Our Feral Cat Program operates on the premise that
feral cats who are TNR’ed will thrive in their own territory. We are very
reluctant to move cats to a new territory because it is so difficult for
feral cats to adapt to a new environment. The only time we relocate feral
cats is when they are living in an untenable situation such as at a
restaurant on a busy highway. When we relocate, we move our cats to county
barns.
“Barn cats” are trapped and then transported in
carriers to several local veterinarians. The cats are surgically sterilized,
given rabies and PVR shots, given flea treatment and ear-tipped. Female cats have their
right ears tipped, and males have their left ears tipped. This is to make
them easier to identify as cats that are sterile and vaccinated.
The cats are then transported in carriers to barns
owned by persons who wish to give them a home. For four weeks they are kept
in cages in the barn. This is to give these cats time to acclimate to the
new location. After four weeks, they are set free to live in the barn. They
can go outside as they wish. They receive food, water, clean kitty litter,
and safe shelter. Most of these cats will continue to use the barn as their
home and will be an asset to the barn as they keep down rodents and snakes.
Any place is a happier place with a cat or two in it!
In the above photos, a "cat kennel" was created.
It is 10" X 10" and includes a cat tree, igloo, cat beds, blankets, and
places to hide. This is a more comfortable and spacious home for
the cats during their four-week confinement than a standard cage.
If you would like to be a Barn Cat caregiver, see the attached
Barn
Cats Flyer.
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