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Relocation Guidelines
Relocation of unowned, free-roaming cats:
Relocation is the process of moving a stray or
feral cat from its current outdoor home to a new
outdoor home. It is a labor intensive process
and often times has a low success rate. Cats are
very territorial and remaining in their current
habitat is optimal for their health and safety.
On occasion there are circumstances that do
warrant relocation:
(IndyFeral will not relocate cats without
approval from the executive director)
The following situations may warrant
relocation:
1. The lives of the cats are being threatened in
a way that can not be legally remedied
2. The colony is located on public or private
property that will not allow the colony to be
maintained
3. Their home or shelter is being destroyed and
it is impossible to provide an alternative
shelter at their current habitat or migration of
the cats within a reasonable distance is not
possible.
4. An appropriate relocation site must be
available in which cats can be confined safely
from the elements for a 2 week minimum and have
a caretaker willing to provide daily care and
life long monitoring
Rationale:
Unowned, free-roaming cats become well adapted
to their territory and can live safely and
contentedly in alleyways, parking lots, vacant
lots, backyards and a host of other locations -
urban, suburban and rural. The present home of a
feral colony is the optimal place for the cats
as they have probably been living there for
their entire life. It is the only home they
know. Colony cats develop very strong bonds with
one another, their present territory and
caretaker.
Relocation Considerations:
1. In some cases, the relocated cats will
disappear, either being driven off by
territorial cats or other animals in the area.
2. Cats following their intense natural instinct
to return “home” often become lost or are killed
attempting to cross major roads.
3. Cats are killed by hazards/threats they have
never encountered before (like coyotes,
chemicals, open wells, etc.)
4. Sanctuaries (life-long indoor mass homes) are
few and most ferals would not be happy living in
confinement.
5. Relocating all or most of the cats in a
colony can open up a "void" called the vacuum
effect. This allows unsterilized cats to move
into the area, starting the cycle all over again
if there is shelter or food to attract them. The
food supply could be unsecured trash cans, an
unknown feeder or wild rodents.
6. Feral cats form strong bonds with other cats
in their colonies. Separating a cat from her
colony members and leaving her alone in a new
environment will cause stress, depression and
loneliness, and increase their desire to return
home 7. The following cats have the lowest
chance of relocation success:
• Cats that are very feral
• Moving too few cats together from the same
colony
• Cats relocated by themselves
• Kittens under 6 months relocated without a
mother
If you have determined the cats must be
relocated, please follow the following
guidelines to increase the chance of success:
1. Preparation for relocation:
• Find a safe and permanent home site with a
caretaker committed to providing life-long
feeding, watering, medical care and monitoring
of the cats.
• Identify a room or secure area that is clean,
quiet, temperature controlled and protects the
cats from the elements as much as possible. Be
sure there is adequate air and light available.
• Other items needed will include a wire dog
crate (minimum size of 2 ft x 3 ft.) litter,
litter pans, food and water bowls, a small
carrier for the cat to hide in and sheets to
cover the crate to help reduce the cats stress.
• Cats should be confined where they can see and
smell their new surroundings (especially other
cats, the caretaker and the feeding station)
2. Confinement
• Cats must be confined in their crate for a
minimum of 2 weeks at the new site to acclimate
and identify with its new location and caretaker
before release
• Cats must receive daily care, food, water and
litter box cleaning
3. Confinement Tips (to increase the chance for
successful relocation)
• During the first day or two, the cats may
struggle to find a way out (especially at
night). They will calm down in a day or two
after they realize that they will not be harmed
• Feed on a regular schedule preferably twice a
day (wet and dry)
• Keep the relocation crate covered with a sheet
to reduce stress
• Rattle the food in a box or bowl each time you
feed so the cats associate the sound with food
• Give the cats treats occasionally
• Make frequent (minimum twice daily) verbal
attempts to bond with the cats
• If a cat escapes during the confinement
period, make sure food and water is left out and
that their used litter (for scent) is sprinkled
around the area. Cats often hide for a period of
time but will stay close. Leave food and water
to prevent them from leaving in search of food
• When the cats are ready for release, continue
feeding in the same area and on the same
schedule as before. Typically they will run and
hide after initial release.
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