Suggestions on getting TNR cats/kittens to return & eat and use shelter?

We do know there is another food source (crappy food - not avialable consisently like ours is)...

After we TNR release - it seems that we're often not seeing the animals return. If so - they're doing it in fairly dark - and they used to do it right at dusk and early morning (7ish). But we're down to seeing only the sole kitten we've yet to trap - and he only eats at around 10 am and then again at around 3 pm. I know several are at least using the shelter filled with straw we have out, which is a relief. Does anyone think more will use it once it's colder and we add the heated outdoor pad?

I hate that we seem to scare them off by the TNR process - but keep telling mysel it's the right thing to do. Right? Do we keep providing feed/shelter even if the usage is a ittlle sporadic? Any suggestions on getting them to use both shelter and food more consistently/ We feed a mix of good dry and some good soft on top to get them excited about the food. And shelter wise - it's an insulated  dogloo, set into brush behind a garage so very out of any traffic whatsoever, filled with straw and elevated off the ground, and we're hoping to warm them up (pun intended) t putting up a clear flap that leans against the door at an angle so they can see, and go in and out, but less like to have snow or rain come in through the opening. Plus the outdoor heating mat will arrive next week, and that may help draw them too.

We're feeding some distance from the house, and trapping further away from both - to try to keep things "seperate" in their  minds. Someone suggested catnip in the house - which I di - and it disappeard, so guessing that's a good sign!

Food wise - suggestions on getting them back after the trauma of TNR? I've seen some cross a very busy road - presumably searching for food/water - but they have it right here!!

Any suggestions appreciated!

Kitychick

Thank you so much for helping. Even if they don't return, think of the horrible situations they would be in if your didn't trap and fix them.

But they most likely will return in time. Keep providing the food at scheduled times and in the same place. That will make it easier for them to get used to the food being available. I would suggest that you feed before dark and not leave the food out after dark. That will only attract critters, like raccoons, who may also be keeping the cats away.

And having a safe, secure place for them to sleep is good, too. Make sure it is in a quiet place. They will more likely use it it if has escape routes for them.