What should I do with the stray cat I've adopted?

Question

I am currently living on a farm. We have 3 outdoor cats, and strays/feral cats are always coming around. An orange tabby had been coming around more and more. We started finding him sleeping with our cats during the colder nights, and unlike the feral cats.. he seemed curious about us instead of scared. He broke his leg, and we just had it fixed (and had 2 pieces of buck shot removed from his leg)! He is currently confined in the barn and recovering. He was an angel through the whole process, nicer than any of our other cats!
When he gets well we will stay here for a few months, then I am considering taking him with me when I move to the city. I will be living in an apartment with a balcony. I can set the balcony up so he can go out and play... but I know I will be working 80 hour weeks and won't be home much. Do you think he would be able to adjust? Would it make it better if I got another cat for him to play with because he seems to enjoy being around others so much?

The balcony has no ledge, it is wrought iron around, and I was planning on using mesh around the entire thing, and at a 45 degree angle and curved at the top so he can't jump out (and of course, no furniture for him to use as vaulting equipment). When he went in for the surgery he got all of his shots and a clean bill of health!

Forgot to say this too... he's neutered, and while he's been up after the surgery he's taken to the litter box wonderfully. He really acts like he's been an inside cat before, he almost seems more relaxed now that he's confined.

Answer 1

I would definitely try to keep him, he sounds as if he will make a wonderful pet! I am sure he will adapt to being an indoor cat. Most of my cats had been outdoors for years ( one of was an outdoor cat for 6 years) before the neighbor's dogs made it unsafe for them. It did take a while for some of them to adapt, but they are all very happy now. As long as you give him a companion, and a few toys to play with, he will, I'm sure, be very happy with the balcony to play on. I would suggest that since you are going to be working such a lot, you get a bigger cat as a companion, as a kitten might initially just destroy your house! Although cats are independent little people, and can easily cope with you being gone for long periods, they will still need attention from you, so do make sure you give them enough when you get home. Good luck, I do hope you decide to keep him, as his coming to you for the help he needed shows he trusts you.

Answer 2

Cats do not need as much attention as other animals. As long as he is getting fed, loved a couple hours a day, and kept safe he should adjust - but I do think it would be better for him if you can find another cat that he gets along with.

If you are going to let him out on the balcony, I really recommend making it so he cannot get up on the ledge. He could fall and there could be a dog down below. Or, you can block it off somehow so that he CAN sit on the ledge, but will not be able to fall or jump.

Answer 3

Cats can get out of most anything because they can climb. I took in some FIV cats that had been used to being outside and had to keep them in my kitchen. It wasn't my first choice but the other one was that they were going to be put to sleep. Of the four cats one went crazy inside and the second one was very very unhappy but slowly calmed down some. The other two were happy and just find with living in the kitchen and being enclosed. They would play games every once in a while and dash out and try to get outside so they missed it. As they got sicker they would dash out and then dash right back in---which was a relief. Be very careful with the balcony-they will jump. Maybe you should look for a safe home for him. I always think that pets that are inside while you're at work need company and so usually have two dogs or two cats or two birds etc. I think they are happier

Answer 4

First, bring him indoors to see how he adapts to inside living. Do this before you move, so you'll have an idea before it's too late.

Make sure he has his vaccinations, etc, and have him tested for FLV and FIV (leukemia and AIDS). If he tests positive, either adopt another cat with the same problem, or he should be an only cat. If he tests negative, definitely get him a companion!

If it turns out he can't stand being indoors, you can look for a rescue group that may be able to find him an outdoor/farm placement. This isn't their first choice for cats, but most understand that sometimes, that's what has to be done. He will be put in a place where he is relatively safe outdoors, and they will continue to feed him and monitor his health.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Several things come to mind with this scenario. First, you said he was originally a stray. Since you obviously took him to a vet to patch him up, I would hope that you had him vacinated. If not, do so at your earliest convenience. You say that you would like to take him to the city when you move. If you want him to be happy in an apt., I would highly recommend that you first bring him into tjhe house toget him used to being inside (of course you may have to litter train him too). Since he started out as a stray he is used to being outside so I would try to see if he makes it as an inside cat. If so, I would highly recommend that you get another cat as a companionfor when you are gone. If not it would be better for the cat if you left him on the farm. Good luck and I hope you make the best decision for the cat and not for you.

Answer 6

Absolutely get another cat to keep him company if you decide to take him. Since you will be absent working a lot, he will need the company. Besides, cats are like human beings, they long for the company of their own kind for socialization. I absolutely love cats and I think what you are doing is wonderful. The only other concern that you might want to address is vaccinations, neutering and whether or not this cat will properly take to the litter box. It may be beneficial to find that out before you take him with you. Being trained to go in a litter box isn't always something cats that roamed free take to right away. That's another reason having another cat there would be helpful. I wish you luck with your fur balls of love!

Answer 7

Wow 80 Hour Work Weeks, That's Alot, I Don't Think You Will Need A Pet Since They Do Need A Lot Of Attention. I Think It Will Be Best To Get Another One For Him To Play With, Instead Of Your Curtains,And Sofas

Answer 8

Aww he sounds so cute!
I have a friend who lives in the middle of Sydney, and has 2 pet cats.They are used to the city life.My friend takes them on walks every second day to keep them active,this would be a very good option if you are going to bring the tabby with you.If you are ready and willing to get another cat for him,Go for it!..Cats are so beautiful and i'm sure you would enjoy their company.x

Answer 9

If you absolutely can't get her in the house, she runs if you try to pick her up, then try to give her a safe place outside to eat and to have her kittens if she is pregnant. Get boxes, they're free, and make boxes inside boxes with a door cut out, and put it where she can jump up to get in, but dogs can't get her or her food. She and her food have to be out of the reach of dogs. You can give her water on the ground, Try to make the box stable so it doesn't move around. Stick on velcro works good. Talk to your parents before you try to catch her. it'll cost them money to have her checked at the vet, so unless you have your own money, they'll need to be a part of that.

Answer 10

It would amost be cruel to leave animals alone for so long. I'm an animal lover (not PETA) and I would contact a rescue organization if you feel you can't give the cat the care that is needed. (Think of your furniture alone with a cat for so long). If it comes to giving kitty away, shelters are ok, but there is a chance kitty won't get out. Rescue orgs foster kitty out until a perm home if found for him. Good luck with him!