Subject: [NAFEX] How to get (and keep) a junk yard cat
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:19:03 -0600
Several folks have asked how to get, and keep, a 'junkyard cat.' I got
mine from an upscale restaurant owner who has a bunch of feral cats living
under one of his outbuildings. The cats are kept underfed so, hopefully,
they will hang around and keep the rodent population down.
When you get your feral cat home, the first thing you need to do is lock
it in the house with you to get it used to being around people AND to let it
know that it will have a constant source of food (mine gets dry cat food).
Regular pettings help too but you might want to start petting while you wear
leather gloves. Every feral cat I've ever brought has been (naturally)
litter-box trained. After about seven to ten days, you can let it outside.
The cat will immediately head for home. If you've kept it in the house long
enough, it'll come back. If you haven't, go get another and start over.
Getting your feral cat from the SPCA will likely net you one that is tamer
than the ones I get (You may not need the leather gloves). Be sure to get
the cat neutered after you've had it for a while.
Sound like too much trouble? Hey, I've got zero squirrel problems and I
live in town too.