Moving feral cats

meuzettesmom

TCS Member
Thread starter
Super Cat
Joined
Oct 3, 2011
Messages
829
Purraise
106
Location
In paradise, under a cat pile
I have a friend who feeds two ferals. He wants to find a new home and wants to take the ferals with him. But he doesn't want them in the new house. They hate the inside of homes. Can he do this? Or will he have to leave them behind? Can he relocate ferals?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

mani

Moderator and fervent feline fan
Staff Member
Moderator
Joined
Feb 28, 2012
Messages
46,571
Purraise
23,328
Location
Australia
I've asked a mod to send this over to 'Caring for Strays and Ferals'... You'll get a better response there I think..
 

ondine

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
5,312
Purraise
780
Location
Burlington, North Carolina
It is possible to move ferals to new locations but it takes planning and dedication.  He will need to confine the cats to the new yard.  A shed is good.  I used a large dog crate inside our shed, so when I opened the door, the cat couldn't get out.

He can also use a large dog crate (or two linked together).  If the dog crates are used, there has to be shelter of some sort, too, (a doghouse attached firmly to the crate opening, for instance).  In either of these scenarios, the cats will need a litter box, which will also need to be covered from the weather.

If he can get cat-proof fencing around the new yard, that would be ideal.  There are many types available, from soft netting to systems that are attached to current fencing.

They cats need to be confined to the new area for a minimum of two weeks - more is better.  That way they will get used to the new sights, sounds and especially smells.  This will help them begin to understand this is "home."

I know a lady who moved an entire colony from Delaware to southern New Jersey (12 cats).  Her husband works in construction and made arrangements for a construction fence (six feet high chain link) on the new property.  They put deer netting on the top of the whole fenced in area (about 20 feet x 20 feet) and secured it to the sides at the top.  She has not had once cat wander or run away from their new home since they removed the fence.

Moving feral cats is really no different than moving with a house cat.  They, too, have to be confined until they learn they are in their new home.

Good luck!
 
Top