To feed or not to feed...

Hi. As I've said before I'm working to catch, neuter and re home a semi feral cat and older kitten. I'm using the lure with food into a cat carrier method.

I've been feeding them on a schedule once a day (2.30pm ish). However, I can't make it down to them tomorrow afternoon. Do I let them go hungry for a day or do I do my usual routine at a different time (mid morning)?

Any and all advice appreciated.

It depends on the weather.  If you are in an area where it is cold and snowy, they need to be fed daily.  If it is warm and they will be ok for a day without food then it will be easier to catch them as they will be very hungry and might go into the carrier easier. 

If your weather is cold and nasty though, they really need the food.

Thank you. The last couple of days have been a bit warmer, but it started snowing this evening. I guess I'll feed them if I see them.

Columbine, I understand what you are going through.  I'm new to rescuing and my first experience was really easy - a pregnant cat who was semi-feral and now is a loving member of my family since her kittens were adopted. It's tough knowing what to do about feeding the ones who come around and figuring out how long it will take to trap them.  I've got one I'm "working on" now but he's still a bit hissy and skittish after two or three months. I haven't withheld food though because it's winter and I feel bad about it. Please keep posting about your efforts. I'm interested in how this goes for you.

Thanks Chaucer. I caught the kitten (who's 9 months to a year old) on Tuesday. She's currently lying on my stomach purring!

The adult cat (having seen kitten Asha properly I'm sure they're unrelated) had a bad experience on Wednesday. I'd seen the state she'd beaten Asha into and was temporarily not best pleased with her. She was almost-3 paws with weight coming off the 4th- in the cat carrier when I rushed closing the door. She scooted out backwards and got hit in the face with the door I'm giving her a break for a while. ..feeding only. I'm then going to bring in a trap for her. I think its the only way. I've got a load of updates under kitten worries in this forum.

Good luck with your colony. Congratulations on your successes so far. Keep going and stay patient with them (one day I'll take my own advice lol). Keep me posted about your remaining outdoor ferals.

I am SO happy you caught the kitten. I didn't have that kind of luck with the one I wanted to trap.  She was hit by a car before I had the chance and I worried that it was because I had scared her and she ran in the street. 

I've got a whole "book" about trying to catch and care for my first semi-feral on here and about the feral I'm feeding. LOL!  Keep us posted about the adult you're trying to catch.