Outcast Cat

Question
We have two 8 year old male cats (brothers - rescue cats). They have always spent most of their time outside however would always come home in the evenings for food and company. They always slept together on the same cat bed.  After 3 years we moved house and from that point Rumple spent most of his time in and around the house and Mungo would just come home for food.  A year later and we moved again (to our current house) and there was a role/territory reversal.  Now Mungo is the one who is in and around the house the most.  Initially Rumple came home for food and would occasionally come in for company however it has now got to the stage where even food does not tempt him home.  We occasionally see him in the garden however have no way of getting him to come to us or into the house.  Firstly we miss him and secondly we have no way of getting him to come to us to take him to the vets if he becomes ill or to give him worming/flea treatments.

Answer
Helen,

It sounds as if he may have found a new home. He more than likely does not like the new home you moved into. Maybe because of previous pet smells. He knows you are there but he is upset at you because of the move and is ignoring you. Older cats do not take stress and change as well as a younger cat. You can rent a trap and try to trap him but a miserable cat inside where he doesn't want to be is not good for anyone, including the cat.

He may come around but if he was a feral rescue, he may revert back to the feral state. The longer he is gone the better the chances are that if he didn't find a new home, then he may become semi-feral.

Weather permitting, I would put his old cat bed in the garden so he can smell a familiar smell and his favorite food. If he is eating it, and not other animals, then keep moving it a little bit closer to the house.

He is where he wants to be. The rest is up to him. You can't force him to like the new house. When you see him keep talking to him so he recognizes your voice but don't try to catch him. Hopefully you will see him more and he will eventually come to you of his own free will.

Tabbi