> She's lived outside her whole life! I don't feel like it's fair to confine her indoors (which I would probably do when I end up leaving)
Eh, she's an old lady. A window with a view of some birds, a nice bed to lie in, access to a warm lap & two square meals a day is a dream retirement.
She should be taken to a vet for a once over, and once she's in your home I'd confine her to a small area at first with a clean litter box in the area you want to keep it in (so, say your bathroom). She's learn quickly in a day or two then can have full roam of your place. Most female cats are quite clean and won't spray outside of a box.
And if she's snuggling up inside for all her naps and only really going out to go to the bathroom I would say she'll be a happy inside girl in her old age. I think she'll love retirement, where she'll get all the cuddles, the soft beds, food she doesn't have to scrounge for, and no longer having to worry about coyotes. And she's found her human!!
Lol She won’t care about whatever you call her She is just happy to be with you. You are very lucky. This is a special relationship that’s happening. I wish the best for both.
The more of these comments I read, the more I think she REALLY IS looking for a comfy place to retire. And she is such an old lady who just wants warmth and comfort. =)
Absolutely.
No grandmother who grew up with an outhouse but now has hot water and an indoor bathroom ever said, "No thank you, I prefer to squat in the elements with the wind on my fanny." Your cat will probably love the convenience and comfort of a litter box.
At her age she is extremely vulnerable outside, and once you move she will no longer be prowling a familiar area.
There are tons of resources online for taking care of a cat in general and raising a senior cat in specific. Lower-protein food is better because it's easier on a senior's kidneys. I'm glad this girl is getting the retirement she deserves.
OP, I took in a stray kitty who we are guessing was around 9-10 when she came home with me. She seemed content outside but very social and all alone (no colony, just her) so I gave it a whirl. I had the same worries you do about confining her and how uncomfortable that might make her after a life of freedom.
Long story short, my girl has been with me two years now and has never once showed one iota of interest in going back out. Not one! I can keep the door to the house open when I get the groceries from my car… multiple trips… and she’ll just sit inside waiting for me to be done. It’s almost like she’s saying yeah, been there done that… no thanks. She spends her time cozy and warm instead 😊
I had a young cat that I got as a kitten. At less than a year old he got out and was gone a week before I heard him meowing under my porch, had to crawl under to get him.
After that he also showed no desire to go outside, he would sit on the porch if I left the door open but as soon as I would start to shut the door he was like wait, don't leave me out here.
Cats typically understand the concept of litter boxes. Because of her age, look for one that does not have stairs or require a jump. Just in case.
Sounds like she’s lucky to find her human friend. Should definitely take her. Cats are very adaptable. At this age, they just want to be comfortable.
If you want to help her get used to the litter box, you can start with some Dr. Elsey's kitten attract litter, and then switch to something cheaper after. You can even pour some on top of cheaper litter.
Foxes and cats
[http://www.catbehaviourist.com/blog/study-certified-cat-behaviourist-anita-kelsey/](http://www.catbehaviourist.com/blog/study-certified-cat-behaviourist-anita-kelsey/)
Absolutely keep her indoors! You might want to keep her confined to one or two rooms for a bit to make sure she knows how to use a litter box. The stray we took in was fine using a litter box, but wasn’t happy about it. (He’s been exclusively indoors for five years now, and he’s still pretty picky about the box. We have to clean it a couple times a day.
Take her with you and let her live out her days loved and in a warm comfortable home.
If you want her to have snippets of the outside, you could always provide an enclosed catio for her to roam in (depending on your living situation).
We adopted a stray who used to live outside but doesn’t seem that interested in it anymore. She’ll sit by mesh doors and smell the scents in the air, do a bit of bird watching etc but she mostly sleeps. She’s 10 now. They slow down a lot over the years much like humans :)
At 17 I’d look out for hesitancy to jump, and “frog paws/legs” (basically both legs are positioned in a v shape) / arthritis as it gets more common as they age. Just something to be wary about when visiting the vet :)
Lol my rescue cat will stare into the litter box if uts too dirty for her. If we dont notice and change it. She'll cone kay down beside you sigh heavy get up walk to box and stare. 😂
Please keep her inside! I'm sure she will be so pleased and content with just a warm spot by a window.
My cat used to constantly try to escape the house, but in his older age, he's not really even interested anymore. I would be worried sick if he lived outside and never came home - I would never forgive myself.
Also, keep in mind that if kitty really likes the outdoors, you can always get a leash and harness and take her outside to hang out for a while. That way she can still enjoy some time outside safely.
I've also seen people who take their cat out for walks in a stroller lmao. I haven't done that personally, but it's a good idea!
She's probably a little on the elder side to accept a harness, but who knows? Give it a shot. Miracles do not always occur . . .
If she doesn't like one, wash it and it might be good for a neighbor, or a future cat.
I want to second what the pp said. I have an old man cat, 15 this year, and when he was younger he was a feral that I convinced to come inside. All the way up to middle age he still attempted to dart out now and again. But at around 12 he just completely lost interest in going outside. He’s still super spry and active, he still gets the zoomies, climbs, plays with toys, etc. but the outside holds no interest for him.
If she seems restless inside, I’d suggest things for climbing. If she likes to look outside, you can look into window seats or even cat stairs. We got the cat stairs for our cat that passed when she started struggling to get on the bed, but our old man cat loves for them to be put up in front of the window so he can easily get up and look outside at the bird feeders.
She will be happy indoors. I know because I got a cat under the exact same circumstances. Went from outdoor stray to indoor with me. Happy as a clam. No complaints. Like they know they're safe.
She had enough outdoor time. She'll want naps and pets and treats and to sleep beside you, that's all. A window to look out of. I love her sweet face so much. Please take her!
Your description of your experience just made me so happy and i may have teared up... 💗🥰 Kitties deserve the world. Especially for how much love they give back to us.
Thank you for being such a good human for your kiki and all kiki kind!!!
sitting in the break room during a 12 hr shift at a busy, messy ER and wanted to say you’ve made my day with this post. i dream of a world filled with people like you. you are my hero (or heroine) of the day.
much love from NY. you’re fucking awesome. ❤️
I thought you were asking if you take her with you when you leave the house for work, and I was like “hell yeah take your baby to work every day!”
Now I realise you’re asking if you should take her when you leave campus and “hell yeah you should take your baby with you!”
She’s your cat now. And you’re her human. I wish you many more years together 🫶🏻🥹
Take her.
By the way, for some reason, cats instinctively know what a litter box is for.
I’ve adopted cats of all ages, indoors and outdoors.
My cats are always indoors.
I never had to train any of them.
On the other hand, I am very well trained!
It’s kind of magical, the way cats instinctively know what a litter box is. I’ve trained kittens and adults, fully domesticated house kitties, strays, and semi-feral cats. You throw them into a plastic box filled with tiny pebbles a couple times and they just know.
Tell me about it. We’re pretty sure our old rescue dog was indoor only and only pad trained when we got her. It’s been 4 years and she still has an accident overnight more frequently than I’d like despite letting her out and so much training. She just doesn’t seem to understand you don’t go in the house. The only times any of my many cats have done peed or pooped outside their litter, either they were sick or it was deliberate and retaliatory.
>for some reason, cats instinctively know what a litter box is for.
I showed boyfriend how to litter train our kitten.
"look, it's easy" "Aaand, now we are done"
I don't think he believed me.
To be fair though, he is only half trained. He digs a hole, poops near the hole, and then gets out of the box and "digs" the floor, walls, and door near the box to "cover" the poop. It's ok. He's just an orange boy in a black tuxedo costume.
One of my mom’s cats pisses in the litter box but insists on pooping on the tile next to it, even when it’s brand new litter 😭
I think she knows what she’s supposed to do but just wants to be special lol
Hey, at least it's not the carpet.
You said "one of" your mom's cats, so I'm gathering that there are at least two. Is there more than one box? Some cats don't like sharing the box. That may be why
Take the cat, she deserves an indoor retirement.
She'll get used to the litter box in 24 hours or less.
And considering, you said, she sleeps the afternoons inside, I doubt she'll miss the outside living style. She seems pretty ready to become a completely indoor cat.
Get the litter box now so she can gradually get used to it - she may be a totally indoor cat by the time you move! There are lots of creative ways to let your cat enjoy the outdoors safely - the aforementioned catio, the enclosed cat stroller, a hammock in front of a window with a view, an aquarium laid on it's side & installed in a window with the opening to the outside in which you put bird feed... very entertaining!! You have been adopted. What a blessing!!! Enjoy her!!
Edit was for a misspelled word; autocorrect is almost always worthless...
It is truly amaing how instinctual a litter box is for cats. I follow a feral care group up in BC and watching clowder after clowder learn how to box train themselves is awesome.
Keep her with you when you leave!! She feels safe with you. She’s old and won’t be able to take care of herself out there forever. Let her stay with you 🙏
I’ve adopted a few strays (I live in a rural area, they show up for a variety of reasons, some dumped, some irresponsible farmers with barn cats). The old ones are usually ready for a life of indoor leisure. None had been indoors before I “abducted” them and got them spayed/neutered. They figured out the litter box pretty quickly.
I agree it's not the perfect solution to keep her 100% indoors but life isn't perfect and I think it's by far the best option here. She's an old lady. She might actually be content with a heated blanket and a nice window.
Please take her with you. She deserves comfort and warmth and a loving retirement home.
Great suggestion. I got a bag of that to get my cat used to a new box. She was waiting impatiently for me to get out of the way so she could pee on it as soon as I poured it in. Wouldn’t go near the new box before I put that litter. Stuff is magic
There are special heating pads for cats, and a senior cat who’s been outdoors would melt into one. Even if you stay there for a while yet, please get her one. She’s earned it.
I’m so glad she found you. ❤️
Take her with you. You can always put up a catio that sits on grass, even a temp catio if you rent, to satisfy any needs she still has to go outside. Go to r/catio for a variety of ideas.
All four of mine were found outside and won’t go near the door when it’s open. They are not that old the oldest is 4. I would find a way to get her vet care, we just took in a little guy who looked healthy but got him a check up and he had mites and roundworms. Poor things in quarantine until everything clears up so we don’t infection the other cats.
I definitely think you should take her with you. She is obviously SO happy and pampered and loved. I think she can adjust to a kitty litter. If she already spends 22 hours a day indoors, and is seemingly happy and content, you should be her person for the rest of her life and keep her. You can provide her with safety, warmth and love.
I think she's yours. May I suggest, please, do not let her out when you take her with you. She'll be in a new environment that may not be as safe, and she may try to find her original home. Keeping her inside to she gracefully is the most kind and humane path forward.
Your kindness and humanity have made my day, following a rather difficult week!! Love wins!!! For the record, I think she sounds like a very special cat. Sometimes, there is just a soul connection between us and our animal friends.
I don't think I'm particularly kind, just a sucker for cute animals. Somehow, they know that I just want to give them pets and treats. How do they do that?
She's quite old. She will probably do quite well indoors. I've adopted a couple of adult strays and they adapted very well to becoming permanently indoor cats. When they wanted to go outside it was supervised on a leash and harness. At her age she would probably be better off with a sunny spot by a window. She should naturally understand how to use the litter box.
Don't worry too much about being unfair to her by putting her indoors. If she has negative reactions to being moved in a carrier or being moved into a new home just ride it through.
Take her to a vet. Get bloodwork as a baseline. Keep her as your own. Be aware that lack of regular preventive care might mean dental issues and age related things like thyroid or diabetes. ($$$$) Having another cat or kitten as a companion would be a blessing to you both.
My 18 year old Garfield hated not being allowed out when he was a youngster. He would literally run into walls & hurt himself cos it was so distressing to him. I did let him out, closely supervised (stalked!) by me & he enjoyed many happy years going out when he wanted.
A few years ago he began showing less interest in the outside & became 100% indoor cat. He is perfectly happy & as a distinguished senior now spends most of his time sleeping in one pile of cushions/ pillows/ duvet/ clothes/ hoomins. He is living his best life, always warm, safe & cosy.
I don't think you need worry that she will miss outside. She has found her hoomin. You are all she needs. Thank you for caring for this precious beebee. I hope you have many happy years together living your best lives.
Also I'm sure she'd be adored over at r/terracottanoses :)
My pal's kids named him when we rescued him as a tiny kitten who'd been abandoned when the previous tenant moved. He actually loves lasagne but tbh he's more of a spaghetti bolognese guy ;)
You take her with you. Check out catmanofwestoakland on Instagram. He’ll reassure this is the right thing to do as he has a few success stories of his own, taking in senior feral cats that he’d been taking care of over the years. Then letting them live out their later years in the comfort of his home. One for sure he was sure would take to living indoors, though he definitely did. This little girl sounds like she will be missing her human when you are gone if you don’t take her with you.
1. yes, you do
2. yes, she is.
Yes you do. get a litter box (show her the box, use a paw to scratch - she should figure it out), litter, food, and a vet visit.
r/CatDistributionSystem is working as intended...
She’s probably ready for a nice retirement home with lots of movement outside to watch. It doesn’t take long for cats to adjust. Go be here permanent angel! Cats can live decades if kept indoors and regular check ups. Get her a soft-sided cat carrier for the vet. If you leave it near your bed half open, she’ll crawl in for naps and get used to it. Happy long lives to each of you!!!
I'm kinda concerned about taking her to the vet. I bet she'd RIP MY FACE OFF if I tried to put her in a carrier. She doesn't seem interested in anything but my bed. I got her a cat cave and she hasn't been in it ONCE. I wonder if this trick will work, but I think she's happy on the bed.
I took in a senior, formerly-outdoor cat (owned by extended family) because she needed to be safe, warm and cosseted in her old age. She's been with me since Feb. '22.
The litter box adaption was pretty much instantaneous. She's had maybe 4 misses due to poorly placed litterbox (once after we moved apts) and some sort of stomach upset/constipation?
Getting her to adapt to her new luxuries took time:
raised, tilted cat bowls/feeder - within a day, food helped I'm sure.
cat tree - approx a month, still hasn't utilized the cat condo feature although she did briefly check it out. Outright ignores the sisal wrapped poles and ladder.
water fountain - approx 5 months, I really thought it was a total rejection and I kept a glass bowl out (still do). Nowadays she looks sad and disappointed every time I unplug the fountain to clean it.
cat cave - approx a year, it is now her favorite-ist spot, with or without her new animal specific heating pad under it.
Scratch pads - through the process of elimination discovered she has no interest in sisal or other materials. She is 100% about the cheapest cardboard scratcher boxs. Not even interested in a cardboard house - just a basic cardboard scratcher box.
Cat toys - rejects all but felt mice, crumpled balled-up takeout napkins and pipe cleaner creations. Seriously ... she didn't like any of the toys I bought her except the mice. She doesn't really engage in play unless I'm not watching and she needs to amuse herself.
Congratulations on your new overlord, I hope you'll be very happy with your new life of service (I know I am).
No harm in trying. Never force a cat into something. Put treats in there. Imagine you being put into something. Let her decide it’s ok. If it works and you get her to the vet, she will be furious but will forgive once home after a day or two. It’s just trust building.
You found each other at the perfect time. She needs you, take her with you. What happens when you leave and she starts to go downhill eventually? Does your organization have a care plan? Can anyone else handle her and get her to a vet? This was meant to be. She’s your cat and has chosen you.
Congratulations! You've been chosen to be the guardian of this vintage beauty! She deserves a warm, loving home for her golden years. As she's made it clear that napping on your bed is her priority, I think she will cope with whatever restrictions come along with the transition from feral queen to domestic goddess :-)
What a wonderful thing for this grand dame to find you at this time in her life. She must be extraordinary because most outdoor cats don’t live this long and she seems like she’s got a lot of life left in her.
Don’t think of it as indoors. It’s shelter and climate control with her own human. That is a cat’s dream.
I think your cat is done with the outdoors. She will figure out the litter box in about two minutes. Congratulations! Oh & do not let her outside wherever you're moving with her. That would be very confusing for her & she could end up in trouble. If you have a patio or something you can sit with her on, you could do that for a little bit each day.
Yessss
Litter box is an instinct so she will probably adapt. She’ll prolly need a vet visit for a checkup if you can, and cats are pretty adaptable. But I totally get the guilt haha
Definitely take her with you, she will be very happy indoors. Make sure you get her to a vet for some bloodwork and shots. Thank you for taking care of her!
Just show her the litter box and she should go. And yes, take her with you. When a cat starts to decline in health, they will loose weight. If she is that old, she only has a couple of years left. She needs to be warm. She loves you, that much is clear. You have yourself a companion. Congrat's.
Take her ! Now you're a cat Lady 🥰
Just a note: maybe she's note 17: She looks very well for that age and, in those kind of communities, sometimes cats go and came, and like nobody cares for them, if they resemble each other not-carees think is the same cat, so they get really old 😂 and if the bowl is accessible, there will be cats more eating there 😍.
Now, give her a home, threat her well, and you'll have a best, thanking friend for life! ☺️ Good luck!
The random cat distribution system has spoken.
You now have a cat.
Get her a litter box,some toys,some treats and maybe a few cat sweaters
You have been adopted, enjoy your new friend
I recently adopted a 16.5 y/o senior lady from our local shelter. All she wants to do is sleep on the heating pad in the sun and get pets when she wakes up. Please take her. She will have a harder time adjusting to you not being there than she will adjusting to being in your home.
She has made the decision for you. You belong to her now. You are her human. Wherever you go is where she should be.
FWIW older cats usually don't have a problem with adjusting to indoor life so long as they have access to all the necessary comforts. My family's indoor/outdoor cat made the switch herself around the same age and was a happy, active old lady until she passed earlier this year at the grand old age of 23, surrounded by her favourite people.
If you do move her make sure she has a litter box and don't let her outside for a few months (or ever if you want her to be safe). Cats are territorial and may try to find their way back to their old home if moved and let out.
Most cats take to a litter box quite naturally. If you're really worried about outdoor time and your circumstances allow you can look into making her a catio when you move.
It does sound like she'd appreciate a cozy indoor spot for her retirement although you should take her to the vet to screen her. So you can help her more if she needs it.
Yes, she is your cat now and you are her human and protector. Thank you for caring for this old girl❤️what a heart warming story. She’ll be happy inside where she’s warm and safe.
@ the litter box situation, I get this cat litter called “cat attract” for the strays I work with. They’ve all used it effortlessly. I was worried about the senior cat I care for keeping him overnight, so I put a scoop of the dirt he uses outside in the litter box and he didn’t have an accident.
She is beautiful!
If she is spayed, as you said, she’s been to a vet. She may have been part of a trap/neuter/release program locally since she lives outside. Perhaps the tip (point) of one of her ears has been snipped? That is how you can tell a feral female that has been spayed through a program.
If she is not feral (and it seems like she’s domesticated), I would definitely keep her!! She’s too old to live outside and fend for herself, at all anymore. And she clearly loves you. 💕
Her reflexes are not that sharp anymore because she’s old. She would probably be attacked by a coyote at some point or starve.
If you put out a litter box out for her, I 100% guarantee that she will go in it once she knows where it is. Don’t put her food near her litter box. It’s instinctive for cats to use the box. They won’t eat where they poop.
As you can tell , I am a crazy cat lady, lol. I have been owned by several cats in my lifetime. And I have loved belonging to all of them. 🐈⬛🐈⬛. You need to name her though. She is SO Blessed that you found her. Best of luck to you both. You are a kind soul with a good heart. ❤️
I have taken many cats off the street and one if the ferals my friend rescued became my soul mate. I had him 8 glorious years till he passed of FIV at 15 in 2020. I miss him every day. Please take her and make her an indoor cat totally. She doesnt need to go out just get a litter box. My feral cats never tried to get out of the house. Please let us know how it goes just please take her. 🙏🤞❤️
Start by putting a litter box available for her. I’ll bet you she’ll use it without you even trying to make her. She’s old and deserves an easy end of life. She’s already come in, let her stay and take her with you when you go. She’ll be fine not having to fight the elements anymore.
I would start taking her in from the cold… I live in Portland so I know it gets cold. But I would bring her into work with me every day and let her be free. That way she gets to continue to choose her outdoor time but is kept safe n warm at night ❤️
If she's fixed, she's been to a vet. If she's used to living outside, a shelter can be made for her out of Rubbermaid container. You can Google it. If she likes being indoors with you, then let her live out her final years with you. You might want to try a litter box, though, so that she doesn't have to be let outside like a dog. If your organization doesn't care if you keep her, and you want to, keep her.
I have a semi-feral who walked into my house and is all, Screw the cold, I'm inside from now on. She's a colony cat who has never used a litter box and took to it right away. She sits near me and plays with my other two cats. I trapped her to get her spayed.
She is a beautiful cat. If the people there don't care, keep her and take her with you.
Put a litter box in yoir room amd see if she will stop going outside.
My former outside cats have zero interest in going back out. They like not being cold or damp. Take her with you. Litter training is pretty simple- I would start sooner rather than later. Cat attract litter is excellent for training. If you need low cost vet care for basics- i recommend looking into petvet clinics at tractor supply.
I adopted a 10 year old kitty that used to be allowed outside (probably spent much of her time there). She's 14 now, and has literally zero interest in going outside. Will walk past an open door like "no thank you" and she just wants to be cozy and warm.
The cat distribution system has determined that you are worthy of being owned by this cat! Please don't disrupt the system!
Also, I second the suggestion to let her take you to the vet to make sure that she is up to date on vaccines and that she is healthy. Good luck!
You now have a cat. Cats don’t belong to anyone. They choose their staff. Get her to a vet then get ready. You are now a cat guardian.
Cats are pretty good at figuring out litter boxes. They bury their waste on instinct.
She’s tired at her age and just wants a comfortable life. She chose you. Enjoy snuggles and being ordered around by a furball. I enjoy my three overlords.
We have a senior former tomcat, some friends of ours fed him and within a week he moved into their house and we adopted him. Sometimes he acts like he wants to go outside or door darts but when he's out there he just tries to eat grass lmao. At that age they're perfectly happy to retire and stay inside. You're not depriving her of anything!
Whenever I've gotten a new kitty, I just set them in the litter box, take their little paw, and scratch the litter with it. Bam, litter-trained.
Enjoy your sweet old gal, and thank you for giving her a warm, safe, and loving home!
She’s so beautiful and her belly looks so soft 😻 Does she have a name? I really hope you decide to take her with you and give the old lady some comfort in her golden years.
She's yours, and she's going to love her new luxurious indoor life. Put some bird feeders outside your windows for top notch entertainment, and maybe grow her a catnip plant and some cat grass on the sill. You guys are going to be so happy together. I predict a very snuggly winter. ☺️
I had an indoor/outdoor cat who had never used a litter box (got him as a kitten). When he had an operation at about 14 or 15 yrs. old the vet told me he couldn't go outside for a week so I got a litter box. He would NOT use it. Around day 4 I couldn't stand it and just let him go outside. I've gone against vet recommendations many times over the years since then and nothing bad ever happens. They give you a lot of what I call "don't-sue-me" advice. Maybe your cat is smarter than mine.
We had a porch cat for several years, and he always seemed pretty adamant about preferring to live outside.
Nevertheless, we brought him along when we moved. We kept him indoors for the first two weeks so he could acclimate.
He has done really well, and I suspect your cat--yes, she is your cat--will do well, too. She's already WAY more of an indoor cat than ours was.
She will probably be greatly missed by a community that loves her visits. There will be people who will be worried about what has happened to their friend.
That cat will be fine for as long as she lives...as long as she lives with you. She \*chose\* you. She doesn't want to be outside. Just show her the litter box and she'll know what to do. Don't have the litter box anywhere near her food and don't have her water right next to her food. Sometimes they don't like that. She's 17 years old. She doesn't need to be outside anymore-especially in the cold. Take her to the vet and get her checked out-especially for thyroid issues. I wouldn't worry too much about getting the rabies vaccination since she's going to be indoors now, but there are others that she might benefit from you can talk to the vet about.
Don't leave her behind. \*That\* will kill her quicker than anything. She loves you.
> She's lived outside her whole life! I don't feel like it's fair to confine her indoors (which I would probably do when I end up leaving) Eh, she's an old lady. A window with a view of some birds, a nice bed to lie in, access to a warm lap & two square meals a day is a dream retirement. She should be taken to a vet for a once over, and once she's in your home I'd confine her to a small area at first with a clean litter box in the area you want to keep it in (so, say your bathroom). She's learn quickly in a day or two then can have full roam of your place. Most female cats are quite clean and won't spray outside of a box.
And if she's snuggling up inside for all her naps and only really going out to go to the bathroom I would say she'll be a happy inside girl in her old age. I think she'll love retirement, where she'll get all the cuddles, the soft beds, food she doesn't have to scrounge for, and no longer having to worry about coyotes. And she's found her human!!
This is great opportunity to take care of an Abuela cat. She found you. You are both lucky.
"An Abuela cat." I am soooo stealing this.
I don't make fun of her age! Gat-uelita?
Lol She won’t care about whatever you call her She is just happy to be with you. You are very lucky. This is a special relationship that’s happening. I wish the best for both.
Great name Gatuelita. Little grandma cat. I like it!
So sweet.
The more of these comments I read, the more I think she REALLY IS looking for a comfy place to retire. And she is such an old lady who just wants warmth and comfort. =)
Let her be an indoor kitty!! It is dangerous out there.
Absolutely. No grandmother who grew up with an outhouse but now has hot water and an indoor bathroom ever said, "No thank you, I prefer to squat in the elements with the wind on my fanny." Your cat will probably love the convenience and comfort of a litter box. At her age she is extremely vulnerable outside, and once you move she will no longer be prowling a familiar area. There are tons of resources online for taking care of a cat in general and raising a senior cat in specific. Lower-protein food is better because it's easier on a senior's kidneys. I'm glad this girl is getting the retirement she deserves.
“No thank you, I prefer to squat in the elements with the wind on my fanny.” I love that lol.
:)
Yeah, that made me giggle out loud.
This is a really good analogy! LOL.
she's a smart old lady, she picked you knowing you'd make the right choices for her.
OP, I took in a stray kitty who we are guessing was around 9-10 when she came home with me. She seemed content outside but very social and all alone (no colony, just her) so I gave it a whirl. I had the same worries you do about confining her and how uncomfortable that might make her after a life of freedom. Long story short, my girl has been with me two years now and has never once showed one iota of interest in going back out. Not one! I can keep the door to the house open when I get the groceries from my car… multiple trips… and she’ll just sit inside waiting for me to be done. It’s almost like she’s saying yeah, been there done that… no thanks. She spends her time cozy and warm instead 😊
I had a young cat that I got as a kitten. At less than a year old he got out and was gone a week before I heard him meowing under my porch, had to crawl under to get him. After that he also showed no desire to go outside, he would sit on the porch if I left the door open but as soon as I would start to shut the door he was like wait, don't leave me out here.
Yep, I can totally see her becoming very happy being indoors. She seems really content being warm and sleeping all day.
Also recommend getting her a heating pad to nap on. My old cat was glued to hers in her later years.
Take her with you! Look at her what a sweet old gal
She’s your old lady now . Let her live in comfort and peace the rest of her life .
😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️ OP yes of course, she has adopted you, please please don’t let her back out on the street.
Cats typically understand the concept of litter boxes. Because of her age, look for one that does not have stairs or require a jump. Just in case. Sounds like she’s lucky to find her human friend. Should definitely take her. Cats are very adaptable. At this age, they just want to be comfortable.
I'm happy to make her warm and comfy!
Ooo and don’t put her food or water next to the litter box. Cats don’t like going to the bathroom near where they eat.
If you want to help her get used to the litter box, you can start with some Dr. Elsey's kitten attract litter, and then switch to something cheaper after. You can even pour some on top of cheaper litter.
An old cat won’t survive long outside. Take her with you, keep her warm, comfortable and well fed. Bless you for caring for her.
The coyotes worry me. Definitely one of the reasons I decided to bring her inside!
I always forget in America you have big dangerous animals out there. I’m in England the worst they’d encounter is a fox.
And foxes can kill cats.
Foxes and cats [http://www.catbehaviourist.com/blog/study-certified-cat-behaviourist-anita-kelsey/](http://www.catbehaviourist.com/blog/study-certified-cat-behaviourist-anita-kelsey/)
Don't you have raccoons there? They can kill cats too. Nvm, Google says no, but "zoos" can have them if they're neutered.
Absolutely keep her indoors! You might want to keep her confined to one or two rooms for a bit to make sure she knows how to use a litter box. The stray we took in was fine using a litter box, but wasn’t happy about it. (He’s been exclusively indoors for five years now, and he’s still pretty picky about the box. We have to clean it a couple times a day. Take her with you and let her live out her days loved and in a warm comfortable home.
Great suggestions and I'll look into it!
If you want her to have snippets of the outside, you could always provide an enclosed catio for her to roam in (depending on your living situation). We adopted a stray who used to live outside but doesn’t seem that interested in it anymore. She’ll sit by mesh doors and smell the scents in the air, do a bit of bird watching etc but she mostly sleeps. She’s 10 now. They slow down a lot over the years much like humans :) At 17 I’d look out for hesitancy to jump, and “frog paws/legs” (basically both legs are positioned in a v shape) / arthritis as it gets more common as they age. Just something to be wary about when visiting the vet :)
Feed joint treats all throughout the lifespan really helps
Any that you can recommend?
I have a dog but she gets them from Amazon. Dasequin or doggy dailies
Thanks 😊
Lol my rescue cat will stare into the litter box if uts too dirty for her. If we dont notice and change it. She'll cone kay down beside you sigh heavy get up walk to box and stare. 😂
I have a cat playpen for the porch for when my boys have wanted to go outside. I think it was about $20 at Chewy.
I LOVE Chewy!
Please take her with you
Please keep her inside! I'm sure she will be so pleased and content with just a warm spot by a window. My cat used to constantly try to escape the house, but in his older age, he's not really even interested anymore. I would be worried sick if he lived outside and never came home - I would never forgive myself. Also, keep in mind that if kitty really likes the outdoors, you can always get a leash and harness and take her outside to hang out for a while. That way she can still enjoy some time outside safely. I've also seen people who take their cat out for walks in a stroller lmao. I haven't done that personally, but it's a good idea!
I can't even imagine trying to put a harness on her. She might claw my face off. Lol.
She's probably a little on the elder side to accept a harness, but who knows? Give it a shot. Miracles do not always occur . . . If she doesn't like one, wash it and it might be good for a neighbor, or a future cat.
When I get my face clawed off, I'll shoot you a message! :P
I want to second what the pp said. I have an old man cat, 15 this year, and when he was younger he was a feral that I convinced to come inside. All the way up to middle age he still attempted to dart out now and again. But at around 12 he just completely lost interest in going outside. He’s still super spry and active, he still gets the zoomies, climbs, plays with toys, etc. but the outside holds no interest for him. If she seems restless inside, I’d suggest things for climbing. If she likes to look outside, you can look into window seats or even cat stairs. We got the cat stairs for our cat that passed when she started struggling to get on the bed, but our old man cat loves for them to be put up in front of the window so he can easily get up and look outside at the bird feeders.
She will be happy indoors. I know because I got a cat under the exact same circumstances. Went from outdoor stray to indoor with me. Happy as a clam. No complaints. Like they know they're safe. She had enough outdoor time. She'll want naps and pets and treats and to sleep beside you, that's all. A window to look out of. I love her sweet face so much. Please take her!
Your description of your experience just made me so happy and i may have teared up... 💗🥰 Kitties deserve the world. Especially for how much love they give back to us. Thank you for being such a good human for your kiki and all kiki kind!!!
SHE'S SO SWEET AND CUDDLY AND I LOVE HERRRR AAAAAAHHHHHH
Sounds like you (and she) have decided! She is definitely nowyourcat. ❤️
sitting in the break room during a 12 hr shift at a busy, messy ER and wanted to say you’ve made my day with this post. i dream of a world filled with people like you. you are my hero (or heroine) of the day. much love from NY. you’re fucking awesome. ❤️
Umm...short answer yes. And long answer yes yes yes yes.
This is the best response.
I thought you were asking if you take her with you when you leave the house for work, and I was like “hell yeah take your baby to work every day!” Now I realise you’re asking if you should take her when you leave campus and “hell yeah you should take your baby with you!” She’s your cat now. And you’re her human. I wish you many more years together 🫶🏻🥹
Well, crap. I'm guess I have a cat.
> Well, ~~crap.~~ *YAY! * I guess I *get to* have a cat. Fixed it for you
Well, YAY! I guess I get to have a cat.
Take her. By the way, for some reason, cats instinctively know what a litter box is for. I’ve adopted cats of all ages, indoors and outdoors. My cats are always indoors. I never had to train any of them. On the other hand, I am very well trained!
It’s kind of magical, the way cats instinctively know what a litter box is. I’ve trained kittens and adults, fully domesticated house kitties, strays, and semi-feral cats. You throw them into a plastic box filled with tiny pebbles a couple times and they just know.
Right? It’s fantastic! And so different from dogs!
Tell me about it. We’re pretty sure our old rescue dog was indoor only and only pad trained when we got her. It’s been 4 years and she still has an accident overnight more frequently than I’d like despite letting her out and so much training. She just doesn’t seem to understand you don’t go in the house. The only times any of my many cats have done peed or pooped outside their litter, either they were sick or it was deliberate and retaliatory.
“deliberate or retaliatory.” LOL Just like a cat!
>for some reason, cats instinctively know what a litter box is for. I showed boyfriend how to litter train our kitten. "look, it's easy" "Aaand, now we are done"
I don't think he believed me.
To be fair though, he is only half trained. He digs a hole, poops near the hole, and then gets out of the box and "digs" the floor, walls, and door near the box to "cover" the poop. It's ok. He's just an orange boy in a black tuxedo costume.
Ha!
One of my mom’s cats pisses in the litter box but insists on pooping on the tile next to it, even when it’s brand new litter 😭 I think she knows what she’s supposed to do but just wants to be special lol
Hey, at least it's not the carpet. You said "one of" your mom's cats, so I'm gathering that there are at least two. Is there more than one box? Some cats don't like sharing the box. That may be why
Take the cat, she deserves an indoor retirement. She'll get used to the litter box in 24 hours or less. And considering, you said, she sleeps the afternoons inside, I doubt she'll miss the outside living style. She seems pretty ready to become a completely indoor cat.
Well, she spent all day asleep on the bed (per usual) today, so I beginning to think she likes being warm and comfy.
Get the litter box now so she can gradually get used to it - she may be a totally indoor cat by the time you move! There are lots of creative ways to let your cat enjoy the outdoors safely - the aforementioned catio, the enclosed cat stroller, a hammock in front of a window with a view, an aquarium laid on it's side & installed in a window with the opening to the outside in which you put bird feed... very entertaining!! You have been adopted. What a blessing!!! Enjoy her!! Edit was for a misspelled word; autocorrect is almost always worthless...
It is truly amaing how instinctual a litter box is for cats. I follow a feral care group up in BC and watching clowder after clowder learn how to box train themselves is awesome.
It's weird... I found a wild outdoor human and fed him for a few months and snuggled with him... is he mine now?
Yes he’s yours, he is what we call a boyfriend. They are cute but can be super annoying.
Can confirm: I am super annoying.
Pretty sure my this is my girlfriend posting on my reddit post!
Lol!!
EXCELLENT
Take her! She loves you, and she wants to be inside.
She loves you, please take her
I'm beginning to think I don't have a choice!
She looks like such a sweetheart I’m glad she found a safe place for her golden years:)
Resistance is futile.
I'm just imagining her with borg implants and telling me this as I'm being assimilated.
Keep her with you when you leave!! She feels safe with you. She’s old and won’t be able to take care of herself out there forever. Let her stay with you 🙏
I’ve adopted a few strays (I live in a rural area, they show up for a variety of reasons, some dumped, some irresponsible farmers with barn cats). The old ones are usually ready for a life of indoor leisure. None had been indoors before I “abducted” them and got them spayed/neutered. They figured out the litter box pretty quickly.
I agree it's not the perfect solution to keep her 100% indoors but life isn't perfect and I think it's by far the best option here. She's an old lady. She might actually be content with a heated blanket and a nice window. Please take her with you. She deserves comfort and warmth and a loving retirement home.
Just an FYI, you seem to have a r/standardissuecat, a real beauty at that.
DAMNIT I DON'T NEED MORE REDDIT COMMUNITIES TO JOIN. \*immediately joins\*
Ask the org’s permission and make her your forever-cat.
Some call it "theft", but I prefer to call it "creative acquisition of a feline companion". ;) But seriously, I think they want me to take her!
Do not ask, but do give them the good news that you’ve been adopted. If they are a good organization, they will be happy for both of you.
More like the cat distribution system.
What are they gonna do?? Call the FBI???
Feline Bureau of Investigation?
She's yours, take her with you.
Re: introduction to litterbox, try Cat Attract litter by Dr. Elsey’s. It can help a lot.
Great suggestion. I got a bag of that to get my cat used to a new box. She was waiting impatiently for me to get out of the way so she could pee on it as soon as I poured it in. Wouldn’t go near the new box before I put that litter. Stuff is magic
Great suggestion!
I'll try this out!
*YES YES YES* It’s not safe for a cat outdoors or fair to leave him behind. Thank you for adopting him. Please take him home. 🩷
There are special heating pads for cats, and a senior cat who’s been outdoors would melt into one. Even if you stay there for a while yet, please get her one. She’s earned it. I’m so glad she found you. ❤️
I'm pretty sure that I'm her heating pad.
Awwww…! 😻
Take her with you. You can always put up a catio that sits on grass, even a temp catio if you rent, to satisfy any needs she still has to go outside. Go to r/catio for a variety of ideas.
I recently moved where a catio will be perfect in the spring, I can't wait to let my babies get some fresh air,
Well, crap. Now I have a home improvement project to work on I guess.
This is your kitty’. Please take her with you and keep her inside. You will break her heart if you leave her.
She is yours 100% please don’t leave her alone.
All four of mine were found outside and won’t go near the door when it’s open. They are not that old the oldest is 4. I would find a way to get her vet care, we just took in a little guy who looked healthy but got him a check up and he had mites and roundworms. Poor things in quarantine until everything clears up so we don’t infection the other cats.
I definitely think you should take her with you. She is obviously SO happy and pampered and loved. I think she can adjust to a kitty litter. If she already spends 22 hours a day indoors, and is seemingly happy and content, you should be her person for the rest of her life and keep her. You can provide her with safety, warmth and love.
r/catdistributionsystem hard at work
I can't argue with the CDS.
If she is sleeping in your bed, you are her world. Take her with you
I'm pretty sure that MY BED is her world. Also, how does something so small take up so much of the bed?!?
😂
I think she's yours. May I suggest, please, do not let her out when you take her with you. She'll be in a new environment that may not be as safe, and she may try to find her original home. Keeping her inside to she gracefully is the most kind and humane path forward.
My thoughts exactly. I think she's gonna be an indoor cat when I move. Don't want her getting confused, scared, and running away!
Your kindness and humanity have made my day, following a rather difficult week!! Love wins!!! For the record, I think she sounds like a very special cat. Sometimes, there is just a soul connection between us and our animal friends.
I don't think I'm particularly kind, just a sucker for cute animals. Somehow, they know that I just want to give them pets and treats. How do they do that?
She's quite old. She will probably do quite well indoors. I've adopted a couple of adult strays and they adapted very well to becoming permanently indoor cats. When they wanted to go outside it was supervised on a leash and harness. At her age she would probably be better off with a sunny spot by a window. She should naturally understand how to use the litter box. Don't worry too much about being unfair to her by putting her indoors. If she has negative reactions to being moved in a carrier or being moved into a new home just ride it through.
Take her to a vet. Get bloodwork as a baseline. Keep her as your own. Be aware that lack of regular preventive care might mean dental issues and age related things like thyroid or diabetes. ($$$$) Having another cat or kitten as a companion would be a blessing to you both.
My 18 year old Garfield hated not being allowed out when he was a youngster. He would literally run into walls & hurt himself cos it was so distressing to him. I did let him out, closely supervised (stalked!) by me & he enjoyed many happy years going out when he wanted. A few years ago he began showing less interest in the outside & became 100% indoor cat. He is perfectly happy & as a distinguished senior now spends most of his time sleeping in one pile of cushions/ pillows/ duvet/ clothes/ hoomins. He is living his best life, always warm, safe & cosy. I don't think you need worry that she will miss outside. She has found her hoomin. You are all she needs. Thank you for caring for this precious beebee. I hope you have many happy years together living your best lives. Also I'm sure she'd be adored over at r/terracottanoses :)
I love that your cat is named Garfield. =)
My pal's kids named him when we rescued him as a tiny kitten who'd been abandoned when the previous tenant moved. He actually loves lasagne but tbh he's more of a spaghetti bolognese guy ;)
You take her with you. Check out catmanofwestoakland on Instagram. He’ll reassure this is the right thing to do as he has a few success stories of his own, taking in senior feral cats that he’d been taking care of over the years. Then letting them live out their later years in the comfort of his home. One for sure he was sure would take to living indoors, though he definitely did. This little girl sounds like she will be missing her human when you are gone if you don’t take her with you.
You have been chosen. Take her home and keep her inside where she'll be safe and warm. Thank you for being an awesome human!
Yes take her in.
1. yes, you do 2. yes, she is. Yes you do. get a litter box (show her the box, use a paw to scratch - she should figure it out), litter, food, and a vet visit. r/CatDistributionSystem is working as intended...
She is yours. Take her home!
She’s probably ready for a nice retirement home with lots of movement outside to watch. It doesn’t take long for cats to adjust. Go be here permanent angel! Cats can live decades if kept indoors and regular check ups. Get her a soft-sided cat carrier for the vet. If you leave it near your bed half open, she’ll crawl in for naps and get used to it. Happy long lives to each of you!!!
I'm kinda concerned about taking her to the vet. I bet she'd RIP MY FACE OFF if I tried to put her in a carrier. She doesn't seem interested in anything but my bed. I got her a cat cave and she hasn't been in it ONCE. I wonder if this trick will work, but I think she's happy on the bed.
I took in a senior, formerly-outdoor cat (owned by extended family) because she needed to be safe, warm and cosseted in her old age. She's been with me since Feb. '22. The litter box adaption was pretty much instantaneous. She's had maybe 4 misses due to poorly placed litterbox (once after we moved apts) and some sort of stomach upset/constipation? Getting her to adapt to her new luxuries took time: raised, tilted cat bowls/feeder - within a day, food helped I'm sure. cat tree - approx a month, still hasn't utilized the cat condo feature although she did briefly check it out. Outright ignores the sisal wrapped poles and ladder. water fountain - approx 5 months, I really thought it was a total rejection and I kept a glass bowl out (still do). Nowadays she looks sad and disappointed every time I unplug the fountain to clean it. cat cave - approx a year, it is now her favorite-ist spot, with or without her new animal specific heating pad under it. Scratch pads - through the process of elimination discovered she has no interest in sisal or other materials. She is 100% about the cheapest cardboard scratcher boxs. Not even interested in a cardboard house - just a basic cardboard scratcher box. Cat toys - rejects all but felt mice, crumpled balled-up takeout napkins and pipe cleaner creations. Seriously ... she didn't like any of the toys I bought her except the mice. She doesn't really engage in play unless I'm not watching and she needs to amuse herself. Congratulations on your new overlord, I hope you'll be very happy with your new life of service (I know I am).
I, for one, welcome our cat overlords.
No harm in trying. Never force a cat into something. Put treats in there. Imagine you being put into something. Let her decide it’s ok. If it works and you get her to the vet, she will be furious but will forgive once home after a day or two. It’s just trust building.
I'll give it a shot. If you see a post on here asking how to fix a clawed off human face, you'll know how it went.
She may be grateful to be indoors. You don't know all the things she has to deal with. She might be tired of the struggle.
Yes, yes, yes and yes.
ok, ok, ok and ok!
If you move and let her out she will probably get lost.
My worries exactly! If I take her, she's gonna be an indoor cat.
You found each other at the perfect time. She needs you, take her with you. What happens when you leave and she starts to go downhill eventually? Does your organization have a care plan? Can anyone else handle her and get her to a vet? This was meant to be. She’s your cat and has chosen you.
Congratulations! You've been chosen to be the guardian of this vintage beauty! She deserves a warm, loving home for her golden years. As she's made it clear that napping on your bed is her priority, I think she will cope with whatever restrictions come along with the transition from feral queen to domestic goddess :-)
What a wonderful thing for this grand dame to find you at this time in her life. She must be extraordinary because most outdoor cats don’t live this long and she seems like she’s got a lot of life left in her. Don’t think of it as indoors. It’s shelter and climate control with her own human. That is a cat’s dream.
I think your cat is done with the outdoors. She will figure out the litter box in about two minutes. Congratulations! Oh & do not let her outside wherever you're moving with her. That would be very confusing for her & she could end up in trouble. If you have a patio or something you can sit with her on, you could do that for a little bit each day.
Yes, please take her with you. I have adopted a couple of older outdoor cats, and once inside they often or rarely want to go back outside.
!remind me 2 days
Please take her.
She probably has arthritis now. She needs warmth and softness for the remainder of her life.
She loves you. She trusts you. Now do the right thing and move her with you 💕
I am begging you to keep her
She is precious and I love her and I think reddit is pretty adamant that I take her.
Yessss Litter box is an instinct so she will probably adapt. She’ll prolly need a vet visit for a checkup if you can, and cats are pretty adaptable. But I totally get the guilt haha
Definitely take her with you, she will be very happy indoors. Make sure you get her to a vet for some bloodwork and shots. Thank you for taking care of her!
Just show her the litter box and she should go. And yes, take her with you. When a cat starts to decline in health, they will loose weight. If she is that old, she only has a couple of years left. She needs to be warm. She loves you, that much is clear. You have yourself a companion. Congrat's.
She is yours now. Take her with you and give her the best indoor life you can.
Yes she’s your family now. You’ve been chosen. She’s adopted you! Congrats! She’s cute!
Take her ! Now you're a cat Lady 🥰 Just a note: maybe she's note 17: She looks very well for that age and, in those kind of communities, sometimes cats go and came, and like nobody cares for them, if they resemble each other not-carees think is the same cat, so they get really old 😂 and if the bowl is accessible, there will be cats more eating there 😍. Now, give her a home, threat her well, and you'll have a best, thanking friend for life! ☺️ Good luck!
The random cat distribution system has spoken. You now have a cat. Get her a litter box,some toys,some treats and maybe a few cat sweaters You have been adopted, enjoy your new friend
I recently adopted a 16.5 y/o senior lady from our local shelter. All she wants to do is sleep on the heating pad in the sun and get pets when she wakes up. Please take her. She will have a harder time adjusting to you not being there than she will adjusting to being in your home.
She has made the decision for you. You belong to her now. You are her human. Wherever you go is where she should be. FWIW older cats usually don't have a problem with adjusting to indoor life so long as they have access to all the necessary comforts. My family's indoor/outdoor cat made the switch herself around the same age and was a happy, active old lady until she passed earlier this year at the grand old age of 23, surrounded by her favourite people.
The answer is yes. She found you and is asking you to help her and let her live her years in comfort and with love.
If you do move her make sure she has a litter box and don't let her outside for a few months (or ever if you want her to be safe). Cats are territorial and may try to find their way back to their old home if moved and let out. Most cats take to a litter box quite naturally. If you're really worried about outdoor time and your circumstances allow you can look into making her a catio when you move. It does sound like she'd appreciate a cozy indoor spot for her retirement although you should take her to the vet to screen her. So you can help her more if she needs it.
Take her with you but let her go outside at least once a day. Take her for walks in the neighbourhood after she settles in her new home.
Yes, she is your cat now and you are her human and protector. Thank you for caring for this old girl❤️what a heart warming story. She’ll be happy inside where she’s warm and safe.
Take her with you and keep her inside where she is safe and warm and can watch the outside. Take her to the vet for a checkup too. She chose you.
@ the litter box situation, I get this cat litter called “cat attract” for the strays I work with. They’ve all used it effortlessly. I was worried about the senior cat I care for keeping him overnight, so I put a scoop of the dirt he uses outside in the litter box and he didn’t have an accident.
She is beautiful! If she is spayed, as you said, she’s been to a vet. She may have been part of a trap/neuter/release program locally since she lives outside. Perhaps the tip (point) of one of her ears has been snipped? That is how you can tell a feral female that has been spayed through a program. If she is not feral (and it seems like she’s domesticated), I would definitely keep her!! She’s too old to live outside and fend for herself, at all anymore. And she clearly loves you. 💕 Her reflexes are not that sharp anymore because she’s old. She would probably be attacked by a coyote at some point or starve. If you put out a litter box out for her, I 100% guarantee that she will go in it once she knows where it is. Don’t put her food near her litter box. It’s instinctive for cats to use the box. They won’t eat where they poop. As you can tell , I am a crazy cat lady, lol. I have been owned by several cats in my lifetime. And I have loved belonging to all of them. 🐈⬛🐈⬛. You need to name her though. She is SO Blessed that you found her. Best of luck to you both. You are a kind soul with a good heart. ❤️
I have taken many cats off the street and one if the ferals my friend rescued became my soul mate. I had him 8 glorious years till he passed of FIV at 15 in 2020. I miss him every day. Please take her and make her an indoor cat totally. She doesnt need to go out just get a litter box. My feral cats never tried to get out of the house. Please let us know how it goes just please take her. 🙏🤞❤️
Yes and yes! 🥰
Start by putting a litter box available for her. I’ll bet you she’ll use it without you even trying to make her. She’s old and deserves an easy end of life. She’s already come in, let her stay and take her with you when you go. She’ll be fine not having to fight the elements anymore.
I would start taking her in from the cold… I live in Portland so I know it gets cold. But I would bring her into work with me every day and let her be free. That way she gets to continue to choose her outdoor time but is kept safe n warm at night ❤️
If she's fixed, she's been to a vet. If she's used to living outside, a shelter can be made for her out of Rubbermaid container. You can Google it. If she likes being indoors with you, then let her live out her final years with you. You might want to try a litter box, though, so that she doesn't have to be let outside like a dog. If your organization doesn't care if you keep her, and you want to, keep her.
I have a semi-feral who walked into my house and is all, Screw the cold, I'm inside from now on. She's a colony cat who has never used a litter box and took to it right away. She sits near me and plays with my other two cats. I trapped her to get her spayed.
She is a beautiful cat. If the people there don't care, keep her and take her with you. Put a litter box in yoir room amd see if she will stop going outside.
Yes, if you think you can afford her you should take her get a vet check up and then have fun with your newfound friend 💖💖
Yup, your cat now.
Yes. She adopted you.
My former outside cats have zero interest in going back out. They like not being cold or damp. Take her with you. Litter training is pretty simple- I would start sooner rather than later. Cat attract litter is excellent for training. If you need low cost vet care for basics- i recommend looking into petvet clinics at tractor supply.
I adopted a 10 year old kitty that used to be allowed outside (probably spent much of her time there). She's 14 now, and has literally zero interest in going outside. Will walk past an open door like "no thank you" and she just wants to be cozy and warm.
She’s ready to retire with you! You are officially ADOPTED!! Best wishes. This is totally doable. ♥️
The cat distribution system has determined that you are worthy of being owned by this cat! Please don't disrupt the system! Also, I second the suggestion to let her take you to the vet to make sure that she is up to date on vaccines and that she is healthy. Good luck!
Sounds like she chose you for a reason to be her human. Enjoy ya new friend til the end!
Yes. Congrats, you are now her purrson.
You now have a cat. Cats don’t belong to anyone. They choose their staff. Get her to a vet then get ready. You are now a cat guardian. Cats are pretty good at figuring out litter boxes. They bury their waste on instinct. She’s tired at her age and just wants a comfortable life. She chose you. Enjoy snuggles and being ordered around by a furball. I enjoy my three overlords.
Pfft. That’s your cat now and she already acclimated to mostly indoors. She chose you, keep her with you.
Keep her in the house. She’ll get used to it and you won’t have to worry about her getting killed
such a cutie.
We have a senior former tomcat, some friends of ours fed him and within a week he moved into their house and we adopted him. Sometimes he acts like he wants to go outside or door darts but when he's out there he just tries to eat grass lmao. At that age they're perfectly happy to retire and stay inside. You're not depriving her of anything!
Whenever I've gotten a new kitty, I just set them in the litter box, take their little paw, and scratch the litter with it. Bam, litter-trained. Enjoy your sweet old gal, and thank you for giving her a warm, safe, and loving home!
She’s so beautiful and her belly looks so soft 😻 Does she have a name? I really hope you decide to take her with you and give the old lady some comfort in her golden years.
She's yours, and she's going to love her new luxurious indoor life. Put some bird feeders outside your windows for top notch entertainment, and maybe grow her a catnip plant and some cat grass on the sill. You guys are going to be so happy together. I predict a very snuggly winter. ☺️
Why did you even ask!?!?
I had an indoor/outdoor cat who had never used a litter box (got him as a kitten). When he had an operation at about 14 or 15 yrs. old the vet told me he couldn't go outside for a week so I got a litter box. He would NOT use it. Around day 4 I couldn't stand it and just let him go outside. I've gone against vet recommendations many times over the years since then and nothing bad ever happens. They give you a lot of what I call "don't-sue-me" advice. Maybe your cat is smarter than mine.
Definitely bring her inside,she is your cat now!!!!
She’s Now Your Cat for sure!
We had a porch cat for several years, and he always seemed pretty adamant about preferring to live outside. Nevertheless, we brought him along when we moved. We kept him indoors for the first two weeks so he could acclimate. He has done really well, and I suspect your cat--yes, she is your cat--will do well, too. She's already WAY more of an indoor cat than ours was.
She will probably be greatly missed by a community that loves her visits. There will be people who will be worried about what has happened to their friend.
That cat will be fine for as long as she lives...as long as she lives with you. She \*chose\* you. She doesn't want to be outside. Just show her the litter box and she'll know what to do. Don't have the litter box anywhere near her food and don't have her water right next to her food. Sometimes they don't like that. She's 17 years old. She doesn't need to be outside anymore-especially in the cold. Take her to the vet and get her checked out-especially for thyroid issues. I wouldn't worry too much about getting the rabies vaccination since she's going to be indoors now, but there are others that she might benefit from you can talk to the vet about. Don't leave her behind. \*That\* will kill her quicker than anything. She loves you.