Help re-catching 2 feral boys

notimetosleep

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I'm really hoping someone can help. Last year I trapped 4 male young cats.  All born outside and completely.  Got the mall vaccinated and neutered.  Two of them became really friendly and were able to be adopted.  The other two remained wary of humans but after 6 months found a home in a stable in the middle of the country.  After two months the adopters are basically saying they do not want them as they hardly see them around and do not want to take responsibility for them.  So no I have to re-catch them.

The problems are multiple:

They are trap shy.

They are hunting by themselves even if they do take food it is minimal

They are in acres upon acres of land, finding them is impossible. so knowing where to start is a struggle.

Both are pure black so camouflage really well.

Have already tried leaving familiar scents around but this has not encouraged them at all.

They are over an hour drive away so really have limited chances to get to reset traps etc

I am so desperate to get  them back. I let them down big time.  The option of leaving them there is not an option as they are part of a rescue and need to be returned without anyone claiming ownership.

I will do everything I physically can to get these boys back

Any help will be gratefully received.
 

shadowsrescue

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Retrapping a feral is very difficult.  Once they learn about the trap, they don't soon forget.  It makes it even harder since you do not know where they are and they may be unwilling to eat/need food.

I think I would start with getting a trail camera and finding out where they are.  It may take you awhile to find them, but it may be your only way.  You can set the trail camera and check it each day.

Next, I would think about starting to leave out food for them.  The problem would be that you cannot and should not leave food out at night.  This will only attract other critters.  Yet, if you can start feeding them during day light hours they could get onto a schedule.  I would start with the stinkiest food you can find.  Try canned mackerel, tuna or even really stinky cat food.  See if it will attract them. 

Next you could start feeding them in the drop trap.  Just leave it unset and see if they will go in.  For the drop trap, you do have to be present and have a place to hide.

Since these cats are rarely seen, I wonder if they have become too feral.  You may have to end of leaving them be.  If they are mostly hunting and not receiving any food from the adopters then getting them to come back to you may be extremely difficult.  I did not say impossible, but it will require a lot of work and patience. 

Can the adopters help you out in any way?  Why did they want the cats in the first place and now want them gone?  If the cats are doing no harm and are catching their own food, I am unclear what is the issue?

I hope the best for you and these cats.
 
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notimetosleep

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Thank you.
They wanted the cats to live in the stable and keep mouse and rat population under some control. They wanted ferals specifically ones that wouldn't be hanging around their feet when walking horses out. Now after 2 months complaining they have no control over them. They are not prepared to help recatch either. Dog walkers have seen them at dusk and dawn inbetween they are invisible.

Do you think one of my cats would help. She was a surrogate mum to them. Always washing them etc
 

shadowsrescue

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Thank you.
They wanted the cats to live in the stable and keep mouse and rat population under some control. They wanted ferals specifically ones that wouldn't be hanging around their feet when walking horses out. Now after 2 months complaining they have no control over them. They are not prepared to help recatch either. Dog walkers have seen them at dusk and dawn inbetween they are invisible.

Do you think one of my cats would help. She was a surrogate mum to them. Always washing them etc
No.  Bringing another cat would not help. Cats are not attracted by others most of the time.  You also don't want to get your other cat lost in a new place. Your best bet is food at dawn/dusk.  You may have to camp out or hang out there.  That is why I suggested a trail camera.  You can find them on Amazon.
 
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notimetosleep

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Thanks Googling the cameras now. 

P.S. didn't mean let my cat roam free.  She'd be on her harness and lead.  She's a Maine Coon house cat and comes on the dog walks.  She not allowed out on her own as she has a gut problem and my neighbours feed all the cats stray or not. Can't risk her eating anything she shouldn't so she'd used to the harness.

At least if the camera picks them up I'm a step closer
 
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