TNR advice/help

I have been trying, unsuccessfully, so far, to TNR a stray or possibly, feral cat in my neighborhood. I have confirmed that it does not have an owner. The problem is, it's extremely hot.  So, I can't leave food outside (wet food) overnight. The other problem is that, the majority of the time, I have seen the cat across the street. I have only seen it at my house once recently.  So, it's possible that it's coming before or after I put the food out, at night, or not at all.

Something has gotten into my trash but that could be a squirrel, raccoon, etc.  I do leave water out but I am very concerned about this car.

Lately, my mother and I have been hearing a cat crying for short periods of time, at different times but cannot figure out where it's coming from. It could be another cat. I know that there are outdoor cats in this neighborhood.  However, when I did see this car, it didn't look healthy to me.

Can anyone offer some suggestions on how I can facilitate this process? It would be great if I could find someone in my area to help. I got the trap from a local rescue and I'm trying to follow their directions but not having any experience with ferals, if in fact, he is one, I'm really at a loss. 

Try tying the trap open.  Place the food towards the front of the trap.  Do not put food anywhere else.

Every feeding, move the food a bit more towards the back of the trap.  The cat will get used to being in the trap.  When you see he is fully inside the trap, make the appointment for his neuter and untie the trap so it will spring when he goes in.

This may take a week or more, so plan accordingly.  That means a place to recuperate him (a spare room or bathroom is good).    Without complications, a male can be released the day after surgery.  You should keep a female for a few days to make sure she's healing OK.

With the heat the way it is, this whole thing would best be carried out in a covered area, out of the sun.  A porch would work or a shed that has good ventilation.

Good luck!

That's what I've been trying so far. But as I mentioned, I can't se to get the timing right. I am either getting the food out too late or it's not out there late enough but wet food doesn't last in the heat. Plus, it's attracting ants.

A question is, if others in the area are leaving food for free.  If so, it would be good they stop or at least, control it, till you trap your protegé.   I mean, so yours place is the only one left whom still gives away food for free - ie the food in the trap...

Next question.  Are you prepared to foster / adopt the cat, if and when you manage to trap it?

As it doesnt look healthy, it may need some extra care.   Or had the rescue promised to help out with that too?  

Its not always the vet care or even money which is the main stopper, but often "hospital bed" are - especielly places for them whom need extra fostering or extra care.

And with no such places available, the Triage must be applied.  The healthy whom didnt demand any extras are helped, - the sick, but whom otherwise are possible to save,  are pts.

Of course, in desperate situation also the pts is a Blessing - but the feelings are mixed.   So good if there are alternatives.

@wannahelp

I don't know if anyone else is feeding it but my guess, based on what I know of my neighbors, is that they are not. If the cat is healthy, I will do what I can for it. I'm sure I Can find someone to take it if I can't. I don't know if it's stray or feral though.