Transferring a station?

I inherited a feeding station about half a block from my house, from a woman who's sick now and can't take care of them. Most of the cats there (except 2 or 3) come to my feeding station under my apt building and eat with us as well as in their own station. I'd like to transfer their station and unite it with mine, because it's easier for me and also because the other station is constantly harrassed by mean neighbors, while my station is in a tiny patch of land with grass that's no one's land, so no one harrasses the cats here nor has any claims. It's also shady, leafy, quiet and lovely, with park benches for me, and for the cats to sit under if they're feeling insecure while eating, and very supportive neighbors. The other one is in a filthy corner of a parking lot next to the road, right under the windows of the mean neighbors.

Anyone have any ideas on how to do the transfer? Because there's a road in the middle, moving the bowls each day will not be an option, I think.

The main problem is that my colony shooes the ones from the other colony away. I've heard that if I put enough food for all, they'll accept new members...

If all the cats except 2 or 3 come to your station, simply stop feeding at the other station. The cats will wander over, see the massive amount of food, and learn that is the new place. As for the 2 or 3, I have a feeling they would get the hint pretty soon when they stopped seeing the other cats around and they'd follow their scent to your station.

I'm terrified that they might not. They are 2 huge cats that look more like small tigers. I had never seen any cats like that. But they have the sweetest, humblest hearts.

I agree with rad65 on this one. The normal method for moving a feeding station is to move it a small bit at a time - but with a road in the middle, this really isn't an option. It's not a busy road, I hope?

But as there are only 2-3 that would need to make their way to the "new" (to them) station - and its safer for them there anyway - I think to just stop feeding them in the old location makes the most sense.

It is normallly intact animals that create colony problems. We've had a couple of really aggressive cats over the years cause problems even once neutered - but you're right. Basically putting out enough food is important - and if there are food aggressive animals, then putting out more bowls over a larger area can help dispel the problems. The more aggressive ones will eat first, and the more timid need there to be food left over so there's still some for them to eat.

I am confused... I thought you were going to stop feeding the intact cats until someone who could TNR them was able to take care of it first? Am I missing something?
Isn't it better to not feed the intact strays ferals and instead just TNR, or if nothing can be done, do nothing at all? I was under the impression that was better than feeding the cats as that can create a bigger problem?
Am I totally wrong?

Carolina, you're not wrong. If you can't sterilize the cats, it's best to do nothing. That said, in another post, apparently these cats are part of a managed colony the OP has inherited, and apparently the municipality supports TNR and will bear the cost.

What I wouldn't give for something like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LDG - Yes, we have a very good municipality for cats, for PR campaign reasons. Some rejected, suffering minorities get pampered in this city. They will also send an ambulance for free if you call about an injured or trapped stray!! But they're useless at helping with the trapping, that's why I'm looking for a good, low-cost trapper, because I'm useless too.

Carolina, I guess my posts seem disconnected because I've been sharing the news in different threads.

Originally Posted by straysmommy

I'm looking for a good, low-cost trapper, because I'm useless too.

Click to expand...

Have you tried trapping? It's relatively straightforward, and you have lots of help here.