Farm cats

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Ugh, the "rescue" has not gone well.
We could only get the tamest two into the cage - the third has absolutely shredded my hand the pet sitter's hands. She said that one would only get rehomed to another farm as she's so feral so it might be best to leave her, even though that's not ideal. She said the other two will be snapped up in weeks due to their colouring and nature. The third was so scared - she's still behind my fridge, I've left the back door open so she can leave in her own time.
As well as this, the farmer was about and with the bright "Pet care" van will undoubtedly know what I've done so I could be in trouble there.
Also, while moving the fridge, I've ripped a big tear in the lino. Goodbye deposit.
I just feel like this has gone so badly.

You've stolen a farmer's cats? Please tell me you're kidding?

No - they're feral! sorry, there's a backstory and without it I can see how that must sound bad. They live on a farm but the farmer claims no responsibility. He does not have a good track record with treating animals well. I found these kittens living in my shed a few months ago and they all have appalling eye infections - I cannot afford to get them treated so I have had them taken by someone who is getting them treated and re-homed.

You need to borrow a trap then. Get her done and return her if necessary. But don't leave her there without being neutered.

Or if she comes into your house then catching her is possible. But it's something that needs practice and technique. And you must get her by the scruff of the neck and, if you don't have a top loader basket, stuff her into the carrier back end first.

How long do you have before you leave?

Thanks TCN. I'm leaving in three weeks. There is no way she'll come back into the house after the fiasco that's just occurred - I feel awful. She's back outside now and hiding somewhere. The pet sitter who's just picked them up is lovely and has offered to come round when I've left with a trap and take her - this just be ok, I think? I'm certain she will do this, she's really passionate about cats and was so pleased to take the other two.

It would be easier to trap her while you're still there. Why wait until you've gone? And then what would happen, would she bring her back once she's done?

I think she'll probably change her attitude with her siblings gone. Cat dynamics are strange and it's possible that she might become more independent without them to rely on. It's just a question of how long that would take.

Good luck.

I'm not sure, as she said she'd only be rehomed onto another farm, which doesn't seem sensible. For that one perhaps it makes more sense to neuter and return?
I'm only uneasy about doing it after being bollocked by the awful woman, the farmer's sister. Having said that, she's been away for weeks and left no provision for the cats' care or feeding.
Ugh I don't know. I will text the pet sitter and see what she thinks.

Thank you Cozie, I'm pleased to hear that.

I trapped cat which was classed as feral and a vicious unhandable thing - within a few weeks he was a soppy fusspot; the fear of being caught can make them react and act aggressively.

Chances are that the most fearful cat could be rehomed as a feral farm cat where it is still fed and looked after in return for keeping vermin down, but it could still come round and be tamed I would think. I wouldn't be happy leaving it in the current situation and would definitely make sure she is neutered.

What will you say if they notice? Foxes? Car?

That sounds hopeful, Fenneltea - I definitely think there's hope for her as a pet. She was ok being stroked but just flipped when picked up.
Fluffy - I think I will just plead ignorance.

Keep up your normal routine (including food being put down etc) and see how she is in a day or two's time.

Thanks - the little sod has been begging my window sills again as if nothing had ever happened. However, when I've put down food for her, she definitely shies away from being touched. I don't know, I think fennel is right - she could be a happy loving pet.

It might take a day or two - she's just been put on her own for the first time in her life so it's a big change. No chance of you taking her in I suppose ? (I know there wasn't in the past but thought I'd ask in case circumstances had changed at all.)

If she's okay being stroked then I would say she will definitely be able to be tamed; she might never make a fussy lap cat though, like any cat that is more independent, and the problem will be finding someone to take the time to tame her.

We had one pregnant feral who we trapped that would climb the walls screaming when approached by a human. The vets said she would never be tamed, but she has been. She won't sit on our knees, but comes for a stroke and will rub round our legs, and can be picked up providing she's held at arms length, but it took time and patience to get to that point.

The ideal would be to take her in yourself if she knows you and give it a few months of tlc and then see about rehoming her when she's more confident if that is doable for you.

I found an American site called The Cat Site www.thecatsite.com/f/9/caring-for-strays-and-ferals had some good tips and what to expect when taming ferals.

You're doing a lovely thing helping these cats, so many people would turn a blind eye and leave them to get on with it.

Glad to read the update & I hope you are able to help the remaining little one. It sounds as if you might be able to use a CPL-style trap?