how to get my cat to stay in again?

Question

hi my cat spike came to us about 8 years ago, as a semi feral he was bad tempered, full of fleas and worms and half staved, he has been quite happy with us for those 8 years, hes never been a people cat we can touch as and when he chooses, he claimed the spare room as his and would sleep on the wardrobe. earlier this year he went missing for a couple of days, then he came back he would not stay in the house just coming in for food if i tryed to get close to him he would spit and run away, next doors black cat went missing before spike did, i was talking to them the other day i asked if they had found their cat, she said we thought we had we managed to get him in but he was wild we locked him in for a couple of days but had to let him go, she then said that she thought the cat they locked in wasn't theres, i think it could have been my spike, and now he totally mistrusts humans, what can i do to make him stay at home now winter is coming, he is coming in to eat 2 or 3 times a day, i don't want to lock the cat flap and make him worse, any ideas would be appreciated,

Update:

he is coming in for food he just wont stay in, for a sleep and i hate him out its pouring with rain today, maybe as it gets colder he might come in more

kattaddorra · Accepted Answer

Spike was obviously very traumatised at being locked in next door and he now doesn't trust anyone not to do that again.How on earth did they not know it wasn't their cat ?  Cats with feral in them get very unhappy and stressed when trapped, so it will take him time to get over his trauma.
Don't worry too much, let him come and go as he pleases so that he sees you aren't going to force him to stay in. The main thing is he's coming in for food and a sleep and as you say, as it gets colder he will probably stay in more  if you just let him choose.
Ferals are born with extra thick fur, they have a protective layer under their top coat and can stand a lot of bad weather. 
When he comes in make it very pleasant for him, talk to him and  give him treats so he associates coming in with feeling welcome and loved.

Anonymous · Answer

This could just be his preference; sad, but true. Or, maybe there's another family.

Always keep food and water outside for him, so he can eat and drink when he needs to.

You could try luring him in with his favorite treats repeatedly, on a regular schedule, and he could get used to coming back in.

Unicornrider · Answer

He seems happier being able to choose when he comes indoors, since he never "took' to the indoors, clearly. If you force the issue, he'll find a way out again, and most likely not let himself be caught again.

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how to get my cat to stay in again?

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