Adopted new Kitty have a question

About a month ago someone dumped a really sweet and very loveable 2 year old cat at my work. I work at a very busy state yard where we have lots of heavy equipment and other traffic moving around. She was very freaked out about the whole situation so after a call to my wife I decided to take her to the vet have her checked out and then bring her home to meet Nitro. Well we slowly introduced the two and all went well, she always wanted to go outside so last week we let her go outside. Now the little brat will not come back in. Question is should I make her come inside or let her have time. It gets really hot here and I leave plenty of water outside and there are plenty of trees to provide shade for her. I see other cats here outside and they all seem ok. I am just worried about the heat I don't want her to get dehydrated or anything else. I have never had a cat the wanted to be outdoors since I moved to Arizona.

Thanks

 

Hi, and congrats with the kitty
Are there a lot of outdoor dangers where you live? Like traffic, predators/wild life, many stray cats etc? If so, you might want to consider keeping her inside. If you choose to have her outside, make sure she gets her shots so she doesn't catch any diseases, and that she has enough food and water (like you're already doing) and a comfy bed or cathouse. Doesn't she even want to come in to be fed? Maybe you can bring her inside and give her some tasty food as a reward, and then gradually increase the time she spends inside? My cat is both indoors and outdoors and seems very happy with it. He loves to run and play outside, especially when the weather is good. But on rainy days he is curled up on the couch most of the time, and only gets up to eat :wink:

 

is she spayed? If she isnt spayed, that could be a reason why she really wants to go outside.

 

I know everyone has their own opinions on in/out....but mostly due to the area you are in I would keep her in for awhile. And also so she thinks she is home.
Heat stroke is a very real danger to a cat. Their coats are so well insulated they can easily overheat and you won't even be aware of it until the damage is done.
I had a cat get heat stroke - twice. She did end up with renal failure due to it.
The way I look at it - if I couldn't stand being outside for hours in any heat, animals shouldn't be subjected to it either.
So that's a good way to gauge it too.
also by keeping her inside for awhile she'll start considering herself to be home and be less apt to run off.

 

I got her shots when We took her to the vet. The vet also said she had already been spayed. There are no real dangers around other than the heat. I put in a kitty door in the back as well as one in my work shop. I run the AC in there all the time so it is nice in there as well. She goes in the shop all the time and sometimes the house so at least she doesn't get too hot in the day. Here is a pic from the other night.

 

interesting markings....what did you name her?

 

Well my wife thought she was brown/tan but that was because she was dirty. So she started calling her Sandy. 8)

 

I think that Sandy fits her, she has pretty markings as a calico owner they are special fur babies..... kudos to you for taking her in!!!

 

Yeah they are special. I was a little worried about how Nitro would act when I brought her home with him being almost 18, but I couldn't let anything happen to her at work. They have been really good actually. He did let her know the pillow was his so she cuddled up on my wifes pillow. She also has come in 3 nights in a row now. 8)

 

Good news she is beautiful

 

glad to hear that it is all working out well with Sandy and Nitro kudos to you!!

 

Sandy is a very pretty cat. Glad things have worked out so well.