So this neighborhood cat adopted us a few months ago

[Orrex]

But there are a few problems. For one thing, when we tried to bring him into the house, he didn't get along with the cat already in residence here, and this is complicated by the fact that the existing cat is declawed while the new cat is not.

Yes, yes. I know that declawing is cruel and all of that, but it was a choice we made because we didn't want our cats (one of which is now deceased) clawing up either of our (then) newborn kids. Also, the two cats were living in a disgusting, worm-ridden cellar when we acquired them, so they've enjoyed much happier, healthier, and safer lives than they would have had to endure, claws or now claws. But I digress...

I am very reluctant to bring this new cat into our house on a more permanent basis, because for one thing I don't want him pissing all over everything, and I don't know what kind of vermin he might bring in with him. I don't really have the resources to subject him to a full vet exam plus neutering, but I have to admit that I feel a little guilty seeing him curled up on our chilly front porch while we're all inside.

What do you suggest?

[Madrone]

1. Animal rescue organization?

Petfinder?

Aww. Poor baby (kitty)... I understand your dilemma.

[Orrex]

2. We don't want to get rid of him, though

And I suspect that he's been an outdoor cat all of his life, but he's latched onto us, and our front windows have the noseprints to prove it.

I'd love to find a happy medium. I cut a hole in a Styrofoam cooler so that a previous outdoor cat could have used it as a shelter, but that cat never went for it. Maybe this one would be more receptive.

[Madrone]

4. Gotcha.

Is he neutered? If not, getting him neutered could go a long way toward him getting along with your cat AND preventing the peeing.

If you ever want to try indoors again, do it slowly. Put him in a room by himself with a litter box for about two weeks so they can acclimate to each other's scent, etc.

[datasuspect]

3. you got a garage?

outdoor cats are pretty tough customers.

if you feed them, they will keep coming around.

the ferals around the apartment when i lived in chicago were outdoors ALL winter and they made it til spring. so i don't know.

does this creature act like he wants to come in?

[Orrex]

5. I was prompted to start this thread because of his scritch-scritching on our front window

We don't have a garage, but we do have a shed, the door of which I could prop open for him, I suppose.

He's very friendly toward us, but still quite skittish. For instance, he'll follow us to our son's bus stop, wait there with us, and walk home again with us, but often when you try to pet him he'll take a swipe at you.


When we have let him in the house, he's seemed nervous and uncomfortable, and he's ready to exit again after just a few minutes. That might change with some good PA winter weather, though...

[Withywindle]

6. See if there is a rescue group in your area.

They can get discounts on the vet check - you'll definitely want him to get checked out because outdoor cats can have diseases that could be very dangerous to your other kitties. Some shelters are affiliated with vets who work with low-income people or at least will agree on a payment plan.

[grasswire]

7. feliway will help the territorial trouble between cats

It's a spray or plug-in that you can find at any pet store. A synthetic hormone that calms them.

[Skittles]

8. get him fixed

if you can't catch him, get a feral trap