Feral I care for, but cannot pick up nor trap!

I have a feral I feed and I cannot get near him at all. I really need to get him to a vet. I have tried so many variations of the live trapping, that's not going to work either., trap smart, trap shy, whatever the reason, he will NOT go into it, I've been at this for over a month. And a carrier isn't going to work to trap him with either, he doesn't come close.

Is there anything such as a fast acting sedation, like almost immediately? I wouldn't want him to wander off on sedation, that's why i say it would have to be instantaneous, like a minute or two at the most.

Is this something a vet could come and do, if there isn't one that could be put into food?

Has anyone had to use this method? If so, i would love to know about it, and the name of the medication.

I Need Help desperately.

I Live In Central NY

Deb N The FurKids

Did you try sardines in the trap?  We put a sheet over the trap and sardines in it and after the 2nd try we had the cat.  I don't know about sedation because if the  cat goes somewhere you don't know that would not be good.

Thanks for your reply. I do know about sedation, that's why I put this in my post:

Is there anything such as a fast acting sedation, like almost immediately? I wouldn't want him to wander off on sedation, that's why i say it would have to be instantaneous, like a minute or two at the most. 

have tried so many variations of the live trapping, that's not going to work either., trap smart, trap shy, whatever the reason, he will NOT go into it, I've been at this for over a month or so. NOTHING IS WORKING.

Deb N The FurKids

Like Judyb, I've always heard that that type of sedation isn't offered because of the harm that could come if the cat runs off too fast.   If you truly feel that's your only alternative, I'd suggest talking to zoos about tranquilizer darts and whether they have a professional trained in their use who'd be willing to help you.    Even that I have no idea if it would work or be possible though.

Still there are so many variations on trapping, do you feel you've tried every single one?   What about a drop trap?

I have looked into borrowing a drop trap, there isn't one available, or i would have tried that too. Yes, I do feel I've tried everyone. I've researched and researched, and did more research. Contacted WildLife officers, followed their instructions. Used

KFC warmed,

canned warmed,

dry,

cardboard with drippings to the back,

tried feeding from the beginning of the trap going back, won't go past the first step,

covering,

uncovering,

hiding in bushes,

covering with tree limbs to camouflage,

with holding food,

putting good food in the trap, boring crunchies outside,

using different traps...tomahawk, tru catch

The only thing i haven't tried is the drop trap, which, like i said i have no access to one. Nobody to build one, nowhere to get one.

I was doing some research and came across this answer from a member of this group, and that is why I posted this question about the sedation. I did send a PM, but I thought maybe someone else out here would know also. this is what I read:

My feral won't let me near her unless I put some sedative in her food.  Which I do in order to trap and vet her every year.  She only has 2 teeth as well.  I know this because during her routine a few years back she had a couple of really bad teeth that seemed to be growing back inside her gum line. 

Thanks,

Deb

You can always buy a drop trap.   They are expensive but perhaps you could work out a deal with a local rescue group where they take on the majority of the cost if they get to keep it after.   It does sound like you've tried a lot of ways with the regular humane trap.  

If you are handy, you might be able to build or make a drop trap.  I have seen quite a few videos on Youtube showing handmade or hand built drop traps.  Do you have a local rescue group in your area that could assist you? 

I realize how frustrating it can be.  I tried unsuccessfully for months to trap a male feral.  I eventually had to give up for a time and readjust.  I then tried again a few months later and I was able to get him. 

Is the cat in immediate need of vet care of are you looking to spay/neuter and vaccinate? 

Have you called your vet to see if they can be of assistance?

Have you tried putting some catnip in the food? (Catnip is completely edible BTW.)

I would definitely not recommend any sedation of any kind to any feral cat, ever. I do not know of any fast acting - and fast recovering sedation either. Very risky, as you already know. You have no idea how a particular cat will react to any sedation, fast-acting or not. Do not do or attempt.

Try a drop trap - OR only feed the cat inside of a carrier with the door propped for a few days. Also, ties a rope from the inside of the crate through the door. You say he won't go into a carrier? Make it a larger size and ONLY feed in the crate. Believe me, he will eventually go inside the crate to eat. ON the day you want to bring the cat to the vet, pull the rope after the cat is inside eating, and reel in the crate, keeping rope tight. I have caught many feral cats, reclusive feral cats, this way. IF you need to catch him due to an injury or serious illness and he needs immediate attention - the drop trap is the way to go. Still he may balk at that for a few days. for good luck in trapping your feral cat safely.

Debncatkids:  It's pretty serious business to sedate a cat.  The post you referred to is more than a year old and the poster (JustMike) hasn't been on the boards for awhile.  (He's dealing with some health issues).

Knowing Mike, I think he was in serious touch with his vet about the sedation he gave his cat.  This isn't something any of us do on our own.

So - about trapping.  Have you tried a net?  A long handled fishing net with small gauge netting will help you nap the cat.  Once he's in the net, you can gather it up and drop him in the carrier.  He will fight like crazy but I've used nets many times and they work.

Work with a partner who can hold the carrier open while you put the netted cat inside.  Make sure the net itself is long, too.  That way, you can close the carrier around the net (I've had to cut the short nets to get the doors of the carrier closed).

Good luck.  I know how frustrating this whole thing can be.

A net is a great idea!

Trapping some cats can take a very long time, it's frustrating, but not impossible. A nearby feral cat colony was dissolved due to construction, and one very wily intact male who'd managed to avoid being trapped for eight years moved into our yard. Over the course of about a year we used food and managed to get him to move into our garage (with the door open at all times) and then into our cellar (first with a window open, then with one pane removed, then with a cat flap). We put his food in a large dog carrier, first without the door and then with it open, and gradually moved closer and closer while he was eating till I managed to get the door shut one morning. Off he went to the vet for neutering and some serious dental work (extractions). We fed him in that carrier for another five years so that we could get him vetted every year. He became much less wary of us over time.

jcat said:

A net is a great idea!

Trapping some cats can take a very long time, it's frustrating, but not impossible. A nearby feral cat colony was dissolved due to construction, and one very wily intact male who'd managed to avoid being trapped for eight years moved into our yard. Over the course of about a year we used food and managed to get him to move into our garage (with the door open at all times) and then into our cellar (first with a window open, then with one pane removed, then with a cat flap). We put his food in a large dog carrier, first without the door and then with it open, and gradually moved closer and closer while he was eating till I managed to get the door shut one morning. Off he went to the vet for neutering and some serious dental work (extractions). We fed him in that carrier for another five years so that we could get him vetted every year. He became much less wary of us over time.

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EXCELLENT work! The crate is great to use continually for feeding feral cats for ease of catching for any vet emergencies, etc. :bigthumb:

Feeling your "pain".

Been where you are.

The only way I was able to "trap" a feral-born female was to get her into my garage, then to another room in the house.  This helped me with some socialization, and after 3 years, and 3 litters of kittens I was finally successful.

Other than that - I think you've done about everything I could offer as suggestions - I do agree with others about the sedation part, though.



for you, and for the cat .