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Expert: - 1/15/2008


Question
I brought my cat Diesel inside when he was just a baby and kept him in the house for about a year and a half or so.  He was a defiant cat, but a very loveable one and was a "momma's boy."  He kept going to the bathroom in the house so I had to put him outside with the other cats we have.  He continued to be loveable and would wait on the front porch when it was time for me to come home and greet me every night.  He is a tough cat and fights away the tomcats that come around.  A few months ago he stopped coming to me he runs everytime we come outside.  Is it possible to get him to come to me again?  I know he's just being a typical tomcat, but is there anyway to get him to start coming to me, besides trapping him.  I know if I corner him he will probably fight with us and I don't want anyone to get torn up.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

It sounds like he is beginning to go feral. Try using something like deli chicken to tempt him to you. When he was going to the bathroom in the house he most likely had something physically wrong with him. Cats don't just change from using a litter box to not unless they are sick.

You can tame him again. it's going to take a little time. You have to feed him special treats. Also, is he fixed? Once you tame him I would get him fixed if he isn't. You could try bringing him back into the house if you do. Otherwise he stands a very good chance of dying young outside. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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