Can a Feral Cat be Relocated?

Feral cats are not usually easy buddies like those whom you meet regularly on the streets. Ferals are rather wild cats that cannot be domesticated or petted at your home. They deny any interaction or intimacy with humans. Also, they do not prefer to socialize or make eye contact with humans.

These ferals are sharp hunters who are made to thrive in the difficult and struggling lifestyle of the wild. Hence, it feels more like taming down a wild animal when trying to tame a feral cat. But can they be relocated? Well, relocation of ferals can be as challenging as taming them. So, here is what you need to know about relocating a feral cat at your place.

The relocation of a feral cat must not be taken lightly. In fact, you should not think of relocating a feral unless there is a valid reason for it. Relocating needs to be done only when there is a state of emergency, or in case there is an absurd situation that comes in your way regarding domesticating feral cats.

Also, if you are thinking of relocating a feral cat due to its rise in population, let us tell you that relocation will not solve this problem. Instead, relocating cats mean they will get relocated in more numbers. Besides, the new place must already have some cats, so adding these ferals into the new community will boost their reproduction rate.

Another thing that you should keep in your mind is that cats are very territorial by nature. Hence, relocation can sometimes come with bigger problems. The cats of the new area may impose fights with your feral due to territorial reasons. Additionally, feral cats tend to share an extraordinary bond with their territory rather than the owner. So, relocated ferals can try to return to the old territory, which can pose a bigger problem for you.

Thus, we recommend you relocate ferals only when it is necessary. Otherwise, it is better to let ferals stay at a place they prefer the most.

How to relocate them properly?

If you have already decided to relocate ferals, you have to follow a proper method for it. So, how do you do get them relocated appropriately? Well, here, have a look.

Pick a safe relocation area:

Before you relocate ferals to a particular area, you need to take responsibility for their safety. Therefore, any random location will not be suitable. If you feel that your ferals are in danger, you must relocate them to a safer and more convenient place for their living. So, here is how you can choose a new home for your ferals.

Have an assessment of the new colony

Before relocating the ferals to a new colony, you must consider that the community is good. The colony might have other social cats and kittens. Pick a colony where there are fewer socialized cats so that your ferals can stay happily. Besides, you can even consider fostering them.

Find a suitable outdoor home for them

Finding a suitable outdoor home for ferals is one of the major concerns that you can have. You can consider finding a home that fits all cats together. It will become easier for them to adopt a new home. Look for a bigger outdoor home that can accommodate all your feral cats.

Ensure the suitability of the new living place:

Picking a new place for your ferals to live is not just enough. You need to ensure that it is suitable for the accommodation of all your feral cats. As soon as you find a colony that meets your expectations, you have to check if the place is suitable for your kitties or not. The place must not be located near a busy road, which can be risky for your ferals.

Besides, you’ll have to introduce your cats to those animals, which are already residents of that place. You must also introduce them to the area’s dogs so that your ferals don’t get frightened or chased away by them.

Make sure the new caregiver is efficient:

The new caregiver who will take responsibility for your feral must know how to care for them suitably. Make sure they give your ferals regular meals and monitor any arising issues in them. You can also consider opting for an adoption contract with the new caregiver to ensure that the ferals will not face any problem at their new place.

Move them carefully:

Moving ferals can be difficult, especially when you are thinking of relocating them. It is better to trap them first so that you can transport them safely. You can use the Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap for your ferals. Even after reaching the location, the cats must remain in confinement to adjust to the new place. It is better to keep them confined in a large cage for at least six to eight weeks.

Confinement is essential for a successful relocation. It helps ferals to get easy with their new home. If they are left freely, soon after their arrival, they will run about trying to return to their old place, which can impose various threats to their life.

Nevertheless, even if cats are kept in confinement upon arrival to the new location, food and other necessities must be offered to them. Nutritious yet delicious food with fresh water needs to be given to them. Also, it is a must to provide them with a litter box.

Keep following up:

Well, your job does not end with relocating. You must keep following up with your cat’s care and other necessities. You can plan to visit or connect with your caregiver often so that you can know that your ferals are good and getting proper care.

Conclusion

Feral cats can be tougher to target. But it is not impossible to relocate them if you follow the proper method. But make sure that you are not considering a relocation if there is no emergency or threat to the cat’s life. So, it is better to consider all the factors before relocating your feral. Also, make sure the area you are getting your feral relocated to is safe in every aspect.

Originally published at https://purrpetrators.com on July 7, 2021.