Need help training stray cats I just took in?
I just took in 2 stray cats about 1 month ago and still trying to get them to get used to being inside. One still cries to go out..sometimes loudly. He is scared of everything. He also does not always use the litter box even though I have two in the room where he has stays? They won’t come near anyone else in the family. I am just need to know how to train them….getting use to the us, house, all the noises, and eventually my other two cats. What can I do to help with litter training? I keep it scooped every day and clean it out twice a week. I use Tidy Cat cat litter. I just need to know everything I can do to make this easier on them from people who have done this. They seem like they were around people at one time since they now let me pet them, but it took them awhile. They have been to vet and had shots. All healthy. They are just coming out of the our sun room but run back in whenever someone comes into their area. We have baby gates serparating them from my 2 cats
4 Comments on “Need help training stray cats I just took in?”
It was very nice of you to take in two stray cats. I don’t know about the litter training, they might be used to going potty in the soil, so maybe you can add soil or dirt from outside to their litter box so it feels more comfortable for them, gradually reduce the amount of dirt you mix with the litter – just an idea. And as for them getting used to other people and your cats, it is just going to take time. If they were born outside, with little to No human contact, it will just take time for them to trust people.
I know cats who were picked up at strays, and took very well to living indoors, and got along well with people and other cats. And I also know a few cats who have been living indoors for over 10 years now, and they are still skiddish, and don’t really get along with people or other cats. It will take a few months for you to determine if these cats will eventually adjust to living indoors. You can try talking to your veterinarian about this, or possibly talking to a rescue organization to see if they can give you any tips. Good luck!!!
As far as the litterbox is concerned, use scoopable litter. Regular litter is harsh on kitty’s feet and if they were outside before, they’re used to soft dirt, not little pebbles.
As far as socializing the strays, try adopting a socialized adult female cat from the animal shelter. If you have a friendly, adult female cat, let her hang with the strays. Hissing is not fighting. Hissing is an expression of fear and apprehension. If they hiss at each other and nobody gets jumped on, take down the gate.
If you don’t have a friendly adult female cat, then when you adopt one, it will be one less cat put down at the shelter. She will teach the little strays how to behave around humans and to appreciate the indoors, and also she’ll help with the litterbox training.
Hi. How sweet of u 2 take ‘em in! Those strays might have come from a home; were kicked out; now distrust being indoors. Please keep them indoors anyway.
It’s going 2 take time & patience for them 2 get used to things…1 month might not be long enough 4 them to feel confident, playful & relaxed. Going from (indoors?) outdoor freedoms, etc. to indoors is traumatic 4 them…& 4 u. "Give (‘em) just a lil more time; so (their) love would truly grow"; "…a lil bit more; a lil bit mo!" Also, listen to "thepetshow.com" 4 more advice. Take care.
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Also, b sure 2 leave your unwashed socks & T-shirts 4 them 2 smell. Leave it around 4 days or week(s). It’s disgusting, but it helps them. …maybe not u, but them. (Smile.)
we adopted a stray 7 months ago, kept her in a sun room with a covered litter box (cats like privacy) and a couple of cardboard boxes behind the furniture so she could feel secure while she was still in the "getting to know you stage". After about 2 months I introduced her to our 2 house dogs, and opened the door from the sunroom into the house while we were gone during the day so she could explore. she chose to move into the house after about 3 months so we moved her litter box into a laundry room. At 4 months she was letting us pet her and started "hanging out" with us when we watch TV. last month she decided it was safe to sleep in bed with us and the dogs. She does not like to be picked up, maybe never will but we are happy she has chosen to stay with us and your cats will choose that also. Good luck!