One unhappy, but warm kitty!

[Emeraldgreen]

I'm so glad you've got Wilson inside tonight. I'm sure being warm feels good but maybe he's just so scared of the newness of being indoors that he must be overwhelmed. I bet if he had a place inside to 'hide' he would feel less exposed. Do you have a box that you could put on it's side and maybe throw a towel over it? He might find it safe in there.
And he may have never heard music before but maybe some soft gentle music might calm him a bit.
And then of course, food, food, food. LOL
Maybe special treats like tuna juice or deli meat to distract him.
Hopefully he'll settle in within a few hours and then he might not want to ever leave.

[Purr-tender]

Lara, I've had him inside since around 3 this afternoon. I've tried everything you suggested except the music. Usually, he is such a grub. If I don't put his food out in the morning when he thinks I should he's pawing at the door reminding me! This evening he ignored his plate. He did finally eat after the rest of my crew were done. He'll settle down for a little while, then I hear him crying again. He's used to some of my "kids" since I have 4 that go in and out during the day. So, I think his main problem is just being in a foreign environment. Like you said he's probably overwhelmed by it. I tried isolating him in the bathroom but that made him worse.

Gentle hugs to my boy!
Mary

[Emeraldgreen]

I hope that he settles in soon. Maybe if you can manage to keep him in for 2 days, he'll see that nothing bad happens to him and all he gets is warmth and food. I'm wondering if he gets out tomorrow, he might think he just got out in time before something bad happened but a couple of days would show him that it really isn't bad after all. I'm not sure if you can stand it without earplugs though! LOL

[Purr-tender]

You're probably right. I know that I will feel so sorry for him if he's still wanting out, and just let him go. We'll see how I feel in the morning. I just went in and secretly gave him a pouch of Whiskas and he chowed down. That's a good thing.


Night All!
Mary

[Catty1]

Check this out - would be a great compromise! An outdoor kitty shelter - VERY affordable.

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=148901

[Purr-tender]

I've read that. She did a great job. Wilson is such a weird little guy. I was telling Ellie about Wilson. He was MIA when she was fixing up Sherbie's new house. Anyway, I had tweaked Wilson's blanket shelter on the back porch that he had been sleeping in every night, to make it more water-proof and a little warmer. He left for over a week! He's just been back a couple of days. He did sleep out there last night but as bitterly cold as it is tonight it would not have kept him warm. It was funny when I checked on him before I went to bed last night, there was a possum all curled up in an old kitty condo that I have sitting next to his bed. I tucked the possum in, too.

[Medusa]

Wow, this reminds me of my rescue days. I had shelters w/heating pads under blankets for the kitties but sometimes Old Tom would be stubborn and sleep under the pine tree anyhow. Either that or the possums took over. I figure if they get cold enough, they'll use the shelter. I never brought any indoors, though, except for Coco Puff, whom I ended up keeping. So how was your night?

[moosmom]

Did you try catnip? I find that usually calms them down. Poor Wilson. I hope after another day or so he'll get used to the snuggly warmth. You can also get some "Anxiety" at the GNC stores. I've used that for my cats when I traveled from MI to CT. Glad I don't have to drive THAT long haul anymore.

[Pinot's Mom]

Ah, I know it's tough, but the crying will subside - go to sleep!

As the Mommie of more than one (over the years) outdoor (and mixed indoor, as well as totally indoor) kitty - they will adapt! Remember, they are safe, fed, watered, and healthy. RELAX!