How to Relocate Cats

Some feral cats live life under harsh conditions alone or within feral cat communities in which they learn to adapt. Relocation is sometimes necessary when a feral cat's living conditions are threatened or when feral cat communities are in danger of upheaval due to construction work, fire or other scenarios that render the living space unsafe or uninhabitable. Successful relocation can increase a cat's chances of living a long, healthy life in its new surroundings.

Things You'll Need

  • Humane cat traps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the local animal shelter or ASPCA, veterinarian's office or animal rescue group and discuss the relocation. Unless you are going to keep and care for the cats in your home, you will need to find suitable living arrangements for relocation. Flip through the yellow pages or perform an internet search to find the phone number of a veterinarian, animal rescue group or animal shelter in your area. Discuss the number of cats involved and the reasons why relocation may be necessary.

    • 2

      Trap the cats. Some shelters and veterinarians have humane traps available for loan or a small fee upon request. A humane trap confines the cat without killing or injuring it and is usually made of wire with a guillotine door that opens and closes on one side. Obtain one trap for each cat that requires relocation and place a small bowl of food inside. Place the trap in the cat's immediate vicinity.

    • 3

      Transport the trapped cats to the veterinarian's office for a check-up. Allow the cats to remain in the traps, which will make it easier for the veterinarian to conduct a preliminary assessment before providing any necessary treatment.

    • 4

      Move the cats to their new homes. Once the veterinarian gives each cat a clean bill of health, the cats are ready to move into foster or permanent homes. Suggest that each caregiver prepare a secluded area, such as a bathroom or laundry room, where the cat can remain for several days while it adjusts to its new home.

    • 5

      Relocate any cats that you are unable to find homes for into an established cat community. It is unrealistic to believe that you will be capable of finding a home for every cat. Meet with rescue groups to find out if they are overseeing any feral cat communities in your area or speak with farmers or owners of large pieces of property to see if they are willing to accommodate the cats.

    • 6

      Follow-up with the caregivers to ensure that each relocated cat is making a healthy adjustment. Conduct either a phone call or home visit to check on the welfare of the cats. If any of the relocated felines are having a difficult adjustment, or if a caregiver expresses an unwillingness to continue with the relocation, you may need to find the cat other living arrangements.