I live on a farm with many other cats and I found a stray yesterday. I wasn't really sure if he was friendly or not- so I tried to keep my distance and bring myself closer as time went by. Eventually I was able to bring him into our garage for the night with a few other cats (they didn't fight, but those were the few good ones).
I plan on keeping this cat, but I'm afraid if I let him outside he'll get in a fight with one of our others (it's happened several times- did happen a couple) and run away. I mean, we're surrounded by cornfields- once he's out there, he might not come back.
How should I help him be comfortable with his atmosphere (outside the garage)? How do I get all of the animals to get along?
My family and I don't want him inside though. Our location in the country is very safe for animals. We have a dog and she pretty much keeps every type of animal away.
Thanks in advance!
2007-08-14 05:43:03 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
don't keep it in the garage all the time, it might run away once u let him out just because he feels free again. Keep him there for the night and take him out during the day for some time. watch him and increase the time he spends outside with each day. find a permanent place for his food, and before u place the bowl on the ground hold it in ur hand and let him smell the food and ur fingers. This way he'll know who gives him the food . After this, let him be free...if he runs far he will probably come back for a place to spend the night and for food and company. Don't rush, let him learn, and let the other animals know who he is, make sure they understand that he is not leaving.
2007-08-14 06:10:17 · answer #1 · answered by KOtenok 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if it comes back, just keep it in the garage. So all your other cats are pretty much outdoor. Well, I'm not sure, but you might want to try to separate the nice cats from the mean ones. Then but the stray in an enclosed area with the friedler cats. Or try and put all the cats in the garage so the get to know eachother. If they start to fight, just try and stop it the best you can without getting bitten or attacked and scold the cats that started the fight. If they dont fight, give them snacks and love. If that works, they should be fine outside together. Also if you keep this cat, make sure you have it fixed, and get its shots just incase it has rabies. And if the plan w/ the other cats didnt work out, try asking your vet or trainers who can help you with this problem.
2007-08-14 12:59:29 · answer #2 · answered by Reppzin~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep him in the garage for some time (2-3 weeks at least), until he decides this is home. Bring the other cats gradually in the garage to meet him. For a few minutes, preferably at feeding time, to realise that they are all fed by you and they should get along in order to eat. Let them see each other first from a distance if possible, then let them smell each other's smell off your hands, and then smell each other directly. In a few weeks I believe they will be ready to get along. And even if your old cat tries to fight, the other one will stay there if he has made up his mind this is home.
2007-08-14 12:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats have a pecking order and the most dominate male is the leader. When you have several cats unfortunately they will fight until the pecking order is restored.
It's best to continue the feeding in the same spot so your new cat will know where it's at, even if he has to come back at night to eat.
The corn fields sound great and I'm sure all your cats love it. They can chase mice and have lots of shade to sleep in. Don't worry, your new cat will come back as long as you provide food and water.
Thanks for asking.
2007-08-14 13:25:55 · answer #4 · answered by catlady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure all the strays are neutered and spayed. Seriously. That will help a bunch with the aggression right there. Mobile vet clinics sound best in your situation. Catch all the cats, then get the mobile vet out there and they can spay and neuter every body.
2007-08-14 13:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by Yup Yup Yuppers 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first bring them together and get a small gate to put them in and keep a little space open so if they fight it will run but get chicken and when you let the stray in and every time u let him in give the other cats chicken as a treat 4 being nice
2007-08-14 12:58:29 · answer #6 · answered by Nikki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spaying and/or neutering your animals would keep aggression levels down. It seems that you have enough open space to accomodate territory boundaries for each the animals. The odd fight is unavoidable. I have three indoor cats and they occasionally scrap with one another, but mostly they get along.
2007-08-14 12:54:40 · answer #7 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
feed him every day in the same place. at the same time if possible. if he knows there is a source of food available he may stay around. also if he lets you pet him, do so. he may get to like you and want to stay to be near you.
best to get him checked out at a vet and get a rabies shot too. and get him neutered, otherwise you may have a dozen garage cats soon!!
good luck and hope he stays with you!!
2007-08-14 12:54:07 · answer #8 · answered by irvingfan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋