desperately need help tonite with feral cats!!?

Question

I have 2 feral cats that I have a BIG problem with. I am not allowed to have cats where I live, and tomorrow they are having an inspection...It's freezing cold out and I really can't think of any other option than letting them go tonite...I have had them for about 4 months, but they are not pets, will bite and severely scratch if tried to handle them....it's only going to be freezing for another 2 nights, but am heartbroken, thinking that they will freeze to death by then...? PLEASE HELP IMMEDIATELY!!!

shelters won't take them because they are feral, I already tried that...and I do not have any cages to put them into to..the inspection starts at 8 am and don't have anyone to take them either...that is why it is such a desperate situation.

Answer 1

Cats are ok with being out in the cold; especially feral cats because they tend to have thicker coats than domestic cats. So, don't worry too much. Put a box outside lined with a blanket (inside and out) along with a bowl of dry cat food. They'll stay in the box if they get too cold. Also, be very careful with cat bites - you can become infected - so easy does it.

Answer 2

Is there an all night WalMart in your area? Cat carriers there cost about $12-$ 20 and if possible you need 2 of them. Get heavy work gloves too. Try to get cat into carrier with food but failing that you will have to grab it.

If you can't do that get 2 heavy cardboard cartons and put food inside and a heavy layer of newspaper. Have something like duct tape on hand. Hopefully cat will go in carton to get food. if not it is protect your hands and grab it. Close it immediately and tape shut. Cat will be unhappy and vocal about it so be prepared to immediately move box or carrire and cat to car - your car or a friend's car.

If that absolutely is not an option let them out just before daylight so they will have the least possible time in the coldest weather. They will probably find a warn hide out and by then most cars should be cold under the hood so that will not be a likely place. As soon as you can after inspection call them. They are not pets but they do associate your voice with food and warmth so I hope they will come back if not right them later in the day or evening. If they do get a couple of carriers and start feeding them in the carrire so that they get used to going in there. That will simplify any future emergency evacuations and make it possible to take them to the vet for shots and spaying which they do need especially being ferrel cats. BTW ferrels do tame in time in many cases and can be very loving catsw.

As someone else said be sure to hide or remove all evidence of cats (litter boxes, food, toys, bedding, things with cat hair or scratches and just in case you have an eagle nosed inspector try a nice scented candle if you are there or some pleasant plug in or spray scent or shortly bbefore inspection or before you go mout in AM pop a dish of water in the micro or a pan of water on the stove and add a bit of cinnamon or clove or all spice or combo and if handy some lemon or orange peel and bring to a simnmer for a feew minuits. That makes a natural deodorizer and pleasant scent.

There is a chance that the cat could hide unnoticed in the apt or that all that would happen wouldd be you would be told to get rid of them w/ in 1-3 days but thaqt may not be a chance you want to take especially if apt owners and inspectors are the type who might call animal control then and there if they discovered them.

Answer 3

If they are really wild, then they know other places to go. And you shouldn't keep them in anyway, they should be taken to a shelter or become part of a spay/neuter and release program. Cats reproduce faster than rabbits do, there's a reason for the feral cat rules and inspections. You could always take them to the humane society, most have heated drop-off cages. It would be a chance at rehabilitation for them, and they would not freeze to death.

Answer 4

When the inspector comes, they'll be scared, so just make sure there's a good place under furniture or in a closet for them to hide in. They will probably never even be seen. Remove the litter boxes and food bowls temporarily, so there's no sign of them. Try to be present for the inspection if possible. Don't put them out in the freezing cold after 4 months inside! That would be cruel and inhumane. Good luck.

Answer 5

In the past when I had this, I just hid the cat stuff, and the cats hid themselves. Oftentimes these apartment inspections are really quick, looking for some obvious problems. Cats are easier to hide than dogs. Can you put stuff in the bathroom and pretend like someone is taking a shower lol

Answer 6

Hide a cardboard box out under a hedge somewhere (leave a top on it) and put food in it. Then take the cats out to it. If they aren't neutered, that and shots are your responsibility. Don't try to weasel out of it. Otherwise, cart them off to the shelter and say goodbye.

Answer 7

Screw the inspection. Take care of the cats. If you are challenged about this, take a stand and tell them you can't be cruel to animals, and let them stay out in freezing weather.
Stand up for those critters.

Answer 8

You are great to help these cats. It is hard to tell you what to do without knowing why you aren't allowed to have cats. Is there a no kill shelter in your area? Do you have a friend that could keep them for a couple of days? Can you afford to board them somewhere for a couple of days?

Answer 9

Move with them to a cheap motel room for a day or two.

Cats are ok with being outside on a cold. Maybe you can buy a battery charged blanket that will keep them warm, and put it in a box outside.

Answer 10

Are there any rescues nearby your house or any family members or friends you can leave them with until the inspection is complete?