Tips on getting a feral cat to stick around?

[LuvMyTB]

In early July, we discovered a skinny mama cat and her 4 kittens living in my woodpile. They were all wary of people, but started to warm up as we fed them. They consistently showed up twice a day for about two weeks–during this time, I was able to find homes for 3 of the 4 kittens–but once it was just mama and the last baby, they kind of drifted away. Later found out they were camping out across the street on the neighbor’s partially-screened porch. Since then, they’ve been in and out. Last weekend, my neighbor was able to catch both and they are currently getting vaccinated and spayed/neutered by a feral cat organization. The kitten has a home when he’s ready; mama cat will come back to the neighborhood on Monday.

My neighbor and I are both committed to feeding/caring for her, if we can get her to stay in the area. I think she prefers their porch as it’s more sheltered; however, they travel for long periods of time and I would like her to know that there is food and shelter at my house well. I actually set up a feral cat shelter for her some time ago (as seen on the internet) but I don’t think she ever used it.

I would also be happy to install a pet/cat door in my large backyard shed/garage for her, if I had any idea how to help her find it.

Any suggestions to help her figure out where “home” is? She is skinny and has a pretty messed up face-maybe a broken jaw at some point-so I would like to help her live as comfortably as possible. She is not super fond of people, but has taken chicken straight from my hand and was able to be caught, so she’s not completely afraid.

Thanks!

[HPFarmette]

I kept my barn feral contained in the tack room for the first two weeks. Now he goes in and out and visits the neighbor as well. I think if you establish a home base that way, kitty might visit…when that happens put out deluxe food. .After years of being fed, mine bonks my hand when I put the food out, and I can pet his head.

[Gainer]

Stinky canned food at consistent intervals so they know when to expect it. You may have to first feed it where they are most comfortable. In really hot weather, I feed mine four times a day, smaller amounts. Don’t leave it sitting out in the sun too long.

Then as they get more comfortable, you can move the food a bit every day until they’re where you want them to be.

That said, you may want to consider trapping them and getting them into a vet ASAP for neutering/vaccinations and to have her face checked out. The injury could be causing issues with her eating, or she could possibly have a tumor in her jaw.

[LuvMyTB]

@Gainer

Stinky canned food at consistent intervals so they know when to expect it. You may have to first feed it where they are most comfortable. In really hot weather, I feed mine four times a day, smaller amounts. Don’t leave it sitting out in the sun too long.

Then as they get more comfortable, you can move the food a bit every day until they’re where you want them to be.

That said, you may want to consider trapping them and getting them into a vet ASAP for neutering/vaccinations and to have her face checked out. The injury could be causing issues with her eating, or she could possibly have a tumor in her jaw.

She was spayed this morning, and has been at the vet’s for a few days getting checked out. She will have vaccinations and flea/tick treatment as well before she comes back on Monday.

Thank you for the suggestions!

[CanadianTrotter]

@HPFarmette

I kept my barn feral contained in the tack room for the first two weeks. Now he goes in and out and visits the neighbor as well. I think if you establish a home base that way, kitty might visit…when that happens put out deluxe food. .After years of being fed, mine bonks my hand when I put the food out, and I can pet his head.

I think this would be the best idea.

When she comes home from the vet move her right into the shed/garage that you would like to make into a home base for her. Put a litter box inside and keep her contained for a couple of weeks while feeding her tasty canned food. When you end her containment then install the cat door for her to come and go, keep feeding her inside the shed. Talk to her and get her used to your touch whenever you’re feeding her and also visit her during non feeding times.

[shiloh]

Keep her inside for 10 days, 2 weeks if you can. Then they know where “home” is. Could she be an inside cat? leaving them outdoors, well, you know one day she could just disappear. I’ve lost countless outside cats that way and it breaks my heart when they never return. Worse is finding their little broken bodies on the road. As far as food, anything so long as it is served at fairly regular times. I always know when I’m late, because of the miffed little faces appearing at my door peering in "bish, where’s our food?"lol

Thank you for rescuing her and giving her kids new homes and making her life better.

[ladybugsbw]

Everyone’s advice is spot on. I give mine yummy (aka nasty) canned food every night. Sometimes every other night depending on weight! I try to always have dry available. Canned tuna is a good treat too!
The only time i I’ve had one leave is when a roaming unfixed male chase one off. I got him fixed and he went on his way…

[clint]

I have had very good success keeping feral cats confined for awhile. I think longer than two weeks is better; three weeks minimum and if you don’t mind litter box cleaning and you can spare the space, even longer. I feed them wet food twice a day, keep dry feed there, and clean up after them. Using that technique, I have had only one feral disappear never to return. FWIW, I only kept him confined for two weeks, and he was very, very feral.