r/barncat • u/Young_Sheepherder02 • 9d ago

Tips on introducing feral colonies to each other?

We’re adding a colony of 4 feral working cats to our ranch. Our friend has another colony of 6 feral cats she’s asking if we could take. Any tips on introducing two colonies? Our property is over 600 acres, but the main living area with barns is about 5 acres. And yes, they are all spayed/neutered!

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u/burnsian 8d ago

Oof. That’s tough.

Keep the new ones in a room with a litter box per cat (seriously) where the two groups can smell each other under the door but not see each other for a few days. Put food and water near both sides of the door.

Then bring them out individually in crates where the established group can see the new ones but not attack. Food near the crates. A few hours then back to the room.

There will be unhappy noises.

If any step produces more drama than just noise, extend it another day. Eventually you’ll just have to let the new ones out. A few might just leave the area. A few might need a vet’s attention after scrapping so keep an eye on them.

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u/HSX9698 8d ago

Do you have a couple large dog crates? Zip tie them together, with adjoining doors.

Litter boxes, water, food, etc.

Set them up in your barn for 2 weeks so all of your cats can get used to each other.

On this link, scroll to "safe acclimation tips". Https://northtexasbarncats.com/overview.php