Feral question

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I have two female ferals that have been living in my yard for almost a year now. I feed and take care of them. About a month ago a tom cat started coming around and scaring them. I took him in to get fixed about three weeks ago and he has not left since. The problem is that my two females are terrified of him and they are sneaking around to eat, etc. I was wondering if there is anything to do to make them get along? I feel so bad that the two females are basically kicked out of their home! Any advice would be appreciated...thank you!

ANSWER: Amber,

It often takes a neutered male many weeks after the time of neutering before the hormone levels finally drop.  I would wait a few months and see what develops.  I do not think you can get a good read on how well they will do together while he is still hormonal.

Are your females fixed?

Best regards... Norm.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response! Yes, they are both fixed. Also, the male has Feline Aids, are the two females in danger of catching it from him? He doesn't bite them, just chases them.

Answer
Amber,

OK, Feline Immunodefficiency Virus (FIV, a.k.a. Feline Aids) does have a vaccine. As long as any cat roams outside it is at risk for Rabies, FIV and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). So, it would probably be a good idea to have your two girls innoculated for FIV after a discussion with your veterinarian. I expect because of local laws the two girls are probably inoculated against Rabies.

The problem may not just be the new tom, but any other cat that can enter your yard who may carry these diseases.

Remember, I am not a vet, but a concerned owner of many, many years.

Please let me know how things go with your vet.

Best regards... Norm.