I live in the tropics and in December a mother cat and her kittens appeared in the street: they were refugees when the disused building they lived in was bulldozed.
The kittens were tiny, and still nursing - I would guess about 3-4 weeks old.
I and some neighbours left food and water out and the kittens grew up tame and delightful, frolicking as they were fed and allowing themselves to be petted. Them other remained shy.
Once of age they were trapped and neutered by a charity then released back in our road. I continued to feed them nightly as does a neighbour.
Then I had to move about a quarter mile away. One of the cats has followed me - or expanded her territory to include my porch.
She's about 8-9 months now and very very friendly.
I have treated her for heart worm and fleas/ticks and invited her in, she loved it.
I would like to offer her a home, with her coming into the house when I'm around but going outside to poo and wee and remaining an outdoor cat who visits rather than a house cat with a litter tray.
(I have a toddler plus litter trays in the tropics are grim indoors).
Has anyone successfully adopted a stray/semi feral cat?
Any tips? For looking after and settling younger cats who have been living out.
I am happy to take her to the vet for shots once she's got more used to having a home.
I am quite worried about her pooing and doing wees inside; is she likely to do this to mark her territory?
She is padding her paws and scenting the outside mat and indoor rugs which I'm happy about but I don't want her to poo/wee here.
I had a rescue cat in the UK for ten years. But she arrived housetrained and never wandered far: she had a cat flap but we can't have one in this rented place.
So she will have to be invited in and let out again.
Sorry for essay. I really appreciate any help at all!