Feral to Barn Cat NY

Hi

So I have a colony now of three cats..used to be more but two have gone missing.

I have a newcomer that is trying to get in. I have seen this cat before but it has never stuck around like this. It's getting colder here and I am sure it is attracted to the shelter. I set up a shed with shelters inside.

I know that finincialy and emotionally I cannot and should not take on another cat. I am trying to not feed it but is hard when I have the other 3 I feed. This cat is perfectly healthy etc. If it was in major need of medical attention or was starving I would immediately intervene.

I want to do the right thing for me and the cat, so in am looking into relocating to a barn as a mouser cat.

Does anyone know if there are any programs in Ny that do this. I am not finding much when I search.

Has anyone done this before...,Had good experience with it...Does anyone need a barn cat that lives in NY?

Any help would be appreciated.

i don't know of any organizations but wanted to send vibes for your success. Perhaps Alley Cat Allies has info. Www.alleycat.org

So I put an ad on Craigslist in upstate NY where I know there are more barns etc and actually got a response.

I just communicated with them what is required to relocate an outdoor cat, which is confinement etc. So well see if they are willing to take this on. They said its a dairy farm where they have a colony of barn cats and dont mind 1 or 2 more.

I would of course check the space out etc make sure this was a good home for the guy.

I feel so bad Its been warming itself in the shelter but I havnt been feeding it. Just feeding the 3 I already have. I feel horrible, but it must have a food source nearby. It looks totally heathly and good weight. I used to see this guy every 2 months or so in the summer. So it is a street cat able to survive. I am trying to tell myself I'm helping just by giving it a warm spot that I dont and cant feed every stray :/.

I am debating this whole relocation thing and if that is the best thing for it, if its used to the streets here. I figure after winter it will make its way back out if there is no food. I know I need to get this cat fixed but if I do then I am committed to making this a long term thing. I dont own where I live I just rent so Im afraid to put the current ones I have at risk by ceating a larger colony. Some neighbors already have a problem with the ones i have. A new one will for sure ring alarm bells. That Im attracting too many and more will come if I dont stop feeding.

Hoping things work themselves out. Feeling stressed and overwelmed.

Well Im throwing the towel in. I can't stand seeing this kitty anymore and not helping it get a meal. He ate tonight and now i need to get the appointment to get fixed. Hope this is the last one.

I would have done the same thing. I don't know why they choose us when they do, but they do. I'm so glad he has a good place to go to, to get out of the cold. You are so kind to take him under your wing.

My biggest concern is not being able to control how many I get. I went from 5 to 3 to now 4 in the past year. Which is not bad but I am concerned it will get to an unmanageable point. Where and how do I draw the line? I would love to help them all but I need to consider myself also. Im a young girl in NY, my rent is high, I travel often for work and I only rent my apartment which means at some point ill move ( what happens to these guys then?).

Even with the TNR efforts in my neighborhood there are countless strays. Does anyone have any experience with colonly size, epecially in NY areas?

When does it stop growing? Should I be afraid of getting more? These are things they leave out of the TNR workshop, that I wish was discussed more. Its become a huge responsibility taking care of these guys. Bigger then I ever thought.

You are really doing a wonderful thing but you must be realistic about your limits. You will be helping no one if you get overwhelmed.

Perhaps you can contact the TNR organization again and find a mentor who can help answer some of your questions and offer guidance about your next steps.

Thanks Ondine. I have been working with someone in the TNR program but I get the sense they arnt as concerned with me being overwhelmed then with me helping this cat....and getting it fixed.

I agree with you that its not going to help anyone if I get in over my head. Ive calmed myself down a bit and looking at it rationally. One step at a time.

At the moment the newcomer seems to be not sticking around which I am thankful for right now. He or she came Saturday and then yesterday (Tuesday ). It seems when the weather is bad he wants to warm up and hang out in the shed, then steals a meal when he sees me feeding the rest. Which makes sense.

I really dont feel confident at the moment that I can even trap him since he isnt eating regularly. He obviously has other food sources and is pretty street savy. He looks healthy, good weight and nice clean coat.

So Im going to continue to monitor and when I feel we have established a good relationship on a regular schedule Ill trap him.

I really dont want another cat but am hoping he will be the last. If more comes then I need to investigate further into relocating them to a good spot.

Sounds like a good plan, and I think you answered your own concerns/questions. Best of luck!!

Your plan sounds good, although I would trap him now, regardless of whether he sticks around If he disappears, at least you will know he isn't reproducing.

Whatever you do for him is more than anyone else has done, so kudos to you!