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Can you tame a wild cat?
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How can you tell if your cat is too thin? We have outdoor cats, and they mostly run around and they have been losing weight even though we put a full bowl of food outside every morning.
3
I'm thinking about taking in a stray cat, who is almost a kitten herself, as well as one of her kittens. Because she is a stray, she is use to running around outside. I want my cats to be inside cats. The stray is very loving and will sit on your lap forever. My question is: is it cruel to remove a stray cat from an environment she seems perfectly content in, and convert her to an inside cat? She is about one year old.
1
Can you tame a wild cat?
By a wild cat, I am assuming you are referring to a domestic cat that is feral, not having been raised with people. These cats tend to be very skittish, and wary and difficult to approach. From time to time they can be coaxed to come closer to people and even may become house pets. The process is slow and you must be committed to being very patient. It usually starts with providing food for the cat and remaining at a distance while they eat. If you provide food at the same time daily, the cat might begin to come around at that time to be fed. Over several weeks, you may be able to remain closer while the cat eats. Some cats might eventually allow you to be very close and touch them. However, other cats may remain very wild and possibly dangerous. In some cases it may be possible to use a humane trap and trap the cat, neuter and vaccinate them and release them again. Good luck with your wild cat, be careful and enlist the aid of your veterinarian to help you.
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How can you tell if your cat is too thin? We have outdoor cats, and they mostly run around and they have been losing weight even though we put a full bowl of food outside every morning.
Cats that live outdoors are especially at risk for various intestinal parasites. These can interfere with health and their digestion of the food you provide. If at all possible, a fecal sample should be taken to the veterinarian to determine if the cats have parasites. A cat will also lose weight if they are ill and if they seem to have decreased activity and appetite, a veterinary examination is necessary to diagnose and treat the problems.
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3
I'm thinking about taking in a stray cat, who is almost a kitten herself, as well as one of her kittens. Because she is a stray, she is use to running around outside. I want my cats to be inside cats. The stray is very loving and will sit on your lap forever. My question is: is it cruel to remove a stray cat from an environment she seems perfectly content in, and convert her to an inside cat? She is about one year old.
Although your stray cat has survived outside up until now, there are serious risks to her continued good health if she remains an outdoor cat. Cats that live outdoors are at a greater risk of injury, disease, being in fights or being hit by a car. You would benefit her longevity by making her an indoor cat. Since she is so friendly and loving she will likely flourish in the indoor environment with good food, protection from the elements and your affection and attention.
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