Moving With Outdoor Cat?

Cali showed up a few months ago and hasn't left. She's a sweet little stray that I and my family have grown quite fond of and now that we're moving next month we can't just leave her behind! I'm already heartbroken about leaving "Punkin" but he's far too feral to get in a crate, we can't even get close to him. But Cali is quite friendly with us so it would be irresponsible to leave her when she's become used to (and rather plump from lol) her twice daily meals and so loving towards us.

So now I'm left unsure how to make the transition to her new home?? How will I know she will return? We're moving to a second floor and I'm not sure she even knows how to climb stairs since she never goes upstairs. I've tried bringing her indoors but she freaks out, obviously been outdoors all her life. Has no idea what anything is inside. Should I force her to stay in for a few days before letting her out or any tips on getting her used to being indoors if need be? I just don't want to risk her running off and not coming home.

Oh boy, the issue will be acclimating her to the outside at the new place.

If she will be outdoors there why not trap the other kitty too? Take them both and acclimate them together.

I'm very sensitive about feral cats, if I had time right now to tell you a story of something a feral resident cat taught me very recently I would.

It might help your decision to take him too.

I will come back in the am.

How should I go about doing that?

I really can't afford a trap and idk how trapping would work since I only see him once or twice a week and we live in an apartment complex so I'm not sure where I'd place it.

If he did get trapped how would I transfer him? Would he even be ok in it for several hours?? I can easily transport Cali in my regular crate since she's friendlier than my own house cats! But this boy is feral and no doubt in my mind he would become aggressive if cornered or caged. I just hate the idea of him being left but I'm just not sure how all this works since I've always had indoor cats aside from when I was a kid but we never moved when we had them.

Which speaking of my house cats if anyone has suggestions for transporting them and making the move easier I'd greatly appreciate it! I don't worry too much about Oliver or Sally but I know this is going to be extremely stressful for Pinball between a new house and everyone being here to help move. He only cares for myself, my husband and my brother in law who lives with us, anyone else in the house and he is nowhere to be found!

CHWx said:

How should I go about doing that?

I really can't afford a trap and idk how trapping would work since I only see him once or twice a week and we live in an apartment complex so I'm not sure where I'd place it.

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Traps can be borrowed from rescues, spca, humane society, etc. Sometimes free, sometimes a $5.00 fee.

Sometimes just a deposit that you get back upon returning it.

What you would do is, each time you go out to feed have the trap with you as well as the bait. Leave the trap right inside the door in case he is there. If so, go back in, set the trap and carefully carry it out so it doesn't get set off.

Place it along side of the building, not out in the wide open.

Then get out of sight but able to see the trap. Have a towel with you so when he gets trapped you can rush over and cover the trap. He will immediately calm down.

He can stay in a trap a good 24 hours if need be.

But just remember, anyone who gets moved must be acclimated before setting them free outside or they will not know to stay, that this is their new home.

During this time you need to get him neutered, so find a place that does ferals free or $20.00. Usually free when the cat is unowned.

Do this in advance to avoid much delay.

Ask a rescue for help, explain that you have no way to acclimate him and see if you can get help with this. They can loan you a cage and help get it set up and him into it. Then cover it with a sheet except for the very front and get him to become at least acquainted with you and his new surroundings.

It sounds harder than it really is.

Regarding your cats and move, They will be much less stressed if you load them in carriers before the chaos starts.

You can even load the carriers into the back seat of the car, leave the door or windows open for air. They are good for several hours like this.

Cats are extremely patient.

Also be sure to cover their carriers for the whole procedure and car ride. Much less stressful.

If you are still leery of taking the feral, I will write you a story as I mentioned about ferals and proof that they are exactly the same as our friendly house cats are, if they could just lose their fear.

It's simply lack of socializing with humans at a young age.