Injured feral (back leg)

Wish me luck with trapping. One of the ferals who comes to my feeding station is not putting weight on one of his back legs. I've had camera issues, so I haven't been able to check on the ferals for a few weeks. I just got the camera going two nights ago and saw him limping. I've talked to my vet and they are willing to deal with him. I'll try to trap him Thursday and bring him in Friday AM. Good thing he's been showing up just after dark for food.

I'm assuming the cat is male and fixed. He doesn't spray, and he didn't bring any kittens last summer. But I'll have him checked over once he's in...and snipped if needed.

He's a very pretty lynx point siamese. I've been calling him 'Meezer tabby'...not as nice of a name as Stubby Tail and Fluffy (two other ferals). So last night it got changed to Tweezer (Tabby Meezer). :-)  I have no idea what his socialization status is. He will not let me get close. I guess I'll find out soon.

I am a bit apprehensive. I'm really hoping it's nothing serious. I know that if it's a badly broken leg it would need surgery or amputation. That most likely is not possible, due to cost and post-surgery rehabilitation requirements. But I'll work with my vet to do what is best for him.

all goes well.

Well, first attempt at trapping didn't work. He sat for an hour waiting for the food bowl and ignoring the (warmed) tuna and other food in the trap. I think he's been trapped before. Since it was pretty cold, I caved and put out the regular food. The next day he seemed to be moving better (putting his weight on the leg). Now he's back to holding the leg up (sigh).

I will try again this evening (and every evening, until I get him or he is moving well on his own). I've contacted our emergency vets, in case I trap him and my regular vet doesn't have time to see him. So one way or another, if I get him he will be seen by a vet.

I'm going to try stinky cat food (warmed), in case he's one of those few cats who doesn't like tuna. If that doesn't work, I'll start leaving the food only in the trap. I have a remote trigger, so they can go in and out without setting it off. I just hate that it might mean the two other ferals (who I previously trapped and got speutered) won't go in for the food, either.

Any additional suggestions?

Just keep trying different stinky foods.  I had a feral once who refused to go into the trap for anything stinky.  As soon as I used his normal bowl of dry food, in he went.  

Other thoughts:

Some cats prefer if you cover the trap, while others prefer it wide open.  Try both methods.

What do you use to line the bottom of the trap.  I used to use newspaper, but found Dollar Tree puppy pee pads made less noise when they walked on them.  

I have a feral/stray( much more stray) that I just brought inside.  He had been with me since September and previously I did TNR on him 2 years ago.  He showed up with a limp and injured tail.  Vet care was necessary.  The limp unfortunately is an old injury that he reinjured.  Just rest is helping.  I am also giving him Traumeel drops into his food.

Good luck with trapping.   I know it can be so difficult.  Thank you so much for taking care of him.