When Relocations Are Necessary
The first recommendation for relocating a colony of
feral cats is: don’t do it. Unless the cats’ lives are
threatened or their environment about to be
demolished, the optimum place for them is where
they currently live.
Cats are territorial animals and form strong
bonds with the location they inhabit. They have
likely lived there for a long time, perhaps many
years. A food source exists in the area and the cats
are acclimated to local conditions. Relocating feral
cats, whether a few or an entire colony, is a difficult,
time-consuming, and problematic undertaking.
A survey conducted by Alley Cat Allies revealed that
relocations were most likely to succeed when four
main points were adhered to:
* Several cats from the same colony were
relocated together.
* Cats were confined for two to four weeks in
large cages, sheds, barns, basements, or escapeproof
shelters.
* Cats were fed canned food every day for a short
period (two to six weeks) and then dry food.
* The new caretaker made frequent (minimum
twice daily) verbal attempts to bond with them.
See the bottom of this page for full proceedure from Alley Cat Allies.
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