Please help save my cats :-(

Hello!

I have 3 cats, they were indoor-outdoor cats, we live in a farm in Bolivia, South America. They were happy and safe, circumstances made us move to another place, still rural, but we rented a house in the village so they stayed indoors mostly, as there were dogs and other cats as well.
They move with us no problem.
I had a medical issue I couldn't address there and I needed to travel urgently.
Left the cats with a friend that have a farm there, lots of space, no cars or other treats. Didn't really have a choice. Problem is he has his own cats and dogs. I though they somehow get use to it, but this was a mistake.
One of them visited few nights, but got scared of one of the males.
The other two are totally gone, my friend seen one on the tree, but he stays far.
They know how to survive outdoors, but that was not the point.
I've screwed up and I feel so guilty, I don't know what to do.
I can't go back right now to look for them as I'm sick and on the other part of the world.
I would take them with me if it wasn't about European rabbis regulations
It's been over a week like this, I think it's getting hopeless and I'm going to lose them :-(

I am sorry for you and the cats.  If your friend could trap the cats and put them in a safe place that would be best.  Cats take a long time to adjust to a new place.  Their instinct is to travel back to their former territory.  Also cats don't do well at first with other cats.  Are you cats spayed/neutered?  What about your friends cats are they spayed/neutered?  This plays a roll as well.

I would ask your friend to see if he can corral or humanely trap your cats and keep them confined for 3 weeks or so.  THey don't have to be in cages, but in a place where they cannot get out and wander.  They will need to have food and water.  After 3 weeks they should be ok with their new surroundings.

If your friend is located somewhat close to your last place of residence, you might ask he/she look there.  The cats might have wandered back.

I hope your friend will help you out.

My friend is doing what he can to help. They are 3 males, one spayed, 2 not. His are not fixed and I'm sure that plays the role.
The place we lived it's only a mile away, he's checking there but they are not there
They moved with me few times and it was never an issue, obviously I was there with them so they felt safe.
Now I can't believe that I didn't arrange some closer for them, that would make them accustomed to the people. Entraping them sounds like a good idea, don't know how exactly, he can't get close to 2 of them.
You say 3 weeks, they are loose about 1.5 week, I'm pretty sure they are on his land.
I guess they hunt, water is no issue, there are natural streams around.

The oldest one Billy is scared of people, he takes really long time to get use to new people, but he was minded few times when we needed to travel and he was fine with it.
Blanco the middle one it's very social, he was at the house few times, but got scared now.
Bubba the youngest is extremely brave and social, new people don't intimidate him.
Oddly enough he's the one that never been seen anywhere since we left them :-(

Cats have to be confined in a new home or area for at least three weeks before they are comfortable enough to be let loose and not run off. Your cats were let loose way too soon and with others male cats around were most likely chased off. You are doing all you can, I agree that trapping them is about all that can be done now, or maybe your friend could leave food in the area that your cats were seen at. Keep checking at the old home too, with it being only a mile away they  may show up. My heart goes out to you, don't give up. When you are able to return they will come to you hopefully, cats are very good at living on their own for a while when they absolutely have too, I'll definitely pray for you all!

I'll try to find the way to trap them
I wasn't thinking clearly as I was focused on my health problem
I feel so guilty
I'm not sure when I'll be back so I need to do everything possible to deal with it now
Thank you for your kind words

If there is any way to get all the males involved fixed, that would help in a major way with territory disputes. Otherwise I worry that some cats will always be run off and it could get violent.

I hope that your friend can help find them, and I hope your health improves soon too.

To fix them you need to catch them first, so it brings us to the main issue here

I'm afraid those traps will not be easily available over there and time is the essence. Does anybody know a way to create one like this?

I may just decide to house them somewhere else, I'll cover the expenses, I don't care, but we need to catch them and it's a vast territory, they may be hiding anywhere

banjanti said:

To fix them you need to catch them first, so it brings us to the main issue here

I'm afraid those traps will not be easily available over there and time is the essence. Does anybody know a way to create one like this?

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Right, that's why I said all males involved. If your friend will get his cats neutered too it might help everyone calm down.

Putting their favorite food out or in the humane traps may help.

banjanti said:

I'll try to find the way to trap them
I wasn't thinking clearly as I was focused on my health problem
I feel so guilty
I'm not sure when I'll be back so I need to do everything possible to deal with it now
Thank you for your kind words

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What's done is done, try not to feel so guilty. You clearly love your cats and and are trying to fix your mistake. It sounds like you have a lot of good advice on here so I'm just going to wish you luck!

I agree there is very little that can be done.  Just concentrate on getting yourself healthy so you can come back and care for the cats.  Once you are back, neutering is a must.  Being intact, the males will naturally wander during mating season.  They will have only one thing in mind and that is to find a mate.  They will fight, spray and do whatever is necessary.  They also are contributing to the massive overpopulation of cats. 

If your friend can find them, they need to be confined.  Moving them to another location may not be a possibility.

I am sorry you are in this situation, but your hands are tied.  Do your best to take care of yourself. 

I must remind you that we're taking about a third world country where the nearest reliable veterinary that can perform surgery is located 400 km away
I'm fully aware of the issue and doing my other two cats was on the list, unfortunately didn't happen
One of them is neutered and it's as much gone as the others, I'm sure my friends cats are the issue here although there is no way he'll take them to the city to fix them
We're taking about a rural environment guys, it's not that easy as back home
I try to tell myself it's not my fault, but it is. If something happens to them I'll have to live with it
I do love my cats very much, they are all rescue cats, they moved with me several times without any complaints and always been loyal
They don't deserve it

Di and Bob said:

 
Cats have to be confined in a new home or area for at least three weeks before they are comfortable enough to be let loose and not run off. Your cats were let loose way too soon and with others male cats around were most likely chased off. You are doing all you can, I agree that trapping them is about all that can be done now, or maybe your friend could leave food in the area that your cats were seen at. Keep checking at the old home too, with it being only a mile away they  may show up. My heart goes out to you, don't give up. When you are able to return they will come to you hopefully, cats are very good at living on their own for a while when they absolutely have too, I'll definitely pray for you all!

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 Adding my prayers as well!!!!  Cats are resourceful creatures and there are many kindhearted people out there. So please try to stay positive and focus on your own healing so that you can return to your kitties. And try to remember that cats always seem to know whose doorstep is best to land at

I just saw this! Please check in as soon as you can.

Do you have any idea when you will be able to go home? The stress and heartache of all this is so not good for your healing!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.