Taking in strays

[ChristyM]

Hi, I would like some advice about taking in two stray cats. First, I’ve always wondered is there a way to know how old your cat is? Secondly, I have taken care of a stray (her name is Kali) for about 3-4 years now. The color of her coat is tortoiseshell print with green to yellow eyes. Shes a loving cat, but have to watch out for her swatting sometimes. She has had worms in the past that I have given her medicine for and she has done well as an outside cat. Then another one came along who I called Gollum (it took him time to warm up to me since I believe he was abused when he was little), he has become a very affectionate, loving cat. Kali seems to tolerate Gollum, they don’t fight. They both depend on me everyday to feed and love. I will be moving within a year or so and I want to take them both in. However, I’m undecided about this situation because of the stress I can put them under also the steps I would have to take to make them permanently mine. I’m sort of at a lost on this one and wanted to know what exactly are the steps I have to take to make them permanently mine? And travel? I’m not sure if I could even get them in a crate really. But at the end of the day I don’t want to leave and abandon them, they both wouldn’t understand. Or would it be easier to try to make sure that the new homeowners to do use my home feed them? It just seems like the stress of what I would be trying to do would ruin the loving and trusting relationship I have with them both.
I have no clue how old either one is. I do know that Kali (my first stray) she did seem to be small (not baby) but still at a young age when she came to me. Gollum seems to be more in the mature stage of a cat when he came.

Not sure if this question can be answered but looking for any advice you can give.

Thank you for your time.

@Dr. Jeff @Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christy!

Let's see what cat expert @Dr. Jean Hofve says, even before I give my opinions about your great questions.