Expert: Becky - 4/27/2007

Question
My friend was in a house fire and lost everything but what she was wearing. Everyone got out,plus all the animals ,except 3 cats. My friends cat is not a house cat,but,has been wild for about 2 years,never coming in,but, showing up to get fed at a certain time in the morning. She tried to catch him once to brush him,due to being matted,it didnt work,he became very distrusting,very skittish.
The animal shelter caught him and gave him, his shots, and neutered him,gave him a bath. They had to sedate him to do all this. My friend has ended up staying with me until she can find a place,when she called the animal shelter to tell them about "Buddy"they told her he had already been caught and was ready to come home or they would release him back into the wild.He knows how to act around the bears and how to stay away when they are around. She didnt want him released,so I said he could come to my place to. Only trouble is,he doesnt want to be inside, he growls,hisses,yowls all night,hides under my bed,will not let anyone touch him.
We do not know what to do to help Buddy calm down. We need help badly. Especially me,since I am 60 years old now and my doctor recommended that I get a companion pet.So I am either going to get a puppy or a kitten,I am afraid Buddy will hurt the little one.Altho he has sired 9 litters and is used to being around kittens, but, not puppies.
What can we do ,fast and in a short amount of time,while he and my friend are still staying with me?????
Thank you for allowing me to ask this question,and I apologize for the lengthy post,but, I had to create the background for understanding the question.
Thanks again,
Jackie
Juneau, Alaska


Answer
Hi Jackie!
First, let me say that I am so sorry for your friend!  What a horrible thing to have to experience.  You are being very kind to let her live with you.  About Buddy....
Cats do NOT like change.  This poor cat has really been through more change than he should ever have to in a lifetime.  There is no quick fix here.  He is scared to death and that's why he is acting the way he is,hiding under your bed, etc.  The only thing that will help is time and patience.....and I'm talking about a LONG TIME.  This cat may never become a friendly, loving pet. If he has been wild for two years, he may NEVER adjust to being a housecat.  He is obviously miserable the way he is. If he has been neutered, then I think he should be put outside where he was happy.  Your friend may not want to do this, and I normally would not suggest this, but feral cats are miserable indoors and do NOT make good pets.  I hope that she will try to understand this.  
God Bless,
Becky