Anybody in SE Saskatchewan?

There are two feral/stray kittens living in my backyard. I put food and water out for them, and they eat it (as well as other critters in the neighborhood, I'm sure), but they're quite skittish. I'm aiming to get them used to me by having them realize I'm the one with the food, but so far, no luck. I would really like to catch them before winter is upon us, as they're so small, there is no mama cat around, and it gets so cold here. Not to mention the coyotes I hear nearly every night and the fox that has been spotted in town. They have a few good hidey-holes, and usually sleep in a tree in my backyard. They have taken a liking to the neighbors' shed, and have given me permission to go in there whenever and try to catch the kittens, otherwise they are going to call the town and have them come get them. I find some people in this province view kittens/cats and as nuisance and tend to "get rid of" them, rather than spaying/neutering.

First of all, does anyone have advice for me? This is my first time attempting to lure in feral kittens. Second of all, does anybody live in my area? I would love to keep these kittens, but I have a small house, and three cats already (we just took in an abandoned kitten from the next town West), and my boyfriend thinks we don't need anymore cats (which I probably don't, but I can't ignore the fact that they'll freeze to death during the winter). My two cats are indoor kitties (except when we go outside on the harness, because I am "that" person), and our rescue is becoming an indoor kitty (harness scenario applies to him as well). I'm reluctant to take them to the Humane Society, even though I have been told they are a "no kill" shelter. I'm also reluctant to give them away, as I don't know too many people around here who would be interested in giving two kittens a "forever" home. Hoping someone on here will be willing to take them, or know someone who would (and would maybe share updates on how they are doing!).

Thanks in advance everyone!

Shelly

They look like they haven't been to socialized, so you have your work cut out for you. Remember, after a kitten hood outside and without a lot of human contact, they may never be pets. Having said that, here's what you can do. First, get them spayed or neutered. That means trapping. Can you borrow or buy a humane trap? They have a plate on the floor that springs the trap when the cat steps on it. If possible, get two traps set up. If you trap one kitten, the second will be a little harder to trap, as he has seen how it works.

Put the traps out without setting them. Tie the door open, so the trap doesn't spring. Put the food inside the trap, every day at the same time. Feed them this way for a week or so - to get them used to eating in the trap. When you make the appointment for their surgeries, set the trap. When it springs, it will frighten them but it will not hurt them. Cover the trap with a blanket. That will calm them down. Once they are fixed, you will need to recuperate them. You can do this inside or in a shed or garage.

There are lots of posts here that have more details. Please ask us specific questions, too, if you have them. Good luck!

BTW - they are very smart little kitties to sleep in the tree like that!

Thank-you, Ondine!! I really appreciate your advice, I've never done this before!

I have been considering borrowing the live traps from the town. I'm worried about only being able to catch one, though, and the other being scared off. Also, I'm not sure how old they are, or what gender, as I can't get close enough. I've been told they have to be at least six months before they can be fixed.

Another question: if I can trap them, but not socialize them, I'm thinking I'd put out a winter shelter; just wondering if anyone has put out a winter shelter for stray kitties where it gets below -40 C before? And how would you prevent skunks and the such from getting inside? I've been considering letting them in my garage, as we don't use it for anything other than junk storage, but I don't particularly want skunks inside! Also worried about re-releasing the kitties after being fixed, as no one in this town (except for me, apparently) likes strays.

A winter shelter is exactly what they need. There are many ideas - you can build your own and use plastic totes, doghouses, chicken coops. Many places on the Internet sell them (Stabobs, feral villa). Always use straw (not hay or blankets) as bedding. Hay and fabric will mold. Try a Google search for ideas.

You can set them up in your garage in big dog crates after their surgeries. This keeps them safe and allows limited interaction so they can begin to understand you mean them no harm. Once they are fixed and used to being fed, they should stay close if you need to release them. In the garage or outside, if you take up their food after dark, other critters should not come calling.

Pretty wild i call a shelter near you

We don't really have a lot of shelters here. We have a couple rescue groups, but they're always full with not enough people to foster, and end up having to turn a lot of animals away. I did meet a new girl at work who will take them, though! ...If we can catch them. She lives in the Qu'Appelle Valley and is willing to have them as outside pets since they're feral, and just make sure they are fixed, and have shelter and food.

Thank-you everyone for your advice, I really appreciate it! Now to catch the adorable little critters...

Borrow or buy a humane trap. Two is better. Set them up by tying the door open for a week or so. Put the food at the back of the traps to get the cats used to eating in the traps. On the day before your spay/neuter appointment, untie the door and set the trap to spring.

It will upset them a little but cover the trap - that will calm them down. Depending on the weather, they can stay outside, in the covered trap, over night. If it's cold or raining, place the covered traps inside a shed.

Good luck. I'm glad you found a responsible new owner for them!