Cats may be held for post-operative observation either in the clinic or under the care of a FCD volunteer for a period of time determined by the veterinarian.

The goals of post-operative care are to:

• Keep the cat safely and effectively confined since feral cats will be intent on escape.
• Minimize stress to the cat
• Maximize the ease and safety of transport to the release site.

Ideally, the cat should remain in the carrier in which he is placed following surgery until he is released. Moving the cat from one carrier or cage to another is highly stressful to the cat, dangerous to the caretaker, and increases the likelihood of escape. Therefore, the cat should be kept in a carrier that is large enough to accommodate the cat comfortably along with a small litter box and food/water dishes, but is small enough to be transported to the release site.

The carrier/cage should hold:

• A filled litter box
• A small box turned on its side in which the cat can hide and sleep comfortably
• A food and water dish close to the door

It is possible and preferable to care for the cat without opening the door of the carrier/cage. Water can be poured into the dish using a clean watering can with a long, slender spout. (Do not use a water can that has held plant food/fertilizer). Dried food can be dropped though the bars of the door into a dish. If antibiotics have been prescribed, they can be mixed with wet food and squirted into the dish using a turkey baster.

The carrier/cage should be placed in a warm, quiet, private place away from household activities. Children and pets should not have access to this area.

Ideas for confining feral cats:

Large hard-sided animal carriers of the type approved for airline travel and with cage-type doors that close and latch securely.

A "feral cat recovery cage" available from animal supply catalogs

A large non-transportable cage in which a small cat carrier can be placed. The cage can hold the carrier, litter and food dishes. The cat will likely choose to sleep in the carrier, which will afford privacy. When it is time to release the cat, the caretaker can wait until the cat voluntarily enters the carrier and the caretaker can then poke the carrier door closed by reaching into the cage through the bars with a broom handle. This should be done by two people: one to hold the carrier door closed with the broom handle while the other opens the door of the cage and reaches in to latch the carrier door.

Feral cats should never be confined in the following:

• Cardboard boxes, including cardboard animal carriers
• Animal carriers that have missing closure screws
• Traps that do not afford privacy and that do not allow the cat room to comfortably lie down, use litter, etc.

Releasing Cats

Feral cats should be released where they were trapped and should have immediate and ongoing access to food and fresh water. Release the cat by placing the carrier in a quiet, sheltered spot, and then open the door while standing behind or next to the carrier (not in front). Step back immediately from the carrier.