When new owners take over a farm or homestead, they sometimes encounter unexpected residents—feral cats that have no intention of leaving, despite the change in ownership. These cats often remain in barns or outbuildings, unaffected by the move.
Having a cat or two on a homestead can be beneficial. Cats are natural predators and can help control unwanted vermin. However, if your new property comes with a pre-existing feline population, it’s important to take steps to ensure their health and well-being, regardless of how feral they may be.
“First and foremost, get them fixed or you’ll find yourself with 100 cats in no time,” advises Dr. Christiana Yule from Fort Kent Animal Hospital.
According to Yule, managing feral cats can be challenging depending on their number and their level of ferocity. A feral cat is a domestic cat that lives outdoors and avoids human interaction. These cats typically do not enjoy being touched or picked up and often stay hidden from sight.
Some feral cats may be friendlier, particularly those that were abandoned as adults and are more accustomed to humans. “If they’re really feral and won’t come to you, try using live traps,” Yule suggests.
To trap the cats, place multiple traps near areas where the cats are used to finding food. It’s important to inform your veterinarian about your plans and schedule an appointment for the trapped cats. Be sure to check with the vet about rescheduling in case the cats are not caught in time for the original appointment.
At the veterinary clinic, the staff can sedate the cats just enough to perform an examination. “They’ll check if the cat has been spayed or neutered and assess any injuries or health issues,” Yule explains. “They can also give the cats their initial shots, although it may not be feasible to bring them back for follow-up boosters.”
While house cats and more social barn cats should receive scheduled vaccinations, the trauma of repeatedly trapping feral cats often outweighs the need for boosters. It’s also important to check for internal parasites, which can spread from cats to other farm animals or even humans.
Feral cats live in colonies and tend to be territorial, often rejecting new arrivals. Spaying and neutering all the cats in a colony will prevent the population from growing.
“If you live in an area where people tend to abandon pets, you may encounter new cats,” Yule notes. “However, most of these cats are tame enough to catch and bring to an animal shelter or veterinarian.”
There are two main types of feral barn cats: those that actively avoid people and those that may eventually warm up to human interaction, sometimes becoming tame enough to live indoors. But even if a feral cat becomes tame, it may still prefer living outdoors.
“If that’s the case, treat them as you would a house cat,” Yule suggests.
Regardless of their level of tameness, farm cats should always have access to food, clean water, and shelter. It’s a common misconception that feral cats can survive solely by hunting.
“Always provide food,” Yule urges. “You don’t want them to become obese and lose their hunting instincts, but remember they are domesticated animals—not wild creatures like bobcats. They need food, water, and shelter, especially during bad weather.”
Shelter can be provided in an outbuilding or a simple insulated box lined with straw. Yule warns against using blankets, as they absorb moisture, which can draw heat away from a cat in cold weather. It’s also helpful to set up regular “feeding stations” so the cats know where to find their meals consistently.
“If a new cat shows up, make sure none of your current cats are injured,” Yule advises. “Feral cats are territorial and may fight with newcomers.”
Taking these steps will ensure that the feral cats on your homestead are healthy, safe, and able to continue serving their role in controlling pests.
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