Relocating Feral Cats

Unfortunately, feral cat colonies are sometimes found in areas where they cannot remain either for reasons of safety or because a caretaker is simply not available. Alley Cat Allies believes relocation (moving cats to another permanant outdoor location) remains a viable alternative to trapping and killing, although the best solution is to leave the colony at its original location whenever possible. Nevertheless, with careful planning and selection of the new premises and caretakers, and strict confinement before release, relocation can be successfully undertaken. Of course, moving a whole colony out of its territory may cause the same problem as trapping and killing-strays will fill the void and re-form a colony.

Overview

The decision to capture and relocate a feral cat demands consideration of several factors. Primary among these is an understanding of all that is implied by the term feral. A feral cat is one that has reverted to the wild and, in contrast to the feline companion, has become de-domesticated. Since direct contact with human beings could alarm any wild animal, plans to deal with a feral cat must include provisions for its overall well-being.
There are often animals of several age groups within the feline colony. While kittens ranging from 8-10 weeks are most easily tamed, a 2-4 month-old animal can, with varying degrees of difficulty, be domesticated and placed in home environments (this domestication process is covered in our Taming Kittens fact sheet). Adult cats living in an unsafe area should be considered as candidates for relocation to a more rural, outdoor environment where they are less prone to urban/suburban hazards.

Essentially, feral cat relocation involves 6 steps:


1. Finding a suitable new home
2. Trapping the cats
3. Veterinary care
4. Transportation to the new home
5. Orientating the cats to their new environment
6. Follow-up contact

Finding a Home

Find a suitable new home for the cats before trapping them. First, contact relatives and friends living in less populated areas. Placing cats with someone you know provides greater assurance they will be well maintained. If such primary sources do not provide the new home, ask for recommendations of individuals who would be reliable caretakers. Another alternative is to place ads in newspapers covering rural areas. Place ads in more than one paper if possible. Screen respondents by asking if they will commit to providing daily feedings, shelter and medical care. People agreeing to keep cats on their property must agree to fulfill such basic needs to safeguard the animals' health. Establish an agreement with potential caretakers regarding follow-up contact. Express your desire to call and/or visit to check on the animals' progress for the first few months. Anyone unwilling to comply with this request should not be considered as a candidate for your relocation project.

Trapping

Humane traps are widely available from local humane shelters, and shelter staff will explain their use. While these traps cause no pain or injury to the cat, the experience of being trapped is traumatic. Immediately cover the trap with a towel or blanket when the cat is caught to effectively calm the animal. If the trap will be used for transporting after capture, place a newspaper or cloth on its floor in advance so the cat is not in contact with hard metal. Although the cat may be transferred to a carrier, caution must be exercised so he/she does not escape in the process. Prepare this carrier in advance with litter and food and have another person on hand to assist if possible. Like the trap, the carrier should be covered immediately after the cat is inside. Do not attempt to touch or pet the feral as it may react defensively to such contact.

Veterinary Care

Make arrangements in advance to take the cat (or cats) directly to a veterinarian after trapping. Tell the vet and staff they will be dealing with a feral cat so they will take precautions. Bites, scratches and the difficulty of recapturing an escaped cat await those who assume the animal being delivered to them is a pet. The cat should be spayed/neutered, receive necessary vaccinations and undergo a general checkup. Request that dissolvable stitches be used in surgery to avoid a second visit for suture removal. Ask about the possibility of discount rates for stray cats, since some vets are willing to offer such reductions as a community service.

Transportation

Like domestic cats, some feral cats are not upset about traveling in a vehicle, while others may howl and cry. As stated earlier, blanket the cage interior, provide a litter container and cover the cage. Do not place more than one animal in a cage and make certain that adequate ventilation exists. If the trip to the location site is lengthy, provide food and water, but be sure to properly secure the containers to avoid spilling. Avoid unfamiliar sounds such as a blaring radio and use your common sense to make the experience less traumatic. Never place the cat in a trunk, truck bed, or any other potentially unsafe area.

Orientation

When the cats arrive at their new location, it may be necessary to keep them caged for several days to recover from surgery and/or to receive regular doses of medication. The animals should be kept caged for a minimum of 24 hours to orient them to a new environment prior to release into a closed barn, shed, or any other shelter which does not allow them access to the outdoors. It is mandatory that the cats come to regard the building as their permanent feeding station before they are permitted to roam from it. During their 21 day confinement period, the new caretaker must regularly visit the cats to ensure the bonding essential to succesful relocation. Speaking to the cats, even if they remain hidden, helps them to overcome their ingrained fear of humans. After this confinement period the cats can be given access to the outside. Some small opening should be provided so they may enter and depart from the building at will. Daily meals in the building must be provided without fail.

Follow-up Contact

The commitment to relocating feral cats does not end with delivering them to their new home. Make phone calls (and visits if possible) for the first few months. Your primary goal is to be available to the caretaker with information that may aid the animals in adapting to their new environment. Since you discussed your desire to maintain contact when you found the new home, your actions will be seen as supportive rather than intrusive. In some instances, the new caretaker will become part of your support network for future feral cat relocation projects.