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Best way to transport a Feral Cat?

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  • 18-11-2009 3:07pm
    #1
    Bitsie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭


    Hey, we have a semi-feral cat that we have been feeding, she is very nervous of humans still though. We have decided to take her to the DSPCA to have her spayed. Can anyone recommend the best way to transport her? We have a cat cage to put her in but wondered should we just keep it covered up for the journey? Should we line it with newspapers? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.


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    #2
    Paul91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 782 ✭✭✭Paul91


    carefully!

    How wild is she - can you see if you can get her to go in the cage with treats and food, leaving the dorr open a few times before taking her, get her used to it like?


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    #3
    Bitsie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭Bitsie


    Well she doestn like us going near her at all but she does come into the house sometimes and sleeps in a little bed we have for her, she would stay for a few hours sometimes! We could get her used to the cage first like you said, thanks for that. I am afraid of frightening her too much that she never trust us again.......not that she does much anyway!!


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    #4
    Paul91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 782 ✭✭✭Paul91


    would you be able to get the bed in the cage maybe? or put the cage where the bed is with any blankets you may have in the bed?


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    #5
    Bitsie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭Bitsie


    bed is too big for the cage and there are no blankets in the bed she sleeps in as its fur lined. We can tempt her in with treats...she does like her food!


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    #6
    Paul91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 782 ✭✭✭Paul91


    chuck an old towel in the bed, get her scent on that and then pop that in the cage for the swap over


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    #7
    Growltiger
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Growltiger


    if you can get her in the cat carrier do line it with newspaper first in case she pees from nerves, and definitely cover it with a towel or blanket so she can not see out, this will help to calm her. this is what is done when fully feral cats are trapped for spaying.


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    #8
    boomerang
    Registered Users Posts: 3,189 ✭✭✭boomerang


    It would be great if you could get her into a cat carrier, but be very carefully that it's properly secure once she's in there as she's likely to get very upset once she realises she can't get back out and might thrash about. It all needs to be done as quickly and smoothly as possible - don't put her in the carrier until you are literally heading out the door to the DSPCA as it's going to be stressful for her. It will help if you put a heavy blanket or towel over the carrier as the darkness will soothe her and help to keep her calm.

    If she's truly feral it might be better to borrow a cat trap and set it at her breakfast time when she's hungry. Put some newspaper or an old teatowel in the bottom of the trap so it'll be more comfortable on her paws during the journey to the DSPCA. Again, cover the trap so she'll be less stressed.

    Good on you for helping her :)


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    #9
    Bitsie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 734 ✭✭✭Bitsie


    Thanks guys for the advice, i hope to book an appointment with DSPCA early next week so I'll let you know how it all goes! I just hope when we get her back home and release her that she recovers ok.


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