How wonderfully sweet of you, especially given that you're not "cat people". May I offer a suggestion? Bring her in. I'm betting that you'll become "cat people" before too long. Seriously - please consider it. It sounds as though she's very much a "people cat" and you and she would benefit greatly from a new relationship.

With respect to your dog, believe me, they work it out. They do.

If you're insistent upon her living outside (oh, please, let her in!), then yes, she'll probably figure it out. But ... a lovely little creature that will add to your lives, and you to hers? I'm urging you to step outside your comfort level and give it a try. In my experience, non-cat people become fierce cat people when they open their homes to one

Just MHO.

Suzieque

She is allergic. The dog and cat might work it out but an allergy is a dealbreaker. I am allergic too although i love most animals.The cat will go where she wants to go. I feed several stray cats at my workplace. I work nights and in the dead of winter they don't seem to mind the cold. Their fur grows thicker to accommodate the colder temps. But you should keep the cooler out there for when it rains or snows to provide shelter or just a good hiding place,which kitties love. She will realize eventually what it's for.

That's fine. But for me and probably for others,it is a dealbreaker. Cats make my eyes swell shut. I can't touch them without immediately washing my hands and can't have one inside or in my car without it affecting me. I would never have one in my home.It's very kind of her to feed the little fur baby,especially as she didn't seek to adopt a cat. And it is above and beyond to go to the trouble of researching and building an outdoor shelter for it. The cat will go in it if she wants.

aldefanti

If you are really concerned about the cat staying outside and are unable or unwilling to bring it in due to your allergies or you are worried about the cat and dog getting along,perhaps you could find a nice home for it. I know it can be difficult to find someone to adopt a cat. She does sound like she would be a good companion to someone though. Meanwhile, you are doing all you can. You said the cat seems content. My sister has 9 outdoor only cats,as she has a lot of property to keep free of rodents. They have shelters similar to what you describe. With the exception of 3 younger cats, they are all over 8 years old and doing fine. I might suggest that she be fixed and vaccinated,as it will improve the quality and length of her life,if you are able and willing to foot the bill for it.

SaltiDawg.

I agree. It is up to OP to decide. But as OP mentioned it as one reason to not bring the cat in, I would guess that not everyone is willing to take benadryl everyday in order to take in a stray cat. OP has done great things to provide food and attention and shelter for the cat. Nowhere in the post did OP ask if she should take the cat in. The question was how to get kitty to go into the shelter they made for it. It doesn't read as though bringing the cat inside was an option, but that's all the advice that was being given. Not everyone can do that. Perhaps OP will decide that the allergy is not severe enough to prevent the cat from coming in, but it seems like they want kitty to stay outside,and use the shelter they made instead.

amylou321

You win. I give up. lol

Thank you. That happens so rarely in my life. :) Maybe I should go buy some powerball tickets while I'm on a roll. Lol ;)

As long as the kitty has access to food, water and warm shelter out of the wind, she will be fine. I inherited an outside cat (she adopted me) that had previously belonged to two other neighbors. She lived her whole 16 years outdoors by her choice. I tried to bring her in once and she would have none of it. I think it's nice that you are providing shelter for the kitty and some attention when you can. If that is all you can offer, I think it is enough.

Do as my neighbor does and shut her in the barn every night. Provide some beds, lots of hay, food & heated water bowl and she should be fine.

If that's not doable, then set up acat house (I prefer one of the wood ones) near the front door (I think that's where she's hanging out). She may not like the confinement of the cooler since many animals don't like being in a container where there is no escape. If it were me, I would use a large cat house but I would add another opening on the opposite end and make sure it's not pushed up against a wall so she can exit thru either opening.

I understand the allergy issue. It can be intolerable, and often medication only helps slightly. Who wants to take medication for the 10+ years of a cat's life anyway??

Could you catch her in the evenings and lock her up somewhere? Garage? Move the box to the patio? Maybe she feels cornered in the box. Some cats like to be IN boxes (mine), so I wonder if a box open on the top with a blanket would work. Put it where she rests on the patio. I hope it isn't going to snow there, but surely it will at least rain. She cannot sleep in the snow or rain.

I would consider installing a cat flap on a basement window and setting up an indoor enclosure for her in the basement that you could also access for cleaning or checkin up on her - is there a room or something you could block off with a door? Or if you have animals in the barn that would help keep it warm in there - put cat flap on the barn. It would be much more comfy in the long run for the kitty if she could have a comfy warm space somewhere -those winter nights get so long!

She was obviously once someone's pet - she may not be cold so much as just wanting to be sociable and be inside with people. If she had been born a true feral you would not be able to get close to here without being shredded. Have you asked around to see if anyone's missing a cat? Of course it could be someone dumped her but you shouldnt assume that - its just as possible someone is heartsick at having lost her. (Im speaking as someone whose cat went missing for 6 wks)

As a life long allergy sufferer, it's totally understandable that an indoor cat is not an option. You have been given good advice re: setting up a comfortable space where the cat can indeed "figure it out". And indoor cats love to look longingly at the outside of the glass panels too:)

It's also an excellent idea to post on FB (or ask a member to do so) inquiring whether someone's lost her.

I understand that allergies may prohibit many people from having/touching/etc. pets. I really just meant that it's not an automatic deal-breaker - some allergies are less intense. As far as OP, yes, I applaud you for caring for this little one. You've gotten some great input here.

Thank you everyone - what a nice bunch of suggestions! The update is that Animal Friends finally called me back and the very kind girl confirmed what a few of you said. She will be fine outside and as long as I keep on giving her treats in the cooler house (not food), then she knows it is there and will use it if she gets cold enough. And the best news is they are running a special for spaying - $20 so I am taking her in and getting her shots and spayed. Yeah! I am not that worried anymore although it does tear me up a bit to see her staring through our door but I truly believe it is because she is so very social not because she is cold. See photo below!

Again thanks to you all for your quick replies!

#maybeiwillturnintoacatloverafterall ;)

Awww, LOL. That picture makes me laugh. Glad you are able to care for her in whatever way works for you both.

Oh no, that picture made me laugh and cry at the same time!! Please, did you have to post that....lol!! Now we have to suffer along with you with that photo in our minds!

I have picture of the opposite situation--my neighbor's indoor cat hungrily watching us outside through her glass window panes. Now that's a long-suffering look!

Awww, so sweet. Bless you for looking after her. It does make me sad, though, that such a wonderfully social little thing isn't having that part of her needs met (NOT that you're doing anything wrong!). Do you know anyone that could take her in and have her be a pet?

nannygoat........most likely you're entertainment for the neighbor's cat. My cat will sit and stare out the door for long periods but it doesn't mean she wants to go out. When she's doing this I usually open the door to see if she's interested in exploring ( I often give her supervised excursions on the deck) but her usual response is to just sniff thru the open door then retreat back into the house.

Maybe a softer lining in her 'home' (like an old blanket or t-shirt) would be more attractive to her? My little cat is finicky about surface textures - she seems to hate the feel of terrycloth towels, but loves my t-shirts & sweaters (& so kindly sheds all over them too).