A new cat in town

I find myself needing a little advice and am hoping those of you with more experience caring for ferals can shed a little light for me. I have had the wonderful opportunity to TNR a male feral. He has been with us for nearly 13 years. A week and a half ago he just vanished. He was in good health. The last evening and the following morning he was in good spirits, grooming and had a healthy appetite. So i do not believe he went off because it was time to die. He might have been taken by a coyote, but he has been so smart all these years, i have hopes that isnt true. Finally, after walking around my property i found a clump of fur that did not belong to my feral, (whom we named OC for Outside Cat or Orange Cat). I have noticed a new, younger cat in my yard now and i believe the fur i found, belongs to him. Could he have driven OC away to claim this territory? And if true, how do i get OC back? Thank you.

Welcome to TCS.    I wish it were under better circumstances.  Unfortunately I have no experience with ferals but a lot of members do and hopefully one of them will have some suggestions for you.  I hope you get your OC back!  

Unfortunately, he may very well have run OC off, being younger and probably stronger. I would neuter this new cat as soon as possible. It will make him a little mellower in case OC comes back.

You could try going out at night and calling OC's name. He may respond if he hears you. Once you locate him, you may have to bring him in until you can find a place for the newcomer or the newcomer calms down enough to co-exist with OC.

Vibes OC returns safely.

Thank you Margd & Ondine. Do you know how far away from my house i should go? Could he be as close as a house away? I feel so utterly helpless. i feel almost frozen to inaction-i'm so lost. Those d@$& lil fuzzy beings sure burrow deep into our skin!

They sure can, the little buggers.

I would go up to a block or two away, depending on your neighborhood. Make sure you notify any neighbor's you'll be out looking for him, especially if you go at night. Dusk and dawn will work.

That way, your neighbor's can be on the lookout for him, too.

Well...the new cat that started coming around was definitely taken by a coyote. We found many tufts of hair at the base of our driveway. That leaves very little hope re OC. I wish i could get rid of this coyote terrorizing our block. This is a virtual smorgasbord, as there are still a few cats around. I have tried to encourage a neighbor to keep their cat in, but alas, i still see the little sweatheart outside. Thanks for your advice. If there is a miracle and OC shows up one day, i.ll be sure to let you all know. But more than likely OC has crossed the rainbow bridge.

So sorry to hear this. We have coyotes near us but they are not bold enough to come near houses.

Is Animal Control able to do anything?