I have two (somewhat) feral cats that I have cared for, for over 3 years. I have had them spayed & neutered with shots. They come inside my home to eat and rest and allow me to pet them but they mainly live outdoors. My problem is that I am about to move and I want to take them with me. I need to know if its possible for them to adjust to a new neighborhood or will there be a problem because all they have every know is where we live now. I am heartsick thinking that they might get confused or lost in the new neighborhood. If anyone knows anything about feral cats, please share your information with me.
Thanks very much,
Vicki
2006-09-09 08:16:50 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi Vicki...as a general rule to help an outdoor cat (feral or friendly) adjust to it's surroundings they need to be kept inside in a home for at least a week to two weeks to become familiarized with the new surrounding environment. The move will be stressful for them at first and if left outside before adjusting they will wander away looking for their former territory since they are naturally territorial animals. After some time place their food and water dishes as well as their partially soiled/used litter box nearby the home outside so they can recognize their own waste odours and know where to return for their daily feedings.
Consider having them microchipped as well and if already done, don't forget to update your contact information. If they are picked up by animal control you will be contacted before any further action is taken against the cats.
By the way, placing butter on a cat's foot to help it find it's way back home is one of many myths which doesn't work. Please see article: http://www.wistcatrefuge.homestead.com/files/Myths.htm
2006-09-09 08:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can rest assured that your feral cats will stay where you are, because you are their source of food and care. When you move, try to keep them inside for the first day and then gradually let them go outdoors. If you have a garage, keep them in there for awhile, or feed them and make sure they have a litter box. Within a few days, they get the idea and can go out the same as in the past.
2006-09-09 08:25:02 · answer #2 · answered by skyeblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely take them with you. You have a relationship with them that makes them not truly feral. You should keep them in the house with you as long as they can tolerate it. When you move to a new neighborhood you need to become aware of aggressive dogs in the new area, the possibilities of being exposed to predators such as coyotes or cougars, how the neighbors feel about having cats using their property for a toilet and things like that.
I would hope they will become more and more used to living in a human environment. As cats get older they have less need to spend time outdoors far away from their home.
2006-09-09 08:23:58 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats are usually pretty good on moving. Myself, I moved to Florida with my cat and he got used to his surroundings pretty quickly. I had him neutered before heading to Fla. My cat was an indoor/outdoor cat. He wanted to eat with the family and sleep in the house. He wanted to go out to do his duties and come in when he wanted to.
Let them out, but watch where they go. It is just like a child. I moved to Florida with my cat SMOKEY GOKEY and he was cool about it. I think he enjoys his surroundings. I watched him when he was first in Florida. I didn't worry after two weeks. I lived near an alligator farm and all types of egrets. Smokey loved to chased the alligator back to the pond. Remind you that the pond was 5 feet from my front door.
Most of the time the people around us were good. They fed the cat sardines and maybe a fish or salmon.
The neighbors would warn us if they were going to spray around their double-wides mobile homes.
Buy a bell collar in the beginning. This way when you hear the bell you know where he or she is.
When you have more than one cat usually there is one cat that will take over as the master. That one will make sure that the others will not go too far.
Your Welcome,
Michele
2006-09-09 08:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by michelegokey2002 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the kitty does not have the different caretakers the place you presently stay, then i think of you will desire to the two take her with you or come across a rescue team who will take her. you does no longer choose to pass away her without somebody to look after her. perhaps the recent human beings do unlike cats or perhaps they have canines. we've been feeding a cat for 3 years. He no longer acts scared around us yet runs from all human beings else. If we moved and left him, i be attentive to he would be dissatisfied. we are his human beings and he has formed a bond with us. in the adventure that your new house is in an area with an outstanding variety of site visitors or noise then it extremely is extremely useful to locate a rescue team who can take her particularly. sturdy success!
2016-09-30 12:37:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your ferals will use a litter box, transfer the un-emptied box with them. Keep them inside for a few days and leave them completly to themselves ( unless they request it) so they can find their 'secret' places and touch-up any markings on your ( ok.......their) furnishings.
I was lucky. I brought another cat from our house first, so that when Feral arrived he found a familiar scent.
2006-09-09 08:25:31 · answer #6 · answered by Doubting Thomas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feral cats on their own do not live a long life. If it was not for you, in all probability, they would already be dead. Move them. Cats will return to the one who feeds them. They are smart and amazingly adaptable.
2006-09-09 08:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be surprised to learn that adjusting to a new locale wasn't what a feral cat does best.
2006-09-09 08:25:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible, but you may not want to let them outside for a few days after the move. Cats are very good at finding their way back "home".
Good luck!
2006-09-09 08:44:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is possible. Many people have domesticated feral cats. Check out www.catfancy.cpm for info.
2006-09-09 08:18:33 · answer #10 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋