Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: i got this 7mo. old barn cat 4 days ago, and it found a hole in my bathroom to hide all day in...it comes out at night for food that i put down.

I am thinking of using a Have a Heart trap to catch him, but people tell me that isn't wise, he already is shy of people. ...i really don't know what to do???

Please can someone help me?
Thank you, Rose

ANSWER: Rose,

To be blunt, a barn cat should stay in the barn (after he is neutered). A feral cat can take months to tame and it takes a LOT of time and patience. And a previously outside cat will not take easily to being a housecat.

He may stay in the hole forever! I WOULD use the trap, using tuna as bait. Cover the trap with a towel immediately after (not before) you catch him to cut down on the panic and stress. Do not feed him the day before you use the trap to make sure he is hungry and will go in it.

My opinion would be that while he is in the trap, take him to a low cost spay/neuter clinic (some are free for ferals) and get him fixed and release him back to his barn if you can.

There are SO very many sweet and loving kitties being put down everyday due to overcrowding at the shelters. You can save a life and give a kitty that will never have a chance to get his first mouse at happy and loving home.

PS: Get the hole fixed in your bathroom! Of course, after the cat is out (smile).

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Tabbi for your confirmation that the cat should be trapped...a few people told me to 'wait' till she comes out, the nite we got it we were petting her and she was purring, so I still have hope...in keeping her.  I have a toy chihuahua and they seemed to get along that nite.

I live alone and don't get much company so it is quiet here, so i may get her spayed and 'try it'...the farm said they would take it back if it didn't work, so I have options there.

Time will tell...thanks again :)

Answer
Rose,

That sounds like it may work out if you can get her out. And that shouldn't be a problem, especially if you try to trap her at night.

I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, a small cat carrier without the door for a bed (or something to hide in) and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they get used to your movements, noises, etc. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time to get used to things and you. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

Another cat may even make the new one more confident. Maybe you can get one of your cats littermates for company. He may be missing being around other cats. I have always been a believer that cats need other cats for company, to play kitty games with, and for comfort and companionship that humans can't give.

Good luck with the kitty. Let me know how it goes.

Merry Christmas!

Tabbi