catching a feral

I HAVE A FERAL CAT WHO I CAN"T SEEM TO TRAP

SHE SHIES AWAY FROM THE TRAP

CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A TRAPPER?

SHE IS PREGNANT RIGHT NOW AS WELL

Welcome to The Cat Site.

I would call your local SPCA to see if they know of any one.

You could also try alleycatallies; they maintain a list of people who take care of colonies and do some trapping.  The link I provided also gives good information about how to trap cats.  I would stress that you know the cat is pregnant so the need is urgent.  Where do you live (county)?

You might also want to post on the Caring for Strays and Ferals forum for help with trapping; lots of experienced people there who can give you some tips. 

I agree with Ritz.

I shall also ask a mod to move this thread for you to the Feral and Stray care subforum.

Please, describe also your further plans with this mom?  Can you take her in, and foster her and her kittens? 

Welcome to our Forums!

   Good luck!

Have you tried tuna at the back of the trap?  And do you cover the main part of the trap with a towel or something?  I had an 8 week old feral kitten - last of 4 to trap - went all arount the trap and wouldn't go in - finally put tuna at the back of the trap - she went in, was not heavy enough to set the floor trap off and walked out - but the tuna kept her coming back - she finally went in and something set off the door trap and I finally trapped her.  Best of luck to you - so happy to see so many people helping the feral cats and kittens.

I also just caught the Mother of the four feral kittens and she too is pregnant - she is more like a friendly stray - she was born under my shed about 15 months ago - the mom disappeared and I have been feeding her outside this entire time.  She got pregnant - brought her kittens to my shed for safety and I kept feeding her - then finally trapped the kittens, got them fixed, tested - all negative I have to say - shots, dewormed, chipped and all but one are in happy homes.  Great first time trapping results.  I was so nervous.  Now I caught the Mom cat who is pregnant but she was easy - I put her food in a crate and she walked in and I pulled the door shut with a string from inside my house - it couldn't have gone easier - she is now in that crate in my laudry room on a table and I am waiting for her to deliver her kittens and when they are about 8 weeks or 2 lbs - I will get them fixed, etc and also the Mom fixed, dewormed, shots, tested.etc.  The Mom was born outside so I am not sure if I will be able to socialize her in 8-12 weeks but we will see - right now she is so affectionate due to her closing in on her due date which I think maybe in about a week - so maybe she will stay that way and want to be adopted out to her special family. 

Congratulations!  Hope she does become friendly enough for you to find a home for her.  That string with the crate trick works so well, doesn't it?  No fuss, no muss, done.

Good luck with her and thank you for caring for her!

You can start by putting food inside the trap, but not setting it.  This will get her used to the trap.  As mentioned above, keep the trap partially covered.  You can start by putting a small bowl of food just inside the trap and then move it back farther and farther.  I realize time is of great importance since she is pregnant and you want to catch her sooner than later.  Also try the smelliest of food you can get.  I have used tuna in oil, salmon in oil as well as sardines.  I also once saw a video on trapping where someone went to Kentucky Fried Chicken, bought a drumstick and hung it up in the back of the trap.  I guess cats go crazy for it.  Personally I would buy the boneless kind as the  bones would really scare me.  You also can go to Alley Cat Allies and watch videos on trapping tips.  I like to get the tuna or sardines in oil.  I place just a tiny amount at the front of the trap and dribble the oil on the newspapers along with tiny pieces.  I then have a big piece in the back.

Good luck.  I hope you can trap her soon.
 

I have also been told to put sardines or tuna on a paper plate under the back of the trap so when they get into the trap they try and dig for the food and it sets off the trap.  I too would get boneless...best of luck to you - mine was a breeze but I have no idea why.

Thanks - yes I am so happy it went so smoothly and yes the string trick - LOVE IT !!!!

 I love animals and would not have it any other way but to help them and place them in wonderful homes.

Well yesterday our feral Mom had three kittens - she did great - two came out tail first, the last one head first.  They all look healthy and started nursing immediately.  Mom is going very well.  She was so loving during the days before delivery - just wanted her belly rubbed - didn't want me to leave her side. 

I will do everything possible to get her adopted out since she is really not acting like a Feral, just like a friendly stray.  It has been a very long time since I saw kittens being born - still amazing on this miracle.  Will keep you posted on their progress.

Oh, forgot to mention, she let 4 adults and 1 8th grader stay with her the entire time during the labor and delivery and she allowed us to pet her and her babies...she really is nothing short of amazing.

Oh, that's wonderful news!  She is probably a stray - or was possibly dumped because she got pregnant.  Thank you for helping her!

She actually has been outside her entire life - she was born under my shed over a year ago and I have been feeding her since she was old enough to come out during the day - maybe 6-7 weeks - then the Mom disappeared and I kept feeding her - then the kitten disappeared for about 6 weeks - I thought something happened to her and then one day she showed up and 1 year later - she has had 2 litters and now in my house -  I am moving Mom and babies to a spare room I am cleaning out - she is currently in a cage on top of a tall table in my laundry room - I am very nervous the kittens will start moving around a get out of the crate and fall - so by the end of this week I will have them moved into their own room.  When the babies are old enough 8-10 weeks, I will get them fixed, dewormed, defleed, and all shots (like I just did with her first 4) and then get them adopted out.  So glad she cooperated and we can now stop they cycle.

oh that's wonderful!  I am so happy you were able to catch her and get everyone fixed.  Your plan for the spare room sounds ideal.

Thought I would update on the Mom and 3 kittens - they will be 3 weeks old this Sunday.  Mom is doing great - very loving and the kittens eyes have opened and they are moving around - very unsteady but gaining weight and looking healthy.  Will weigh them this weekend to make sure they are gaining weight each week and then when they are 2 lbs or 8-9 weeks old I will take them to give fixed, etc. and also bring the Mom there as well.  Then when they have healed nicely I will adopt out or give them to the humane society so they can carefully screen the applicants - want to make sure they have SAFE forever homes.  Not sure how the Mom will do trusting someone else besides myself - but not sure she will get along with my other cats since she has been outside her entire life fighting off cats, raccoons, and other animals but will keep working with her until I find the right home.  By far the most heart warming experience I have ever had with animals.

It does warm the heart.  Thank you so much for helping them all.  Vibes you get good homes for them all ...

Update on Mom and Kittens - all kittens are gaining weight - I have given the Mom and kittens their first de-worming meds a week ago and will give them it again next Thursday.  All are doing so well - kittens will be 6 weeks old on Sundayh - 2 our of 3 using the kitty litter like champs - the other - only girl - gets in the litter box and tries to eat it.  LOL  - and the piddles on the carpet next to it - LOL  - all in good time she will use it - they are very playful - the runt is already eating the Mom's canned food - they are all stilll nursing - have teeth so I am sure the Mom will welcome them eating canned food soon.  The Mom is amazing - for being a feral her entire 1 1/2 years and for having two litters in 6 months - she is the most friendly and loving cat - still a bit scared at times, but they have their own room, and I knock on the door before entering and wait a second, and then go in and that seems to alert her that someone is coming into the room.  She always looks for her kittens first - she is such a good Mom.  Still thinking about keeping her as it seems she is so relaxed and feels safe in my home.  I guess time will tell if it will all work out.  Once the kittens are 2 lbs or 8-9 weeks old I will get the Mom and kittens fixed, tested, de-wormed shots, etc.  I already have a home for one of them - just wanted to share this unbelievable story that has warmed my heart so much.

Absolutely the best story!   I am so happy to hear about Mom, especially.  She just needed the right human (you) to convince her to be a house cat.  Thanks so much for sharing.

Ondine said:

 
Absolutely the best story!   I am so happy to hear about Mom, especially.  She just needed the right human (you) to convince her to be a house cat.  Thanks so much for sharing.

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Just to agree!   Drying of the wetness in the corner of my eye....

*continuing vibes!*