Starting Feral Cat Caretaker

[happypet6]

Looks like you're making good progress. Our altered ferals have become increasingly friendlier. Even the ones not fixed yet are becoming more at ease. Just let them make the first move. We use treats and a little dab of canned whipped cream to entice them. Not enough to do any harm to their health, just a friendly gesture. Takes time and a great deal of patience, but, judging from your caring attitude, I"m sure this will go well for you. God bless

 

[janem]

I did it! I got a good picture of Wolfie!!! Ok, a reasonably good, ok at least you can tell it's a cat...I think, at least I can. The most elusive and shyest of my ferals!!!

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• janem
• May 21, 2016

 

[janem]

Evening feed went pretty well. At least ten showed up for dinner. Wolfie was even there waiting! Slappy and I had a disagreement over not all the food dishes being his. He'll get over it.

 

[ondine]

Wolfie is beautiful.  I love his markings.

 

[janem]

Wolfie kind of breaks my heart. He/she slinks around and hides at the slightest sound or movement. Even the other cats seem mean to Wolfie. Acts just like someone whose never had a kind word said to them.

Usually Wolfie waits and only eats what the others leave. Last night I took one of the dishes I was filling and used my fingertips to shove it as close as I could to her. The look on Wolfies face was precious

Wolfie even stood his ground when one of the young males came up later.

 

[ondine]

Maybe he'll get bolder when he realizes he has your support.  It is wonderful to see them blossom when they realize they are loved.

 

[nansiludie]

Yes, I've noticed that in most colonies there is always a cat or two who is at the bottom of the kitty social ladder. Most times though, once the older ones have ate their fill, they'll save some for the other kitties. It's nice that you're trying so hard to care for them, especially Wolfie.

 

[janem]

Wolfie definitely male. You can probably figure out how I learned.

Tonight Bandit very late for dinner. Keeping extra food in my tote just in case. I got all kinds of rubs and she even wanted to be stroked. I have to be sitting now ground though musty look very threatening standing.

Ummm...14 at dinner!

 

[janem]

Anyone have experience with drop traps? I am thinking about whether to invest in one. Good brand?

 

[ondine]

Drop traps are pricey but work wonders with hard-to-catch cats.  I've used one like this:

http://www.livetrap.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=751

I'd advise getting the transfer cage with the trap, as it makes it a lot easier to get the cat from the trap to your crate.

If you have a large crate, you can use it as a trap.  Tie a long length of twine to the top of the door and loop it through the top of the crate.  Put the food all the way at the back.  Walk away with the other end of the twine.  Depending on how sturdy the twine is, it can be quite a distance, especially if you have to hide.

When the cat goes into the crate, gently pull the twine and close the door.  This method works only if you have help to run and secure the door or if you are close enough to get there quickly.  It isn't hard for the cat to bust out with only you pulling on the twine.  I've had cats not even notice until I was there, securing the door but I don't like to take the chance.

 

[janem]

That was actually the one I was looking at much cheaper there then on Amazon. I was to hold off getting one for now by the Humane Society. They have one we will use for trapping this time.

Unfortunately my romantic little fantasy about getting Slappy homed is not recommended. I was told there are so many cats waiting for homes that even if he was really friendly when examined (and I can see him panicking in a strange situation) who knows if and when he might be adopted

On the people side of things:

1. Lady next door continues to leave food out 24/7. Has been asked to stop. No go. Humane Society will try dealing with her.

2. The drunk has been a loud threatening nusance all day. Praying he stays out of way on trapping day. He kept yelling about his constitutional rights.

 

[ondine]

The drunk has been a loud threatening nusance all day. Praying he stays out of way on trapping day. He kept yelling about his constitutional rights.

Yeah, usually the ones yelling about their rights are the ones who don't care about anyone else's.  *sigh*

Glad the Humane Society is working with you, especially on the traps.  They can be pricey, especially if you are an individual who is only trapping a limited number of cats.  I bought all my own traps and when I was finished, donated them to rescues.  I was just too impatient to wait to borrow one!

 

[janem]

Well, today was a nightmare. The cats survived, I survived but all of our nerves are frayed.

The drunk and about twenty or his buddies decided to have a lowd drunken bbq right in front of where the cats are. The landlord had to come by twice. The drunk says he's going to call the cops on me. Wondering if it would do me any good to call the cops?

 

[ondine]

 It is ridiculous that it has gotten to this point. I wouldn't hesitate to call the police but it may draw unwanted attention to the colony.

You might want to discuss it with the landlord.  If you see any of the neighbors harming any of the cats, by all means call.  But I'd strategize and get as much support as you can.

 

[janem]

Only three cats showed up for morning feeding. All real skitish. I spied three more after I went inside. Feel like I'm starting all over again. Trying not to sulk and feel sorry for myself.

Thanks go the drunk none of the tenants are allowed to bbq now. Everyone who lives here wants that guy gone. Legal stuff makes it difficult to get rid of him though.

Ok, good things. Downstairs neighbors (used to be problem neighbor) he and his wife are supporting me. Even gave me some cat food. Humane Society asked to be the ones to talk to lady leaving food out 24/7. More than happy to turn that over. Oh yeah landlord is really backing me. Ok, I'll probably survive.

 

[ondine]

Well, the good news outweighed the bad news for once.  You will see the cats slowly return to normal, if all stays quiet.  Fingers crossed that the drunk steps one step too far over the line - just so the landlord can get him out.

Glad you have support for the other issues, too.  Just keep your head down and continue doing what you're doing.  I am a firm believer that it will all work out.

 

[janem]

Eight showed for dinner. A little over half. A few more came by late. Downstairs neighbor started teasing me while I was sitting on the ground scooping food and addressing each cat by name. "Hard to tell which cat is the mommy."

Oh, in the melee yesterday. There I was staring down a bunch of people trying to intimidate me and I glance behind me and what do I see? Wolfie the biggest scaredy cat of all standing squarely behind me, head down and tail puffed!

 

[ondine]

You go, Wolfie.  He knows who has his back - and he has yours.

 

[janem]

Seven showed for morning feeding. Patches and Slappy met me in the yard and escorted me to the food station. Midnight was laying next to station and Bandit jumped in my lap soon as I sat down to start scooping food into dishes. Wolfie and Lord Grayling came by but were more interested in chasing after sweet young Mono (who looked thourally fed up with boys). A few more came by after I went back in. I keep watch from my window. Things starting to get better.

Should I be trying to build these cats some kind of outhouse?

 

[ondine]

It wouldn't hurt.  Do they have shelters or a shed where they can sleep safely?  If you are able to provide them with shelter, they may not wander as far.