Cat question ... calling all cat experts, please

[Flaxbee]

OK. There is a youngish, beautiful solid-gray male cat (full grown, not a kitten) who has been around for a while (at least 18 months) and I feed him whenever he shows up. For a long, long time he was really skittish, but he seems to have mellowed, and even now lets me pet him and pick him up a bit. He disappeared for a few weeks and then showed up again about a week ago; he seems to be much mellower now (but he's also much skinnier).

Anyway, I can't take in another cat (we have 7), this isn't my home (we rent) or else I would. But if we have to move anytime soon, it's going to be hard enough to find someplace to take us and the cats; I just can't add to the number.

I am wondering if I should just get this gray boy (I call him Leonid) neutered, with shots (of course making sure he's healthy) and let him continue to live in this neighborhood that he seems to know, or if, because he now seems much mellower and receptive to people, I should continue to try to tame him, and then take him to our good no-kill shelter to be adopted?

What is better for him? Keep in mind I live in a rural area; there's another boycat I care for but he's much more feral. There is a cattle ranch about a mile away, the neighbor has goats, the weather is pretty mild year round (maybe 2 inches of snow, max, each winter). He survived before I showed up with canned kitty food, he can probably continue to do so after I leave. I just want to make sure he's neutered and healthy.

Should I try to place him via the shelter? Or would he be doomed to the rest of his life in a cage, as adult males are often very hard to place? Does anyone here want or need a barn cat? (He talks when you approach him - little yippy meows to say "hello"). He's absolutely beautiful - solid gray, with gold eyes.

I just want to do the best thing for him. I'd love some input. Thank you. :)

[Dover]

1. I would definitely take him in for neutering and a checkup and

maybe some shots too (rabies, feline leukemia, etc). You might check to see if there is a feral cat program that gives a discount through local vets for that service.


I certainly understand your dilemma. Feral cats are kind of in a limbo place.
I don't know how soon you will be leaving this rental home, but assuming you have some time
I guess I would try to find a home for him first by posting his picture/info at the vet's office, in a local paper, maybe go to some online pet adoption sites for your area and place his info there, letting friends/family know, etc., and all the while keep working on getting him as people friendly as possible. Might the neighbor with goats be interested? Some arrangement like that sounds like it would be ideal (something similar to what he's got now). And it's possible he has other 'homes' he visits (maybe your neighbors know him too!).
Also, talk to the no kill shelter and convey your concerns about his living 'life in a cage' and see what they would suggest. They might put your mind at ease, and if you did choose to do that at least you'd know he was being cared for properly and possibly go to a good home. Or ask them if there are foster homes available. At any rate, the important thing is to TALK to others and don't assume anything without doing some research. There may be more options available than you're aware of.

Best of luck to you and Leonid.

[Dover]

3. I should add this about neutering an adult "feral" male.

I once had a similar situation and befriended the cat enough to get him to come to me. So I took him to the vet to get him neutered and given all his shots. Then I brought him home and opened the cage.

He shot out of there and I never saw him again. He was "upset" to say the least at being put through that. So just wanted to mention that there is a chance that might happen.

[Flaxbee]

5. happened to me, too. An extremely feral male

I managed to catch in a humane trap (I'd called him Stuart) was so pissed after I set him free I've never seen him again. Well, once, but as soon as he spied me spying on him he left (after peeing on the tires of the car). :D

It would be fine with me if Leonid left afterward, so long as I knew he'd been neutered and gotten his shots.

[demnan]

2. Sounds to me like he's not a feral cat

He's somewhat domesticated by you. If there is a no kill shelter in your area that might be a good course, otherwise, absolutely not. A healty adult cat is often euthenised in these places. I'd give him a better chance on his own if you can't find a no kill shelter. If you can, search the internet in your area to find a good place for adoption in a no kill shelter.

Feral cats cannot be adopted. They are a different story. I feed a few and I can tell you they will never be pets or allow human contact.

[roody]

4. Our shelter will spay or neuter feral cats for free. eom