CATHY M. ROSENTHAL
Dear Cathy: I saw the article in your column about the 14-year-old feral cat who was trapped, fixed and left to live outdoors. They mentioned the cat injured a back paw, which made me wonder why they didn't try to make her an indoor cat where she would be safer.
In 2011, we trapped a wild born feral in our neighborhood, Sox. After getting her fixed and microchipped, we kept her in a half bath with a window for five months, spending time with her daily. It took years for her to trust us, but she eventually became a happy, content indoor cat, even bonding with two of our other cats.
We moved across the country with Sox and four other pets, making stops to ensure they were comfortable. Sox remained cautious in our new home but eventually started exploring the house and stopped hiding. She would flop on her back, purr and show us just how happy she had become. She never did want us to touch her or pick her up, though.
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Sadly, we lost Sox in December 2022 to kidney disease and hypothyroidism. She was so ill at the end that I was able to pick her up for the first time and hold her. We miss her terribly, but we're grateful for the wonderful life she had with us. -- Ken, Las Vegas
Dear Ken: Unfortunately, not all feral cats can transition to indoor life as well as Sox did. Cats have a much smaller socialization window than dogs, and if they miss that critical period, they may never adjust to living indoors.
Some ferals become severely stressed or fearful in confinement, to the point where their quality of life suffers. In these cases, caretakers often make the tough decision to let them live outdoors. Injuries like the one described in the column are heartbreaking reminders of the risks and challenges outdoor cats face. It also underscores the importance of spaying and neutering pets to reduce the number of unwanted cats left to fend for themselves on the streets.
Dear Cathy: My dog, Oliver, is about 2 years old. We've had him for a year. He was a stray captured by a Washington, D.C., animal shelter, who was fostered, neutered, vaccinated and operated on for a urinary tract issue. He was later adopted by a family whose "first" dog didn't want a "little brother."
When we brought him home, his anxiety was understandably high, and he barked aggressively at new faces and visitors. Over time, this behavior has improved -- his barking is now less aggressive and shorter. He approaches, backs up and barks a little more but calms down after a few minutes and becomes the friendly, quiet Oliver we love.
He's a terrier mix with a DNA profile showing a mix of about 15 breeds, including bully breeds and husky. He's a small to medium-size dog. Any suggestions on how to build his confidence when greeting visitors? -- Oliver's Mom, Washington, D.C.
Dear Oliver's Mom: One way to help Oliver feel more secure is to practice controlled greetings. Start with familiar friends. When they arrive, have them enter quietly, avoid direct eye contact and let Oliver approach on his terms. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise, reinforcing that visitors are positive experiences. To strengthen these associations, guests may also offer him a favorite treat or toy upon arrival.
The goal is to get Oliver to see new faces as opportunities for fun and rewards, not threats. Pair that with teaching him to sit when new people arrive, since dogs have a more difficult time barking when they are sitting.
For extra support, tools like an anxiety wrap, pheromone collar or over-the-counter calming chews can help soothe Oliver and set the stage for success. Puzzle toys filled with high-value treats, reserved specifically for when guests arrive, can also redirect his energy. With consistency and by celebrating small wins, his greeting behavior will likely improve as he builds confidence and learns he is safe.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is an author and pet expert. Email her at cathy@ petpundit.com. Please include your name, city and state.
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