Saving Feral Cats

The guidelines for managing a colony have to be strict: (a) The cats must be in a safe place; (b) caretakers must commit to long-term care, providing food, water and shelter and (c) the cats should be trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and identified by "ear-tipping" the left ear (removing the top quarter-inch). New cats entering the area should be assessed trapped and sterilized (this program is only for feral cats; those wild cats who have adapted to a feral existence and live in supportive colonies. Lost or abandoned domestic cats should be re-homed.

If the cats come from a long-established colony, they are probably too wild to be placed indoors. Relocation is possible, but is often difficult and time-consuming. Farms with barns are the most suitable places for relocation, but require an understanding and caring individual willing to spend time with the cats to acclimate them to their new home. Some folks want "barn" cats for rodent control without offering proper care (an unacceptable solution). Successful relocations depend on strict procedures that have developed over time.

Placing an older feral in a home can be traumatic for both cat and first-time caretaker. The cat may hide in terror, and trying to catch her for trips to the veterinarian can become a difficult. The ideal time to tame ferals is before they reach three months old. Some ferals caught just a month later at four months old can remain fairly wild, unless someone with experience with older ferals can work with with it.

Cats in such maintained colonies can have a good life, provided caretakers supply them with all the basic needs and provide veterinary care when needed. This requires a long-term commitment from people and such dedicated caretakers should be not be placed in the position and forced to euthanize the animals or be penalized for feeding stray and feral cats.

Dr. Andrew Rowan, while still with Tufts University Veterinary Medical School, observed that this resource of people willing to step forward to care for colonies is quite remarkable and should be helped, encouraged, and supported. Tufts has innovative programs for feral cats that has been in place for years. Teams of students have been sent annually to the Virgin Gorda Island - under the auspices of AnnaBell Washburn, a pioneer in the movement for the humane control of feral cats - to care for ferals found there.

Taming Kittens

Do not be fooled by cute little feral kittens! When you first bring them into your home, treat them with caution. They can inflict painful bites. Place them in a covered, warm carrier with food, water and litter. Move quietly and talk softly when you enter the room. Leave a radio playing soft music so they get used to human sounds. Usually, you can cover them with a towel and hold them firmly on your lap within twenty hours. Scruff them gently but firmly at the neck (this will not hurt them, but immobilizes them and allows you to work with them without injury to them or yourself!). Use interactive cat toys. They love playing with "Cat Dancers." If handled carefully, feral kittens can become tame within a short period, though, the older they are, the longer it will more likely take.

All feral kittens should be checked by a veterinarian and treated for parasites and fleas. Roundworms and coccidia are two problems most alley kittens seem to be infected with and they need to be treated immediately to prevent any major health problems.

Ferals often bond with the first caretaker who helps them, and some find it difficult if not impossible to bond with another human. If you are taming them for adoption, let them become exposed to many different people, and place feral kittens in new homes as soon as possible. They eventually make very lovable companions.

Tips While Caring For Ferals:

• If necessary, do some fundraising to help pay the bills. Initially, controlling colonies can be expensive. Ask your vet to consider a cost break, as you are helping to fix a neglected social problem.
• Get others involved. You will need help and support with feeding, trapping and placing kittens. Ask your local companion animal store to assist with adoption days and donations of cat food.
• Be careful not to take in too many cats. You may end up with a houseful of un-adoptable animals. Be prepared when you adopt out ferals that some may be returned to you, as some people cannot cope with cats who are the least bit "unfriendly" or timid.
• Tell people the cats they are adopting are feral. It is better for them to know what they are in for and that it may take weeks or months before they may finally have a lap cat, or that perhaps the feral may never be a lap cat.
• Make sure the cats you place are all neutered before placing, or that the new caretaker will neuter them. Have them all vet-checked and treat any health problems before placing. Have new caretakers sign an adoption agreement, and do house checks.
• Consider your local print and broadcast media for TV and newspaper coverage. The media is usually sympathetic to "Good Samaritans."