Relocating Feral Cats

As an organization dedicated to humanely controlling the overpopulation of feral cats, RMACA would like to offer some advice regarding the relocation of feral cats and kittens. Please keep in mind that relocation should only be used as a very last resort to a feral cat nuisance problem. Cats tend to be very territorial, and even when following this advice, the chance that they will stay in a new territory is only about fifty percent. If the cats leave their new home, they will face starvation, predation, busy roads, etc., and the chance that they will survive is very low.

Before Relocating Cats

We strongly recommend that EVERY cat/kitten be spayed/neutered BEFORE they are relocated. The main reason for this is to prevent overpopulation in the area to which they will be relocated. However, you will also ensure that the cats lives will be safer, healthier, and more comfortable. It is much easier to neuter a feral cat while you have it in your possession. Whenever you release an unaltered feral cat that has already been trapped once, you run the risk of not being able to trap it again. Most feral cats wise up very quickly and are difficult (often impossible) to trap a second time. Therefore, altering before release is strongly suggested. Should you need to do this, we would be happy to help at no charge.

Read more about trapping, neutering and returning feral cats, or call us at 303-202-3516.

Once You Trap the Cats

Cats are very territorial animals and will often leave the area they have been relocated to, looking for their previous home. They are then subject to cars, predators, starvation, etc. A secure, safe area must be avaialble to confine the cats after you trap them. A tack room, chicken coop, or large dog kennel all work nicely. The area must have four walls that are securely attached to a roof. Most horse stalls will not work because a cat or kitten can scale even a ten to twelve foot wall with ease. If there are no escape holes on the walls or roof, and you can be sure that the door will not accidentally be left open, the cats can just be confined within the barn, garage, etc. Remember though, cats can squeeze themselves through the tiniest of holes (as small as 2 inches wide!), so make sure everything is fully patched beforehand.

We recommend that every cat be confined to an area for at least four weeks! This confinement period will allow the cats to become accustomed to their new territory while they gradually forget about their previous one. It is also very important to put some boxes, crates, or cat carriers with blankets, towels, hay, etc. in the confinement area, so the cats have good places to hide and keep warm. Finally, it is also a good idea to offer the cats a clean litter-box, at least while they are being confined.

Releasing and Caring for Cats

Feed the cats once or twice a day, around the same time everyday. When you feed them (even while they are being confined) call "kitty, kitty" or make some other noise, so that they will begin to associate that noise with feeding time. Then, once they have been released from confinement, they will respond to that noise for their daily feeding. If you choose to feed the cats once a day, feeding in the evening (around dusk) is suggested. This will help to draw the cats in for the night, when predator activity tends to be highest. Be sure that you offer plenty of food and water for the cats. Many people believe that feral cats can survive on mice alone and will not hunt if they are fed. This is simply not true. Feral cats will catch mice whether they are fed or not, because of their strong hunting instinct. Furthermore, often just the smell of cats is a deterrent to mice. By not feeding, you run the risk of slowly and cruelly starving the cats to death.

If at all possible, try to relocate at least two or more cats from the same colony to the same new home. Cats depend on each for companionship and they also cuddle with each other for warmth in the colder months. Having a familiar buddy will also increase the likelihood that they will stay in their new home permanently.

More About Feral Cats

Learn more about feral cats and their care.

Success Story

"I have always been one of those people that "find" stray animals and work to try and get them back to their owners or find new homes for them. I have always found spots to put out food in any neighborhood I have lived in as the thought of any poor little kitty going hungry just breaks my heart." more >


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303-202-3516
2600 West 2nd Avenue
Unit 8
Denver, CO 80219
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