Even though I love this cat and know I've saved his life..?

Question

I still feel like an a*hole.

I mean, he came around as he usually does, (when he's starving and knows he can trust me for food) he was just lying in my yard patiently waiting for me to come and feed him. Ran up to me purring and ate. Then I cover him with a towel and threw him in the house as his claws were flying all over the place. He calmed down a bit and now he's in a cage.

I mean, he just looked SOOOOO peaceful and happy lying in my driveway!!! lol Seriously, it was so freakin cute. Lying on his stomach with his paws out but bent in and kind of curled inwards.

But even with street and highway smarts (stays away from it) he's not in good shape and he wouldn't make it out there much longer with those damn tom cats. All that land to roam isn't good if you're living in fear. He's only 7lbs too and not a fighter, I've seen him cornered and he hunches down. :(

No question. Just a vent. :)

He has to stay in a cage until I know he's healthy and can't pass anything to my other cats and I have to introduce them right. Probably a couple weeks. :/

Answer 1

It's okay to feel like a 'donkey's behind' ... because you have 'saved' this cat's life, and he's going to 'love you' for it once he gets over being 'angry' at you. Let him stay in the cage, but leave it 'open' in a 'closed room' so that he can 'get out' and go back in ... and let him have a bit 'more room' every few days, until he's got the 'whole house' as his home ... and TALK TO HIM and tell him he's a 'beautiful cat' and that you LOVE HIM and think he's very 'special' ... he won't 'understand' the words, but he WILL understand the tone of your voice, and that you are 'gentle and caring' and will learn to 'trust you' and your voice ... just BE PATIENT and give him some time, and he'll soon be 'the happiest housecat' he could possibly be.

Answer 2

Sounds like you got a feral cat. And yes he's peaceful and happy because he is where is is use to being (outside) and he sees you. Food! With feral cats sometimes you can get them to become somewhat of a house cat but you have to deal with the freak outs. Outside even though dangerous is where he is more comfortable so give him food and water but let him decide if he wants to be petted or if he wants to be inside. Be careful once you start feed one others will show up and your have cats fighting and pooping all around your area. I feed several but at certain times and only when I can chase others away. If you want more info on how to let me know.

Answer 3

You did the right thing to bring him inside. If you still have him in a cage, go the next step and take him to the vet to be neutered and get his vaccinations. He may need treatment for fleas, worms, earmites, and dental problems that cats develop when they're running loose outside.

Let the vet know that you are taking in a stray cat and perhaps you'll get a "good Samaritan" discount. We give them at the vet hospital where I work.

With patience, before long he will be lying around your house just as happily.

Answer 4

Why did you put the cat in a cage??!!! I hope you are not keeping him there for long! I suggest you give him time and space, if you plan on making him a house cat. Leave him alone in a room where he can hide somewhere, feed him there, give him a litterbox, and gradually he will be tame. But don't keep him caged, that will freak him out and he will never become tame. He needs to be somewhere where he is not seen and he doesn't feel trapped. You are doing the opposite.

Answer 5

You know, cats instinctually will survive living in the outdoors for as long as they can, but you're doing the right thing by taking this kitty in. Obviously he's going to be better off having a home, but he's just not used to it. Once he has taken a tour of your house and gotten himself settled in, he'll love it more than the outdoors. I have a 12 year old cat that has just recently moved indoors permanently (she used to be indoor/outdoor) and she doesn't think twice about going outside. She'll watch things from the windows, but living in my house she's got cat furniture, litter boxes, and all the felidae and catnip she can eat. Life is good! Good luck with your new kitty!

Answer 6

I hope you mean he is in your house, and not at the pound! He will die there! If he is in your house, you are doing him a HUGE favor. He will calm down and trust you. He does not have a lot of trust in the world just yet cause he has had a hard life, thanks to irresponsible people who don't spay and neuter their pets. Good luck, if you give him time he will come to adore you and thank you for saving him from his life and giving him the luxury of an inside cat's life. good luck!

Answer 7

You didn't say what you were going to do with him in the long run. Keep him safe inside?

Just know that you have done the right thing for him. I would suggest keeping him covered for a day or two until he knows that there is no threat to him, being in your house.

Answer 8

Bless you for saving him...Hope your not going to keep him in the cage for long? That would be cruel if you did....He will get used to you though..he will probably even thank you when he is lying across the couch arm snoozing after having a big fat meal. He will get used to you, just please don't leave him in a cage..that would be a sad life to live.

Answer 9

I'm not completely sure what your question is. His reaction to being taken into the house like that is normal, espeically for a stray. If you would like to keep him, then make sure he's neutered and has all his shots. He'll make a great pet and will repay you for your hospitality. :)

Answer 10

He will be fine. Take him to the vet for a check up, neutering and shots. Then he is good to go .