Need help with feral

[queenofspades]

I have a previously trapped and spayed and released feral mama, Luna, who was left behind as a kitten at my house. I’m moving from KS back to CA.
I told her that if she wanted to come with me, I had to trap her and take her to the vet to include her with the other 4 cats.

I’ve canceled two vet appointments (including this afternoon! ) but now she’s in my trap. SO!

I rescheduled for the next appointment, which was on the ninth of January. I have a large dog crate prepped for her and litter box, etc. but I was hoping to only release her into that after she had been to the vet.

So much for that idea!!!

Hopefully I will be able to transfer her into a smaller crate for 3-4 days of driving / travel. Worst case scenario I will hire a pet transport if I have to, not sure how to handle this.

I have four other cats who range from extremely friendly and cuddly (from almost 18 years old to 5 years old) one of them is very skittish, I used to call her semi feral, but she’s just really skittish now. She was a feral that I worked with 6 years ago when I found her as a baby under my house…

For tonight: am about to transfer her from the trap into the larger crate, hopefully for a week or less depending on vet availability. (I will email the vet and let them know that I’m ready to go as soon as they are…) I’ll try to get her back into my have a heart trap to get her to the vet appointment.

Questions:
Are there any tips or tricks I can employ to help it be less stressful for her and me I’d love any ideas.
Am I insane to try to drive all four cats in a Prius from KS to CA with everyone in separate crates ..or?!?!

I am trying to do the right thing here - I’m attached to Luna and I know she’s also attached to me.

She was already abandoned once and I’ve been her place/home/food/etc. for the 2 1/2 years.

I originally trapped her back in February 2023 when I realized she was pregnant. Her 4 kittens were all incredibly friendly and well adjusted. I got everyone spayed and neutered (including mom) and the kittens when in boy girl pairs to two different owners who love them so much!!!

I’m hoping with time and once we get over this hurdle of a move she will adjust. I’m prepared to devote a room to her for as long as it takes….

Thanks in advance for an my input you have..::

Update: grabbed the tomahawk trap with her inside and successfully transferred her into the larger crate in a quiet room, separate from the other cats so that she can decompress.

 

[fionasmom]

If you are considering a pet transport company, start to make inquiries. I have not looked for one in years, but did inquire when I was looking to transport a puppy from MO years ago.

A friend of mine drove from LA to Washington DC with four cats in a Honda. It can be done with meticulous planning about stops, lodging, insuring that the cats do not get out and that if they are let out in a pet friendly hotel that you can get them back in the carriers.

You are doing the right thing to take Luna with you. Can you handle her at all?

If she is in a large enough dog crate, she should be fine.

 

[Billie & Steve]

I have no idea how far that is as I’m in Australia. We have always used a pheromone spray and diffuser. We moved 5 hours and had no problems with our previous 15yr old kitty travelling and settling. We also used it with our next cat then introducing the kitten. Over here the brand is Feliway.
I think taking Luna with you is the right thing to do. She may be feral but she’s your feral. Not everyone is as understanding and she now relies on you.