The neighbor down the street has had a cat (now known to be a mother) hanging around for a few weeks that is somewhat friendly. She doesn't appear to be totally feral - but still skittish. The other day some kittens were discovered in the yard that look about 6 weeks old or so. They are quite mobile and play a lot and eat hard cat food. The pride is apparently nesting in a shed (about 15' by 15') that is completely full of junk so finding them in there is out of the question. It is an old log shed and there are many openings that the cats can get through. They are often seen playing outside but whenever a human approaches they run into one the openings of the shed. Sometimes the mom is with them but it is unknown whether she is still giving milk.
We would like to catch them before they go totally feral. I have a Havahart trap but I see 2 problems with trying to use it to catch the kittens. First I don't think the kittens are heavy enough to trip the trap. Second, I am afraid that if one kitten does manage to trip it, another kitten might get crushed under the door when it slams shut.
Both the neighbor and I have raised stray kittens before so if they can be caught I think it is early enough to tame them. For now, we are putting dry kitten food and water inside the shed every day so that hopefully the family will consider it as a home base.
Anyone have any thoughts on how we might catch these kittens?
Sincere thanks,
Bill
We would like to catch them before they go totally feral. I have a Havahart trap but I see 2 problems with trying to use it to catch the kittens. First I don't think the kittens are heavy enough to trip the trap. Second, I am afraid that if one kitten does manage to trip it, another kitten might get crushed under the door when it slams shut.
Both the neighbor and I have raised stray kittens before so if they can be caught I think it is early enough to tame them. For now, we are putting dry kitten food and water inside the shed every day so that hopefully the family will consider it as a home base.
Anyone have any thoughts on how we might catch these kittens?
Sincere thanks,
Bill