Feral cat questions for the CCL's

[Deleted]

A cat (at least I hope it's a cat) is visiting my front porch.  I've never seen him but his fur on the glider is giving his presence away.   So I have some questions for the CCL's

Short of putting a deer camera out there is there a way for me to see him?
Once I lay eyes on him, how do I tell if he's feral or a neighbors cat just hanging out?
If he's feral I can feed him but I can't let him in the house because the dogs would go nuts.  How do I make sure he doesn't freeze in the winter?


The reason I'm asking is that houses here are acres apart.  If he belongs to someone I don't want to feed him and encourage him to move here.

Is there anything else I should do in this situation?

Thanks!

[kritter]

You can make him a bed in a sheltered area whether he is a neighbor's cat looking for a warm place or a feral.

Usually neighborhood cats will make the rounds looking for better food and then go back home. I doubt a cat is traveling acres away to look for better food so if he is not feral, he could have been dumped.

Either way, it wouldn't hurt to make him a warm bed and leave a little food out until you can determine who the visitor is.

If the visitor is only coming at night, then it may not be a cat but a nocturnal critter.

[Deleted]

Perhaps I can move the deer camera from the ponds to the front porch. The fur looks like the fur of a long hair cat. I wouldn't mind having an outside cat to discourage rodents and such. If he's been dumped I would hate for a fox or something to get him.

[Deleted]

I doubt a fox would kill him, but I don't know about raccoons and things.

I'm with Kritter that it's a bit far for a pet to wander, although tom cats do like to get around. I think he's probably been dumped. People think rural areas are good for dumping their cats. If you can get him on the deer camera you might even see he's got a collar on, which will only prove he's not feral. Some people dump cats with collars on.

If he's feral he won't want to come inside, so don't worry about that. I suggest that you find out what he is first, then follow Kritter's advice about a warm spot etc. Do you have sheds or anything? He may already be having sleep-overs.

[Deleted]

We live on acreage and get the occasional feral. They usually stay if I provide food. They're also good at hiding from people. The ones that are dumped are usually more friendly towards people.

I agree with Kritter as well, provide a warm spot away from the house. Keep food and water out for the little guy. And, you can always set a trap and take it to a low cost spade / neuter clinic. Generally they'll let you borrow their traps. I do that with all the ferals I come across, and I make sure they have their shots.

[Deleted]

I haven't been able to move my deer camera yet or set out food. There has been a lot going on with my mom and her health. I'm also getting a lot of resistance from DH as far as feeding. We do have a shed about half way up the driveway. But this isn't his hang out. I'm wondering if I put a small igloo type dog house and some food behind it, if he would find it. (DH would never know!) I want him to find it and not a mouse. I can handle snakes, raccoons and other assorted wild life but if a mouse takes up there you might have to take me to the ER.

The more I think about a 'barn cat' the more excited I get. All the CCL pictures have got me in the mood.

[Deleted]

You mean put the igloo and food behind the shed? I'm not sure he'd find it since he's been coming to the house...you might end up feeding and housing a raccoon, lol.

As for DH - one little bowl of food a day in winter won't stop the cat catching things unless he's very old. If it moves, they'll hunt it. The only sensible objection (sorry, DH) is if he's a tom and starts spraying on your porch. But he'll do that whether he's fed or not. (Just ask my neighbours about Stray Cat, lol.)

[kritter]

Why doesn't he want you to feed the cat? My outside cats have food out all day long and the two older girls still hunt if the opportunity arises.

Its just what they do.

[Deleted]

I heard that cats will hunt more mice if they're healthy and well fed.

[Deleted]

His objection is that he doesn't want a cat to make this his home. He gotten to be a grump and is usually resistant to anything until it happens. So I think I'll just do it any way. My feeling is that if there is a stray around I rather that he be warm and fed. It's not like the house is close enough to anything that I'd be inviting a heard of neighborhood cats over for dinner.

[Deleted]

Debs - Just keep reminding your husband what a great little mouser your new guest will be. Have you named him yet?

[Deleted]

I have to get a glimpse of him/her before the the name can be granted.

[Deleted]

Debs, DO NOT let your DH see that pic! lol.

I think it's great that you want to care for this cat (or raccoon?). If you can get the deer camera out there you'll know what you're dealing with, at least.

[kritter]

[Deleted]

Kritter - yet another children's book about feral kitties.  You are a wealth of knowledge!!!

[Deleted]

Kritter, that's a tear jerker.

[chapeaunoir]

"...and in exchange for taking care of me, I'll make sure you're never troubled with mice or rats..."

[val2525]

Deb, did you figure out if it was a feral cat or not?

[Deleted]

Yes, yes, I want an update too!

[Deleted]

I'm still trying to get a glimpse of him/her. It's hard to get a glimpse of where he's been sitting without giving him ample chance to jump and run.