Advice re feral cats, please....

[Flaxbee]

OK, there are two male ferals around here that I have taken to feeding rather regularly (at least 5 times per week); as soon as I can borrow a humane trap I'm going to try to get them both neutered. I know who has the trap, but she just had knee surgery... They'll be neutered if I can catch them, plus vaccinated. But then back to the outdoor life they go.

Anyway - we are planning on moving away from here in the next 3-4 months, and I don't think I can take them with me - for one thing, I have seven cats of my own, and they're (the feral males) both still quite skittish of humans. They recognize me as the food person, but I still can't touch either one; tried last week and got a shredded hand for it.

So, I guess I'm asking for the best way to slowly wean them off my regular kitty-food buffet. I've not put food out at night (when Fidel comes around) for the last few nights and tonight the poor sweetheart was crying for food, so of course I fed him. It's cold out; no snow - we live in a pretty mild climate with more moles and mice that would seem possible - but he was hungry and I obliged.

I do NOT want to just shut the spigot off entirely (though I will be gone for 10 days in the next two weeks or so) but want to know the kindest way to transition these fellas. I'd like to find someone, anyone, almost anywhere who'd be willing to take in a barn cat or two (provided they don't mind putting out kibble) but I know that might not be possible (but -- anyone in the southeast have any suggestions? Know someone who is fond of cats and has a farm? I'd drive either or both of these guys almost anywhere if it meant they'd have regular shelter and food - though I also think that relocating them might not be good, as they know this area, the good hunting spots, etc.)

Any suggestions are welcome - I wanted to get them to come here relatively regularly so I could work around to catching them to get them neutered, which is why I started to feed them in the first place, but I don't want them to get too dependent. Well, they might be too dependent now, but I need to fix that. I live in a very rural area - and these guys are definitely feral. They might become mellow companions given time, but I don't have the time, and one of my male cats just goes hysterical when Fidel is around (he's cool with Lyle, the other stray, but cannot stand Fidel). And I just don't have the resources, financial or emotional, to deal with feuding male cats as we relocate from one state to another.

Thanks for reading, and for any input. I appreciate it.


edited for clarity

[demnan]

1. Here's a link from the Alley Cat Allies website

Check it out and see if you can find resources in your area to help:

http://www.alleycat.org/feral_friends.html

There is a Feral Friends list by state and county.

[Flaxbee]

3. thanks for the link, not sure why

I didn't think of them! Duh! There isn't anyone too close (we are RURAL) but the next county over has someone I can talk to on Monday... thanks again, demnan.

[yellerpup]

2. Local rescue orgs around here

take feral cats and try to place them as 'barn cats'. Sounds as if they do what you are doing, so maybe you could look for an org in your area (we're in NY) that could take your guys after the neuter and find a nice barn for them to shelter in and a person who would continue to feed. Good luck. You obviously have a big heart! :hug:

[Flaxbee]

4. that is what I'm looking for --

someone who has roots in this area who doesn't mind having cats around... Whenever my husband and I can locate somewhere long-term, that's what I'd like to do, too -- just have a warm shelter for whomever needs it, with regular food/kibbles and fresh water available. But I'm not at that place in my life right now, and need to find someone who is / can offer a halfway house for ferals, so to speak.

Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it!

[yellerpup]

5. Those boys are lucky to have you looking out for them. eom