In need of advice...

I have little to no experience with cats, however, I have taken to feeding what I believe (based on some cursory research) to be a young feral who lives near my office.  A couple of neighborhood cats (both with collars and well-fed) used to hang out in the lot behind our building but disappeared about a year ago.  Several months later a new cat appeared on the scene--quite small (even now I'd say under 10 pounds) almost kitten-ish.  I get in very early in the AM--2ish--and would see her occasionally.  One morning she was attempting to lick some ketchup off the sidewalk near the next-door Mini-Mart.  That was too much for me...  I went in and got her a tin of cat food and we've been doing breakfast ever since.  Some observations:

-I only see her when it's dark; never during the day

-She is skittish and show no signs of having been socialized

-She is very small but healthy looking

-She never vocalizes

-She is always alone; even the other cats have disappeared

-While still shy of me (it's been a couple months) she hangs around after eating and watches me

-She will hold strong eye contact with me and seems to be reassured(?) when I talk to her

My dilemma is what I can do for her.  As I mentioned, I have no familiarity with cats. Actually, I am allergic to them.  We have two dogs. I fear trying to trap her and have her fixed/med-checked might prove terribly disruptive and traumatic--for both of us.  The other day, however, I saw her near a busy intersection and it got me thinking how vulnerable she is.  I feel as though progress is still being made in breaking down barriers between us but to what end?  Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I would trap her and have her vet checked and spayed (or neutered). Yes, it will be traumatic for both of you but a life on the streets, having litter after litter, is no life at all. If it's a male, there will be fighting and quite possibly, diseases like FIV.

Having said that, you will need a plan. Once you locate a spay/neuter clinic, buy or borrow a trap and feed her in the trap only. Tie the trap open so it doesn't spring until you know she is comfortable eating in there. You can take it up and stow it in your car or office once she eats.

You may need to put the food at the opening at first and gradually move it further and further back. Once she gets comfortable in the trap, you can untie it, set it and make your appointment.

If it's a boy, he will only need to recuperate one day, so he can stay in the trap after surgery. Not the best way but do-able. If you can put the trap on pee pads and in a shed or basement, he will be fine.

If it's a girl,she will need to recuperate for two or more days, so a crate is better. Talk to the rescue/spay neuter program. They may have people who can recuperate for you.

Once he or she has healed, you can release her back to your office area. She may not return for her breakfast right away but most of the time, she will. Not having to worry about hormones/testosterone will make he life considerably easier.

Thank you for helping his kitty. You are a godsend for her.

Thank you, Ondine, for your reply.  A couple of questions: 1) Once she becomes accustom to the trap, how long do I wait to act? 2) There will likely be a several hour period between when I trap her and when I can get her to the clinic.  What if she is freaking out--as in possibly harming herself?  I'm probably being overcautious but I have zero experience with this kind of thing.

I can almost guarantee she will freak a little. Once the trap closes on her, she will be upset. You will need to watch the trap, so that you can cover it with a blanket as soon as she is trapped. This will help keep her calm. You will need a safe place for her to wait - if the weather is not too hot or cold, the back of your car is OK.

I usually let them wait in the trap in my shed and that's where I recuperate them too. I've had cats who hurt themselves trying to get out of the trap but not often. Usually, if the trap is covered and placed in a quiet place, they will remain relatively calm. They may get excited when you pick them up to take them to the clinic but that's to be expected.

I have inside cats who go crazy in the carrier on the way to the vet. Some cats react that way, some don't. Just remember, having her fixed and vetted is the best thing you can do for her, regardless off how she feels!