I have a smallholding with a stable block and hay store

My two cats are firmly house cats but I'd like to take on two ferel cats for the stables to keep the mice and rats down (its on the edge of farmland and I also have nearly 200 chickens which doesnt help)

I can keep the cats contained in a stable and rig up a double door system while they got established which I understand is a criteria of some charities but then someone who works for one of the best known charities told me that 'they' wouldnt give me older cats as they would never settle (they need to be rehomed within half a mile of their original home apparently!) and they would just run away and that my only option would be kittens but they want theirs to go to pet homes

I've had so many bad experiences with charities before but maybe I have been unlucky with some bad ones but I cant believe my only option is to buy kittens when there are so many cats needing homes!

Would kittens be warm enough when young? and would they automatically be able to hunt after being fed food from us (presumably they would need full meals of cat food when they are small?)

Has anyone rehomed ferel cats or kittens and has it worked out please?

I think you should definitely look into other charities who will rehome cats to people in your circumstances, because they certainly do exist! My local small rescue does this for sure, if you tell us what area you're in we may be able to put the feelers out for you and advise if there is a charity locally we know of that do this.

Thank you. I am in Northamptonshire

have a word with Cat Action Trust 1977

they work primarily with ferals and are very flexible on how they are housed etc

as long as they have shelter from elements, a guarenteed source of food in addition to whatever they can hunt and reletive safety from roads (ie not right next to duel carriage way or motorway) then they will try work with you to home the ferals

they have setups nationwide

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Such a shame you do not live in the Netherlands. Your set-up would have been ideal for my Klaatu. But we finally found him a place just like yours.

He isn't feral as such, but he is free-roaming and a true cat burglar. He gets into everyone's home and steals their steaks and chicken from the pan or plate....
And he would settle down in the best chair in every house he invaded, and refused to be chased away.

It took us nearly 2 years to find him a place where he would have enough space to roam without interfering with other people than his own slaves. He is now living on a farm, and he is happy, without being threatened by angry neighbours whose supper he had stolen.....

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Jiskefet & the mognificent Dutch bunch

My little angels at the rainbow bridge

Well done for the offer of a stable environment (excuse the pun ) for ferals. I don't think it is essential for the ferals to be kittens, provided your adults can be enclosed temporarily until they take root. You will still need to supplement their food, as it is a myth that modern ferals can live solely on rats and mice. A small daily portion of dry cat food should be fine in case they experience lean hunting seasons. It will also prevent them from moving on if they know they have a reliable food backup system.
Please also ensure all your cats are sterilised, even the males, to prevent unwanted litters. This will also cut down on injuries from fights and problems with the neighbouring property owners.
Good luck and bless you.

I've seen a few adverts for ferals/semi ferals looking for homes on smallholdings or farms/stables in the CP magazine, The Cat, so the CP definitely do that sort of feral homing (some branches at least).

I guess it depends on the cat as to whether they'd stick around for the long haul - some true ferals would be off as soon as they could get away but there are those (AlexArt has one) that like a bit of comfort and a nice warm barn with the freedom to hunt as they please would be welcomed by some, I'd imagine.

* Hello again!*

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Harry: Ginger & White b. September 2002
Oscar: Black b. 7th May 2011
Kitty: Grey Tabby b. 7th May 2011

Our lovely cat family

I know Celia Hammond in London always has feral cats advertised on their site. Admittedly a little way away but not un-doable.
As always I despair of just how difficult some cat rescues make it to re-home their cats! It sounds like you have an ideal setting for a couple of ferals to live a very nice life, those charities should be knocking your door down!
London, Lewisham - Animals in Need of a Home - Celia Hammond Animal Trust UK Rescue Shelters
Scroll to bottom of page and you see a group of 3 young ferals who could suit you......

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!