Cat likes the outdoors, so don’t try to change him
Q: A very friendly cat showed up seven months ago. It turns out that Russell belongs to someone who lives across the street. My neighbor initially had him neutered and chipped. Then Russell disappeared for several years. My neighbor got a call that Russell had been found. No one knows where he was. We started feeding him and we became attached. Russell works the neighborhood and many people like him and feed him but he spends more time here. In the past he has slept on a bench on our porch. I have no idea where he goes when he leaves here. It’s cold at night and I worry about him. My neighbor said Russell has never been much of an indoor cat. I tried putting out a wicker cat house and Russell would have nothing to do with it. We would let him in our house but he is not litter box trained and he does have claws.
Dr. Nichol: It’s good that Russell still has his claws; they’re an important part of his anatomy. He loves his life as a vagabond and, while he is a social butterfly, some things, like where he spends his nights, are private. He has an alternative lifestyle. We won’t judge him; we will accept him for who he is. He makes his own rules and he don’t need no stinking litter box.
Like most mature cats Russell is set in his ways. Trying to lure him inside would stress him and diminish his life. He likes it outside. He is street smart, with a lifetime of experience staying safe regardless of the weather. I agree with making a snug outdoor enclosure available for him. He might actually use an insulated igloo if it were elevated on a high shelf. Orient it toward the exterior wall of your house so wind can’t blow directly into it.
Finally, for Russell’s well-being and the safety of his loyal supporters, be sure he is protected against infectious disease. Rabies, the feline distemper/ upper respiratory combination, and leukemia vaccinations should be kept current. An annual exam would identify problems that might otherwise shorten his life. You can enjoy Russell’s friendship but it will have to be on his terms.