Frustrating feral kittens

Just venting to people who will understand :-)

There is feral I named Nightshade who comes around occasionally. I'm not sure if male or female, but my gut says female. I had convinced myself that she was an indoor-outdoor cat. I know of at least one home in my area that allows the cats free access at all hours.

I hadn't seen her for awhile. Then about a week ago she started coming again. Given that it was cold, and she came at 2 AM, I figured she had to be feral, so started to look at how to trap her. Then...Sunday night...she came with two kittens. I'm guessing they are 12 weeks old. They came with her at two different times, so I am assuming they are her kittens.

Last night (Monday) Nightshade came again, several times...but no kittens!!!

Sigh. I need her and the kittens to establish a pattern so I can trap them. It's cold here in Iowa, so I have to be watching the trap. I finally broke down and ordered a remote control for the trap.

I really hope the kittens come by again. I hate the thought of them out in the cold. I will definitely focus on getting Nightshade trapped and spayed. But I need those two fluff balls to come back and be trapped!!

Please send "get in the trap" thoughts to Nightshade and her kittens. She will be TNR'd, but the kittens are young enough to be socialized.

Best of luck.  Thank you for getting them spayed/neutered.  It is one of the kindest things you can do.

Have you thought about getting a shelter for them to stay warm?  It can be just a simple rubbermaid stuffed with straw.  It will at least keep them warmer and dry.

Thanks for your input.

I have two nice feral shelters - one in the back yard, and one by the side of the house. I don't think the back one is being used, but I'm hoping the other one is. I see paw prints, but it's also on the path that some of the ferals use to come to the food. I don't want to disturb anyone if they are in there.

I feed them on my porch, with the food and water is sheltered by the house and a bush. They have a heated water bowl, so they always have fresh water. They could even come into the garage through the cat door (I have one who is allowed out in the daytime). I keep an eye on the ferals with a video camera.

I am a firm believer in TNR, and I do my best to provide them with what they need. They just have to cooperate as well and be consistent so I can trap them.

Nothing to add except I am sending trapping vibes your way.