New owners of farms or homesteads may find themselves with unexpected feral cats on the property that were left behind by the previous owners. Dr. Christiana Yule from Fort Kent Animal Hospital advises these new owners to first get the cats fixed to prevent their population from increasing exponentially.
Yule explains that dealing with feral cats can be tricky, especially depending on the number of cats and their level of tameness. Live-trapping is a common method of catching feral cats for examination by a veterinarian. The cats are checked for health issues, spayed or neutered, and treated for internal parasites to prevent the spread of disease to other animals and even people.
It is important for farm cats to have access to food, water, and shelter, as they are domesticated animals that appreciate these basic necessities. Feeding stations should be established to ensure the cats always have a meal available. Yule also recommends providing insulated shelters with straw bedding for warmth in bad weather.
There are two classes of feral barn cats: those who avoid people and those who may eventually become house cats. Regardless of their nature, all farm cats should be cared for and maintained to ensure their well-being. By following these guidelines, new owners can successfully manage feral cat populations on their property while also providing a humane environment for these animals.
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