Hi,

I'm not an experienced pet owner in any way, me and my neighbour have been feeding a family of 4 feral cats (siblings) for a while. They were born in the wild and have always lived across our back gardens. We recently decided to get them neutered after one of them gave birth to a litter of kittens (all but one we managed to rehome).

They are unsocialised feral cats, about a year old, but they are not vicious or hissy when you get close to them, instead they are very timid and pretty much scaredy cats, they run a mile if you make any sudden movements, etc.

So.. I bought a humane cat trap, and booked a vet visit. I caught one on Tuesday evening, and took it to vets on Wednesday to get spayed (didn't know the sexes, but this one is female). Vet advised to get her vaccinated too. The vet has used disposable stitches so I don't have to bring her back for a second visit. I just have to keep her indoors for a week, check the wound has healed and then release her.

I've put her in the porch with a (open) carry case, an enclosed fleece bed, mat, cushion, litter tray (though she isn't litter trained).

Sorry for the long background.... but problem is that she looks traumatised She won't come out of the back of the carry case. And more worryingly she hasn't eaten or drunk anything since Tuesday when I caught her. I've tried all sorts to tempt her, wet food, dry food, tuna, scrambled egg. Any attempt to tip her out of the carry case severely stresses her out, she runs about wildly trying to escape and then hides in a corner again.

I feel terrible, the vet advised to phone back Friday if she still hasn't eaten. Just thought I would post here for any advice.

Thanks

Firstly welcome to PF and well done for taking care of all those ferals.

The poor thing probably is traumatised in view of all she's been through these last few days. Her reaction is not uncommon either. Are you absolutely sure she's not drunk anything? She may have taken a few sips. Not sure what to suggest about food but I wonder if you'd have more luck with plain chicken or sardines or ham? Warming the food might also help as this enhances the aroma. I'd imagine at this stage she is quite hungry and hopfully it's only a matter of time before she finally gives in! Did the vet mention about her receiving any IV fluids during/after the operation?

Sorry not sure what else to suggest but I hope the vet will be able to give you a better idea tomorrow.

Thanks

Positive that she's not eaten, but I suppose she could have drunk a little. I have a feeling she's not ventured out of the carry case. She must be starving, thanks for the food suggestions,will give it a try, and will ask vets tomorrow about IV fluids, unsure what was given after the op.

Attached a pic of her during happier pre-captured times

Attached Images

IMAG0417c.jpg (65.1 KB, 21 views)

try making her a den. Either cover the carrier up with a sheet and put the food under there or cover a chair with a sheet and leave the food underneath. It worked with mine when I first got them made them feel safer I think.