Can't they go to a barn or stable somewhere?

Myth #1:  There is a big happy barn somewhere where all the cats can be placed.

Most people new to the plight of feral cats believe removing the cats will solve the problem.  The ineffective practice of "trap and kill" has proven over decades that soon new cats move in to occupy the property.  Relocation is not usually required, education is.

Besides, with an estimated 60-100 million feral cats in the U.S., there aren’t enough barns for everyone.   Relocation requires a willing adopter and a 2 to 4 week “homing” period to get them accustomed to their new surroundings (see note below).  Most barns have too many cats already, but we are always looking for barn & stable opportunities.

For more information about relocation, refer to Alley Cat Allies FAQ page.  If you have sourced a willing person to take your feral
cat(s), see Alley Cat Allies' Factsheet "Guidelines for Safe Relocation of Feral Cats" for details on the homing process.

Myth #2:  Just dump them somewhere else; cats can survive on their own.

Abandoning cats in a forest preserve or anywhere else is against the law in Illinois.  It is also extremely cruel:

• Domesticated cats have never been taught to hunt by their mothers and CANNOT survive on their own. 

• They will be absolutely terrified, and will almost certainly starve to death, die of dehydration or exposure, be eaten by predators, or be hit by a car.   Unlike dogs, indoor domesticated cats will not come out for a stranger (or their owner) who calls to them if they are outside their home environment.

• Feral cats are territorial by nature, and without the confinement and homing phase, would immediately run away to try to find their way back home, and would likely die in the process.