I'm hoping some of the experts on here might have some answers for me...
Context: there is a feral cat that I've had microchipped and neutered, and I've been feeding him in my garden for several months now. He's a proper feral; he still hisses whenever we get close, the type who'd "go for your face", to use the words of the vet who sorted him out.
The problem: I've got a move coming up to a house with a garden where I'm sure he'd be happy, but I don't even know if relocating him is a realistic option. He’s already been in a trap once, so getting him back into one is going to be a right nightmare... but what I’m mainly wondering is whether a feral cat—who has no real bond with us—will understand once he's released in the new garden that he should stick around? Or will he just try to head back to where we lived before (which is over 120 miles away...?).
The plan I’ve got in mind: keep him shut in a garage for a few days with a litter tray and food so he understands that's where the food is, then open the door and let him carry on with his life as a free-roaming cat. But is that even feasible?
Thanks in advance!
Translated from French
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Hi there, thanks for your replies, that's really kind of you. It's definitely a good idea to link feeding time with a specific sound. To be honest, I think he’s already quite used to our voices, as we always chat to him when we’re putting his food bowl down. He even sunbathes with us in the garden! We did consider leaving him there, and a neighbour offered to feed him, but she’s elderly unfortunately. I wouldn’t want the cat to end up all on his own if she had to go into hospital, became too frail, or passed away. We’ve made him a permanent resident now, so it’s up to us to take responsibility for him. Besides, we’ve grown really fond of him, despite his grumpy temperament! As for the crate, he was actually really good the first time; we didn’t hear a peep from him during the two days he spent in there for his post-op recovery.
Hi there,
How long have you got until you move?
I’m no cat expert, but regarding the trap, you could try putting his food inside without actually setting the mechanism. He’ll definitely be wary at first, but if he’s hungry enough, he’ll eventually go in. Once he’s in the habit, you can just set the trap for real the day before you leave.
That’s what I did to catch a cat who had seen one of his mates get trapped – it took me four days to manage it (these were strays being looked after by a local rescue).
Just a heads-up, if you start emptying the house bit by bit, it might unsettle him and he might go missing.
Associating feeding with a sound is a great idea.
It’s a really tricky situation... even domestic cats are often more attached to their territory than to people; in a way, their owner is actually just part of that territory. When it's a semi-feral cat, the most important thing is not to take any risks yourself: the cat might be a nightmare to catch or release (be careful!) and just as hard to keep confined. As for the rest, if you’re set on keeping the cat with you, then I think you're doing the right thing with this plan for temporary confinement. I’d also suggest using a sound to associate with meal times: a little bell, calling its name, or any noise that can be heard from a distance. Make that sound every time you feed it, and only then. That’s my take on it, anyway. Good luck and keep us posted! P.S. Leaving it behind could be an option, but because you’ve been feeding it, you’ve made it dependent on you, and if the new people at your old place don't keep feeding it...
