Two Items, Related To Moving

[kikilove]

So, I have to move. We'll be splitting the cats (not literally!!!) and I'll be taking Jack and Rose. Here are my two questions:

When introducing cats to a new home, I'm assuming that since these two already know each other... just let them go explore the new digs? Or is it recommended that they start in one room for a bit and then let them go to town? Just don't hear much on this one.

The other item is of greater concern. I take care of two strays. One, Soots, was feral but over time has become a total sweetie. She knows Jack pretty well (he gets to sit outside sometimes, supervised) and her and Rose play through the window. The other is a new stray, totally feral, who showed up last month. I got him neutered and now feed him and feel that he is my responsibility. What do I do??!! I can't take either of them with me. It's possible I could take Soots with us, but then J&R would have to acclimate to a new home AND deal with a new cat in the space. But maybe that's good? No territory would have been established yet. But what if Soots can't adjust to indoors? Now she's out of her element. Do I return her to my former home's yard? Which brings me to the big question... who will take care of them? I'm going to ask my left side neighbors to feed Soots and the right side to feed Greyjoy (they're all animal people and I suspect would be willing to do this). But what about their health? I give Soots (and will Greyjoy) regular flea treatments and take her to the vet for her shots, etc. I can't ask other people to take this on, and I can't bear the idea that after I move, these two will be left to fend for themselves. What should I do? What would you do?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

SIGH...I think about things like this quite a bit, actually, as there is no feral group working in my area, and I've been rather desperately trying to find a TNR group near me. I just don't know. You have feeding covered, at least. It may be all you can do. You might talk with the neighbors and ask if they would apply the flea treatments if you shipped to them. As for the shots...I'm clueless. Hopefully one of our feral specialists will weigh in here soon. There is a forum for caring for ferals. You might post a link to this thread in there. I wouldn't double post, as it can cause confusion, but linking this thread would be fine.

 

[maggiedemi]

Do Soots and Greyjoy get along? I would say try to take Soots with you, but then Greyjoy might get lonely. I brought in 2 ferals from the woods, so it can be done. My girl Maggie is still a little mean, but she's starting to come around. My boy Demi is friendlier since he was only a kitten when I brought him in. They are terrified of all strangers though, their world comes to an end when the mail lady or UPS guy comes. And they still try to scratch if they don't want to be picked up, so they can't be around children yet.

 

[kikilove]

Thanks for the responses- much appreciated. maggiedemi- Soots and GJ don't like each other. She's "lived" at my house for 7 years and GJ just showed up a month ago. There was caterwauling for a few nights, dividing the territory. After he was neutered, the fights stopped and it looks like he won the front yard while she's taken to the back. Cats are SO funny! I feel sort of bad for her as she always had both, but then I remind myself- they're doing pretty good sorting this out. I love that both of yours are former ferals. mamany I love the link idea but can't seem to find out how to do that. Excellent idea about the flea treatments. Even better is that you set off a lightbulb for me. I'm not leaving the area so it would be easy for me to come by to give flea treatments. That could work. It's not close but it's not far for every so often.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

The easiest way (and when it comes to computers, I do everything the easiest way) is to come here, copy the url address at the top of the browser page, go to the caring for ferals board, start your post, ask folks to come here, and paste the url address. If you have a problem doing that, let me know, and I'll do it for you!