How to trap a feral without a trap?

We are currently relocating a small colony of feral cats (4 in total) and these girls are so smart it's been difficult to trap them. We have managed to trap 3 of them now, and only one remains. Because this has been such a long process (bad weather, cats that get too smart) we've been trapping now for 2 days. She knows what happens when we put out the traps, so she doesn't even bother coming out from her hiding place. How do we trap her now? We have trimmed the bushes where she hides slightly, so we can get in there, chase her out and try to catch her with a net, but there must be some other way that would be less stressful for her? Any ideas would be appreciated!

A drop trap perhaps?   Had you tried with that?

This chasing and net catching sounds as quite desperate last resort...

r

If she'll approach a crate, that might work. Tie a length of twine to the door, loop it through the top, put the food at the back and walk aways away with the other end of the twine. When she goes in, pull the twine, the door closes. You will need a second person to run up and secure the door; she'll run against it and open it quickly.

Whatever you use, feed her in it, no exceptions. It will force her to go inside (trap or crate) or under the drop trap. Good luck. Thank you for taking them with you!

The only other thing I can think of is a net but that depends on how close she'll let you get.

I wish someone would invent something we could put in their food to make them sleepy or compliant. Sure would make jobs like this easier on all of us (cats included!)

It sounds desperate yes, but we kinda are desperate right now. Haha! We have also tried the twine to the door thing, doesn't work. Drop trap? Maybe we should have a go at that. We decided over the weekend to give her a few days rest, just bring her back into her normal routine again before attempting to trap her. She doesn't trust us anymore, and doesn't come out where she used to. I think she has had so many changes in the past week that she is just too stressed out to trust anything new.

We are relocating them to a feral cat sanctuary. It's a long story, but the gist is that the staff at my work place are afraid of cats and voted that I must get rid of them by any means possible or they will have them shot. Barbaric, but then again, I live in a third world country. After about a month's deliberation with various organisations, we decided to relocate them to the sanctuary. I wrote a report in which I stated that it is not advisable to take them out of the environment, for various reasons, but that they will be relocated solely to save their lives. All of the cats have been safely relocated, except for this poor baby. I can't leave her behind, because I don't trust the staff her not to hurt her and the cats at the sancuary live royal lives, they are fed exceptionally well and have plenty of shelter and bed and nature to roam freely. I can't deny her that kind of life!

I am renting the traps, and I have to give it back in a few days, so trapping her as soon as possible is essential.

I am sending vibes that she understands you're trying to help her and is able to be trapped.  They are such creatures of habit, any change is traumatic.  Blessings on you for going above and beyond for these kitties.

It just occurred to me -  is there a neighboring business or home that might have a more tolerant attitude towards this one cat if you are unable to trap her?  I am thinking you can gradually move her feeding place and shelter to a nearby place, so she is safe from your co-workers.  (I will not offer an opinion on their attitude - but it is sad that so many people are so ignorant about cats).

Anyway, perhaps you could approach a neighbor and see if that's a viable plan?

My work place is located right in the centre of a very poor neighbourhood. We call it a 'lokasie' or 'squatter camp', it can be equated with a ghetto almost. Just shacks instead of built houses. So no, unfortunately that will not be an option. Dogs are treated bad, but they are tolerated. Cats are chased away or thrown with rocks as soon as they are seen, and sometimes even caught for dinner. It sounds terrible, but that is the truth. Also, there are a few roads around our work place that carry very heavy (and unforgiving) traffic, so I want to keep her as central possible on our premises, until we can trap her.

I phoned the one animal organisation again, they suggested I feed her normally for a few days again, and then start to feed only out of the trap. Maybe I should take the long route and trap her that way? I know I should have more patience when it comes to kitties, I would just love for her to see her new home! If she had any idea how awesome it is, she would've gotten in my car a long time ago haha!

It is sad that people still have that view on cats today, I think our biggest problem here is an amalgamation of very different cultures, and each have a strong dislike in cats for different reasons. As long as I can keep them safe, that's all that matters. I have however requested an information session be held at our work place on feral cats. But I don't think that will realise anytime soon.

Feeding her in the trap, and only in the trap is the way to go then.  It may take some more time but you will catch her eventually.  Thank goodness you have the wonderful option of the sanctuary!

So I have been trying to feed her in the trap for a few days now, it seems to be working, but she's only coming out in the early hours of the morning as far as I can tell (if it's even her who's eating the food). I don't see her often, once maybe a week, even though I put out food for her still every day. I don't have any money left to rent the trap for another few days, as I have already been renting it for about three weeks. The animal organisations are unwilling to help, because I have been trapping and relocating them contrary to their advice. I hate bringing the money aspect into this, but I simply don't have the means to continue the trapping on my own. Will she be okay on her own, if I leave her behind? One of the issues the staff had was that I was feeding the cats. So I won't be able to feed her like I used to. I was thinking that I could gradually go from feeding her twice a day, to once a day, to once every two or three days, because I don't see her that often at all. Would that be okay? I am still on the premises,so I can keep an eye on her. She is very skittish and unlikely to come into contact with the staff. Would it be cruel to cease the trapping and leave her behind?

I would set the trap now and see what you catch.  At least you will know if it is her or not.  If it is, she can go to the sanctuary.  If it isn't, you'll have a critter to let go (if it's a skunk or raccoon, cover the trap with a blanket before opening the door, then get away as far as possible.)  If it is another cat, you saved one more.  Hopefully, it is her!

Remember that if you leave her, she will be at risk.  First of all, she's used to being fed and it will be an adjustment she may not be able to make for her to hunt for her own food.  Second of all, your co-workers have been very clear about how they will handle her.

If you do not catch her soon, I know you said you didn't have the money but you may consider buying a trap of your own.  You can get them for $30 or less, especially now.  Once you trap her, you can decide whether to keep the trap or donate it to the rescue (and get a tax deduction).

Is the rescue able to send someone to help you?

I know this seems like an impossible situation and it may be that you can't save her.  Blessings on you for giving her a chance!