I'll try to make this short. I took in 4 cats from a feral colony that has been managed for 6 yrs. Animal control gave the caretaker 2 optiions: Trap/kill or Trap/relocate. I have 10 cats of my own so bringing these inside in not an option. I have ample space and rooms built just for cat rescue, although I don't do that so much anymore. Anyway, right now, I have the cats in the tall 'double decker' crates. I have a covered litter box on the bottom and tri level platforms for them to sleep and eat on top level.
These crates are in a secure 10x10 climate controlled room with a cat flap that leads into a screened/wired porch enclosure 8x8 with a tall cat tree.
Alley Cat Allies recommends they be crated for 2-4 weeks. No problem. But, they aren't as feral as most I've seen and the 83 yr old lady who took care of them for 6 yrs can pick them up. They are plump and healthy looking.
My main question right now is do they have to be crated or can I let them roam free with the 2 rooms? There is absolutely no way for them to escape and plenty of places to hide if they want to. I'm dreading the day when they are released to my yard so I want to make sure I am doing this relocation right from the get go.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Love this site. Very helpful and knowledgeable people on here.
Thanks so much,
Brenda
These crates are in a secure 10x10 climate controlled room with a cat flap that leads into a screened/wired porch enclosure 8x8 with a tall cat tree.
Alley Cat Allies recommends they be crated for 2-4 weeks. No problem. But, they aren't as feral as most I've seen and the 83 yr old lady who took care of them for 6 yrs can pick them up. They are plump and healthy looking.
My main question right now is do they have to be crated or can I let them roam free with the 2 rooms? There is absolutely no way for them to escape and plenty of places to hide if they want to. I'm dreading the day when they are released to my yard so I want to make sure I am doing this relocation right from the get go.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Love this site. Very helpful and knowledgeable people on here.
Thanks so much,
Brenda