Relocating a feral

[Polka and Dot]

Hi,

I've been feeding a colony for three years. Within the last 2 months, two of my three cats have mysteriously disappeared. Want to relocate the remaining cat before he meets a similar fate. Any suggestions on how to bring him home and help him adjust to life in my yard? He's very comfortable with me - petting, purring, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi!
A few things come to mind; Rose gloves will help in case he becomes frightened. Do you have a trap so you can safely transport him? Will you be getting him to the vet?

Will he be going in the house at first? A small room is best so he can acclimate without having too much area and space to deal with.

If outside, you'll want an enclosure/catio.

 

[Cat McCannon]

If he’s letting you pet him, he isn’t feral. Chances are, he’ll adapt to a new home just fine.

I wouldn’t let him outside without supervision, though.

 

[Meowmee]

Hi,

I've been feeding a colony for three years. Within the last 2 months, two of my three cats have mysteriously disappeared. Want to relocate the remaining cat before he meets a similar fate. Any suggestions on how to bring him home and help him adjust to life in my yard? He's very comfortable with me - petting, purring, etc.

Thank you!

You need to keep him inside for a few weeks first so he gets to know that this is his new house/property. Otherwise they often leave so I have been told.

 

[Norachan]

If he's very friendly you might be able to bring him home inside a carrier. If you can get a side or front loading carrier, rather than one that loads from the top, you can put some food inside and wait until he goes in, then close the door. Bring a blanket to cover the carrier with while he's inside. Cats feel much safer that way.

Do you have any kind of shelter in your yard? A shed or garage? Otherwise you'll need to provide him with a shelter. You could try making him a catio to live in, then let him have the whole yard to explore once he's settled in. I kept one of my rescues in a dog kennel in a fenced off corner while she settled in. There are some super fancy catios around, if you Google you'll get some ideas

He will need to be contained for at least the first month to make sure he doesn't try and go back to where you picked him up though.