emotions of first trapping tnr

I believe I will be trapping in the future. I feel it will be a very very difficult thing to do emotionally having known and loved and fed these cats for so long, not to mention the trust i have developed with them. Something I don't want to ruin.

I have been reading different TNR websites from all over the country and found one from Texas that mentioned the emotions involved in first time trapping. They have developed a 'buddy system'. An agreement between two people. I will trap your cats if you trap mine. It seems like a good solution! It was the first time I heard of such a thing and wanted to share. If it is well known and practiced just disregard thread.

I haven't heard of this concept, it is interesting.  It would remove the emotional baggage some people have with trapping.

A friend of mine needs to trap some cats where she lives, but she has some really sad memories of last time she tried trapping:  her cat escaped her apartment, she set out traps, she trapped other cats but never did trap--or find--her cat.

I see one possible problem from the cats' perspective:  they are use to the primary caretaker--her/his smell, sound of car engine, food.  If a stranger comes around, they may scatter and not even approach the trap.

You could try the buddy system and if it doesn't produce results, then try it the other way.

Personally, I felt a great sense of accomplishment/pride when I trapped/TNRd cats:  I knew it was better for the cats.  "Trust me, I'm your Mom." 

And from a purely selfish perspective, I knew it was one less kitten I had to spend money on to s/n, feed and see (I was getting some complaints from non-cat lovers who lived in the same condo complex as I did.)

 I know how you feel. I HATE trapping, especially after I have spent so long getting the cats to trust me enough to come to my house when they need feeding. It feels like such a betrayal.

Whenever possible I coax them into the house and get them to go into the cat carrier by themselves with the help of a few treats or catnip. Quite a lot of them are actually tame enough to pick up and put in the carrier. I only use the trap with the older, wiser ones who won't allow themselves to be touched.

I make sure that I'm the one to go and collect them from the vet and release them, hopefully the associate me with getting their freedom back. So far they have all forgiven me and kept coming back for food.

The Tnr group working my area I believe have removed the very friendly ones and they probably had no need for traps. These ones ever since kittens were more curious about me, would look into my face and later went for rubbing all over me and even climb up my back when crouched down to feed them. I loved that and miss them a lot. I know trapping will still need done after the group is done and will most likely need to be done periodically, so I have to learn. I am going to try the buddy system first. My preference is for them to only associate me with good things. Watching and waiting for this group to get it done and over, thinking about the cats in the moments of transition from untouched to neutered is quite something for my nerves and made me ask myself if I could even actually trap when the time comes. 

The cats still arent back!? How long does this take? Three mornings and no sign of the colony the tnr group was focused on. I do see all the others I told the group about in other areas of apt complex . Why not trap them all if your goal is to stabilize the population? I am beginning to think they just like grabbing kittens and dont really care for ferals or the feral life...

But anyways, when/if they come back I was thinking of building new shelters for them. My idea is to just make a small village out of straw bails in the woods. Arrange them so there are coves and cuddle spots. Top in with a big heavy piece of wood. Do you think the straw would just become too weathered and wet? Does it dry out fast? I am thinking of this because of possible predation and because it was just too easy for people to pick up my shelters and remove them. Also it feels more natural? Maybe just enough shelter from winter but nothing over the top so they stay open to all their options?

Did the TNR group just take the friendly kittens? Were they going to try and re-home these ones first, rather than releasing them again? It's strange that they haven't shown up for three days if they were released back into the same area after spaying. They stray females I've spayed this year were usually back in less than 24 hours.

I like your idea of making them shelters out of straw. I've never done this myself, but when I was a kid and spent all my time around ponies the stable cats used to sleep in the hay stacks out in the fields while they were there. These were covered with a tarpauline that was fastened to the ground with hooks like tent pegs, so they stayed dry.

Norachan said:

 
Did the TNR group just take the friendly kittens? Were they going to try and re-home these ones first, rather than releasing them again? It's strange that they haven't shown up for three days if they were released back into the same area after spaying. They stray females I've spayed this year were usually back in less than 24 hours.

I like your idea of making them shelters out of straw. I've never done this myself, but when I was a kid and spent all my time around ponies the stable cats used to sleep in the hay stacks out in the fields while they were there. These were covered with a tarpauline that was fastened to the ground with hooks like tent pegs, so they stayed dry.

Click to expand...

weeks ago the friendly ones disappeared. They were mostly from last springs litter. So many were friendly of that group. Then I waited and waited for them to start trapping. I don't believe the others needed trapped. I couldnt find signs and the weather was only getting colder. There were a few very small kittens still very shy and some full grown adults that would be two years old this spring left. Yesterday I saw only one tom I know they will never catch and a small kitten. I wrote them to tell them about kitten, worry it will freeze without litter mates. This morning just the tom. 

Today I will sneak into the woods and have a thorough look. It has snowed here and it is easy to see paw prints. From their website I know they rehome kittens. But I want my Quest, Marco, Pepper, Sparky, Ink....miss them.

Maybe they are still hiding, For some reason they provided no shelter. I was waiting for them to leave to reestablish. You are right, a tarp like material will work best

So this morning is three days. 

I would contact the group to ask about their whereabouts.  Males can usually be released the very next day.  Females can take a bit longer.  Is it really cold or snowy where you are?  Maybe they are holding them waiting for better weather to return and release them.  Maybe they are friendly enough that they are adoptable.  I would call and find out.

Trapping is very emotional.  The first time I trapped, I was a mess.  My Shadow went inside all the way to the back and the trap didn't go off.  I had my DH helping me and he had to reset it and then the waiting process all over again.  He did go back inside and then I started crying.  My DH had to drive me to the low cost spay/neuter center as I was shaking from head to toe.  I was so worried about him and so worried once released he would never come back.  Yet, the process all was very smooth.  I picked him up later that day and kept him in my warm basement (still in his trap) over night.  I was able to get him to eat some food later that night.  The next morning I released him and he was back within 24 hours just as though nothing had ever happened. 

I have since trapped many times and each time is hard, but it does get easier.  The last cat I trapped was in July.  He was so easy.  I released him the next morning and he was back by 4pm!! 

It is very emotional, but it's also so worth it.  My boys all stay close by and I don't have to worry about territorial fighting or urine spraying.  I also don't worry about them wandering and being without food.

ShadowsRescue said:

 
I would contact the group to ask about their whereabouts.  Males can usually be released the very next day.  Females can take a bit longer.  Is it really cold or snowy where you are?  Maybe they are holding them waiting for better weather to return and release them.  Maybe they are friendly enough that they are adoptable.  I would call and find out.

Trapping is very emotional.  The first time I trapped, I was a mess.  My Shadow went inside all the way to the back and the trap didn't go off.  I had my DH helping me and he had to reset it and then the waiting process all over again.  He did go back inside and then I started crying.  My DH had to drive me to the low cost spay/neuter center as I was shaking from head to toe.  I was so worried about him and so worried once released he would never come back.  Yet, the process all was very smooth.  I picked him up later that day and kept him in my warm basement (still in his trap) over night.  I was able to get him to eat some food later that night.  The next morning I released him and he was back within 24 hours just as though nothing had ever happened. 

I have since trapped many times and each time is hard, but it does get easier.  The last cat I trapped was in July.  He was so easy.  I released him the next morning and he was back by 4pm!! 

It is very emotional, but it's also so worth it.  My boys all stay close by and I don't have to worry about territorial fighting or urine spraying.  I also don't worry about them wandering and being without food.

Click to expand...

I wish I could get them to reply. They see me as an enemy now. I was upset at first that they completely took over the cats and my plans, that they threw my shelters out, called them bullies...When i found the dead cat at their other colony site I wrote them, again no reply, I eventually posted the pic on their facebook. The weather will only get colder here and I am worried. They call me a harrasser because I question them. It is a no go for working with them, although I still write them for the sake of the cats. They need to know what they dont know about the dynamics here...I just saw the woman's car from the group who works the area the most. I am hoping today they bring them back. Waiting a couple hours to explore.

One question about vacuum effect. How does it work in context of spaces left from the adoptable? I know if the whole colony is removed it is eventually replaced by other ferals but will the spaces left from certain members also be filled? Or will the smaller colony left stand its ground? What do I do if none are returned?

I Wish I hope I get to witness and feel the emotional payback you have experienced after going through the trapping trauma. If you are a sensitive person connected to each individual animal it has to be emotional. I first came to this site in hopes to be convinced of the tnr benefits. But now what? The tnr group took over my colony in a hostile way and I see no signs of the cats return. I see no cats and only one feeding station remains, the smallest. They have put one flimsy shelter out and I saw no tracks around that shelter. It has no insulation, a taped cardboard box and is only lined with a blanket.  They must be relocating most of them? But the spot will just be over run with new ferals then? I cant help see this as petty meanness. Especially the shelters. This was something i kept writing them about...

This has been a wretched experience and after the holidays  I plan to write about it in detail with all the pictures I have taken. I am only glad I have witnesses and proof or I believe nobody would believe me. It has been beyond bizarre and now no cats to look at and say see, everyone was right, they benefit and in the end it was for the best. 

I have started so many threads I don't even know if this is the one i should write in. Sorry I am a mess

Pocho:  I've read through your threads and am wondering if the group was called in by someone else.  Is it possible the land owner wanted the cats gone and saw your feeding as a problem?  That might explain why the group seems so hostile towards you and why the cats haven't been brought back.  They may have been paid by the land owner to move them all.  Just a thought...

If no one feeds in the area, newcomers may not fill the vacuum, at least not for awhile   If there is food in the area (whether from people leaving it or in terms of natural prey for the cats), then more cats will begin to come to the area.

In answer to your other question, a colony will expand to its resource capacity.  So if there is enough food and room for 20 cats and ten are removed, in time ten will move in to replace those taken away.  If all 20 are removed, in time, other cats will move in, if the resources remain to support that many.

I thought Pocho said she called this group herself!   You're thinking maybe someone else did too?   or maybe during the process,  the management talked to them and said 'don't bring these cats back"....  ?   That would explain some things

I did call them with just questions only, no official requests. First i wanted to know of a place I could take injured or sick ferals. I thought for sure I would eventually face that situation and secondly about tnr details. Grant it I never got a return phone. But eventually got to talk to a relative of the woman who heads up the operation, this woman is now the cats main caregiver..These cats have been here forever. They have always been fed through all the dumpsters, residents and prey in woods. I started feeding years ago to offer better food and water since they were one being fed anyways. Nobody else called, people dont have that mindset here are low income and have never heard of tnr mostly. The land of the woods is owned by many, again, the cats have used it probably since the complex was built in the 60's. If people all of a sudden had a problem it would only be because the group made them aware the cats even exist. As far as management, technically they have no say over the woods so bringing them back or not doesnt apply.

What I over and over have written the group is essentially- if you are going to do it, do it right. I get my info from many tnr sites and check that info here. For instance, the copious amounts of kibble left out at night in the woods where coyote have been spotted. That one I did get a reply to- 'coyote are everywhere' So i guess it is ok to attract them further? When i write about their shelters structure being problematic, after mine are removed, then I see them replaced with one only one post operation shelter, built even worse with only a thin blanket?

I truly think this people dont actually care about ferals and dont respect feral life, They are obsessed with the kittens. Their goal is to find inside homes at all costs and arent really concerned with reducing population. If they were releasing the small cute ones and not the older wiser 'meanies' who probably raised hell in trapping, they wouldnt be so careless and thoughtless even in this post trapping stage. Now understanding vacuum more clearly I guess it will just fill up again with more ferals. So what is the point? If I don't see any of this colony this morning then the ones they did release back arent recovering correctly or moved one? It will be four days since they are gone. 

I want these people out. I now realize I should have completely done it by myself from the beginning. But I was unsure and had so many question and was ofcourse scared for the cats. And overwhelmed a bit by the scope of what the project would be. I just hope to god those beautiful wild ones arent stuck in a no kill shelter somewhere where they have to live in a small room or cage for the rest of their lives.

Also I question using sociability as criteria for adoption. I saw too many of the friendly ones as ones that were thriving in an outdoor life. Some meeker mild ones that were also very shy,fearful (more feral) were not thriving and I had plans to find barn homes for them where they had less competition and just alittle more human security offered. All the kittens being removed I understand, ofcourse I find it sad though. I wanted to keep the colony intact as much as possible.

I think these cats had a perfect set up. The combination of woods, multi  apt complexs, access to many areas that didnt involve busy roads...and my perspective is many cats are actually happier outside in many circumstances. This group must look at them as homeless and outside being an unfortunate reality that should be avoided if possible? not sure. OK Off to find some cats hopefully.

Nope, they are all gone. Incredible. I have absolutely no idea what this whole experience can mean. 

I can understand the mixed emotions you must be feeling.  My only hope is that the cats continue to be well taken care of and possibly adopted.  Is there a way to talk to the management and ask them if they wanted the cats removed?  I applaud you for all your efforts and research and wanting the absolute best for these cats.  I hope you can find some answers and be at peace with the situation.  You did what you thought was best.