 21:11 GMT
>I keep a ground floor window open at all times for my cats to
>get in and out as they please.
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
>Any other options?
>Thanks.
Option 1. Get him neutered. Just make sure you take him to a vet
that deals with ferals. Some do all the time, and they know how to be
cautious around ferals.
If you take him away from his territory, he may not survive (Option
3). So this is not good. He needs to stay where he knows where food
sources are, etc.
You might want to try alleycatallies.org for more info. Also see if
there are any groups in your area that work with ferals.
Best of luck,
Ginger-lyn
who adores her former feral Brando
Home Pages:
http://www.moonsummer.com
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Steve Touchstone - 03 Apr 2006 10:22 GMT
>1. take him to the vet to have him neutered.
>The problem is that he's a wild animal, so
>the vet may get hurt.
Definitely the option I'd choose. Who knows, if he tests clean you may
eventually find that you have a real treasure. There is really nothing
like watching a true feral learn to trust us hoomins. Your situation
is very much like mine when I first started feeding Rocky. Although it
took a couple years before he decided to trust me, once he did he
became very special.

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