Need Guidance on Trapping

[CatladyJan]

New situation is I have a momma weening her 7-9 week old kittens there are either 3 or 4 of them. I have someone who will cover the TNR .

Do I trap kittens or momma first?

 

[Willowy]

Ideally, you'd get them all at once. Is there a way to lure them into a large dog crate or drop trap or something like that? Second best is getting the kittens first. If mama is trapped first the kittens will be alone and might get themselves into trouble. But if that's the only way to get her, do it, or you might lose your chance.

 

[Jcatbird]

I always trapped them together . I started by getting them all used to eating in a large carrier, cage or trap. I kept the carrier just under the edge of a tarp that was suspended and draped slightly to hide my approach. When I saw all kitties in the carrier, I quickly shut the door. That takes more time than a trap but it ensured getting them all at once. A drop trap would work in the same way since you can be sure to get them all.

 

[fionasmom]

In this situation, I agree. If you can get them together it is easier all around. On a few occasions I have done this, including trapping siblings together, and it saves on stress for everyone. Two years ago I missed the window on this and had to spend excessive time with multiple traps running, rushing off to vet with one or two, etc.

 

[CatladyJan]

Looks like there is only 3 kittens left. Momma is still out hunting for them and she is dried up but they are still trying to get a drink.

I don’t have a drop trap and cannot afford one. I have one large trap and one small. I’m asking around for a couple more.

I’m going to try to trap this weekend since we are having 70 degree weather

 

[Furballsmom]

I'm sending all sorts of good thoughts for this endeavor!!

 

[fionasmom]

The carrier idea works very well so don't worry about the drop trap. If you have not used a drop trap, the transfer can be a bit tricky if the cats spook, so you will probably have more luck with conventional traps. Those traps can be rigged so that you pull the door shut yourself by attaching a string to it with something like a coke bottle to prop it up. Use whatever makes sense to you based on your relationship with the kittens and mom.

 

[CatladyJan]

So, I am very nervous and I just skimmed this previous article: Capturing Feral Mama Cat and Kittens? I am so worried about two kittens going into the trap at once and getting severely injured. I really need to get momma before she takes off. These guys are at my place of work and leaving carriers there could get me into trouble.

 

[fionasmom]

This changes things a bit and might depend on the attitude of your employer about getting the cats, time frame involved, etc. Using the carrier means that someone has to shut the door on them. If you can use a trap, it could be set and checked during the day periodically. I have had a mother and kitten and two kitten siblings run into a trap at the same time and no one was hurt. But as I said, this might not be helping much if you have constraints at work.

 

[CatladyJan]

I set 4 traps tonight - 2 large and 2 small I caught only 2 of the kittens (no momma yet) The tan/brown one is 'spicey' the grey one is a bit laid back.

How old do they look to you?

 

[fionasmom]

Great work! I am going to agree on the 7 to 9 week window. They are adorable.

 

[Furballsmom]

How old do they look to you?

I'm not familiar enough with kittens to know but this might help;
How Old Is My Kitten? [An Illustrated Guide] – TheCatSite Articles

 

[CatladyJan]

Great work! I am going to agree on the 7 to 9 week window. They are adorable.

They were spayed and neutered, got rabies and ear tipped today. The vet put that they were 13 weeks. I know they are not that old. At the earliest they were born late August.

 

[moxiewild]

How much did they weigh?

 

[CatladyJan]

How much did they weigh?

He didn’t give me a weight. They are small but about 2 lbs

 

[CatladyJan]

I got momma but no sign of other kitten. What now?

 

[Furballsmom]

Were you able to find that other kitten?

 

[CatladyJan]

Were you able to find that other kitten?

I waited a while and left food for it. I will have to check my trail cam to see if it came by

 

[CatladyJan]

Ok everyone the 3rd kitten is MIA. Didn’t eat the food or show up on trail cam. I’m sure it’s scared and lonely. Please advise I’m worried about it

 

[Furballsmom]

Have you seen anything of that little one?