Me and my husband have been taking care of a feral cat for a while, feeding him, and providing shelter when it was cold (screened porch). Originally, I didn't want to bring a strange cat home because I was pregnant (risk of toxoplasmosis, etc.). Now my husband really wants to bring the feral cat home because his old cat recently died. We have a two-month old baby. I simply don't think it is a good idea; it may be dangerous for the baby (the cat may be unpredictible), and scary for the cat, which, I think really enjoys his freedom. What is the best solution?
2006-08-08 03:38:59 · 12 answers · asked by Lilly 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Being a feral handler for my shelter, i suggest you don't bring the cat in. Especially since you have a 2 month old. Ferals can become sweet, seem like good family material, but they will ALWAYS be wild. If a loud shriek from you baby scares the cat, what could happen? A face full of disease is what can happen. There's been a few ferals from the shelter that have come in just for a fixing, and then to be released (TNR system) but some seem tame enough to have a family. They end up staying at the shelter for 2-3 months, with constant play love and attn, but it is so hard for them to adjust. If your husband wants a cat, go visit a shelter or a pet store. Find what suits your needs best. But please, leave the feral outside.
2006-08-08 07:19:02 · answer #1 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the cat is feral. A feral cat is a cat who hasn't had human contact and it will not let humans approach it or touch it. Its probably just a stray who was abandoned. Anyway, if you want to keep the cat you should definitely take him to the vet for tests, shots and have him neutered. After he gets a clean bill of health, you could just bring him in the house for a few hours a day and supervise him around the baby. He might end up being a very loving pet. I had the same experience with a stray cat that I found. He ended up being the most gentle, loving cat I've ever owned. He didn't seem to miss being outside, but I leash trained him anyway and we take a walk around the block every evening. Good luck.
2006-08-08 04:01:53 · answer #2 · answered by lena b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have brought "feral" cats into my home in the past - after I spent months feeding them and trying to get them used to people. I had trouble getting all of them to use the litter box at first. Once they are outside a long time, they seem to want to want out all the time too. If you can keep it on a screened in porch for a while, I would suggest doing that. If you have a two month old baby, it would be safer to keep the cat away from your child. I applaud the effort.
2006-08-08 03:49:23 · answer #3 · answered by TJMiler 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not bring the cat in the home just yet if at all. Cats like this can change at any moment. Hell I've had normal cats that go crazy for no reason. You don't want to risk your baby getting hurt. If you do decide to bring the cat in they make nets that you can put over the crib to keep the cat away from the baby when he/she is sleeping. You know how cats love to lie on sleeping people.
2006-08-08 03:43:52 · answer #4 · answered by smalltownangel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As stupid as this sounds, ask the cat.
Allow him access to the indoors (leave the door from the house to the screened porch open), and see if he wants to come in; he may, or he may not!
As to the baby, cats are not as interested in human infants as we would like to think; to cats, they smell bad, and make unpredictable and startling noises and gestures. Chances are the cat will want nothing to do with the baby.
2006-08-08 03:46:29 · answer #5 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you get the cat to the vet. It should be combo tested and given shots before you attempt anything. If possible try to get an appointment to be altered all at once.
Once it has everything done then attempt to introduce it to the family. Does it come near your doors? Can either of you pet it? True feral you usually can't get close enough to do anything. I would also start by keeping it in the basement and letting him work his way up.
2006-08-08 03:45:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definatly NOT bring it home. You don't know where that cat has been..or where it goes when you aren't looking. As a mother of two..I would say no no no. If your husband wants a cat in the house..go get a kitten. Keep taking care of the cat if you wish but leave it outside.
2006-08-08 03:44:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with chuck DO NOT BRING THIS CAT INTO YOUR HOME!!! You should do some read up on feral cats .They do not make good pets. There is a lot of good information on the web, start reading.
2006-08-08 03:49:22 · answer #8 · answered by junglejane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have the cat checked for all possible diseases first like feline leukemia, etc. If the cat turns out to be healthy, I would then suggest monitoring how the cat acts around your baby. If the cat is OK around your baby and is healthy then I think you should be fine.
2006-08-08 03:44:58 · answer #9 · answered by Justme 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nothing is worth risking your child's health, stick with you what you beilive. Or make your husband get to know the cat first. he should be able to touch it when its eating with out the cat hurting him. and he should be able to play with the cat with out getting attacked.
2006-08-08 03:51:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋