A few years ago, I trapped a kitten at my local park. In the trap with the kitten was a feral male cat. I could not find a home for the feral, so I ended up keeping both as my own pets. The kitten has ended up as a very social guy, but the other cat, JP, is probably best described as semi-feral. He does NOT allow me to pick him up, but I can brush him and occasionally he will give me a pat on my back or hand. A few days ago, I underwent surgery for cancer--I had to have a radical hysterectomy. The night before the surgery, the semi-feral cat darted out my door. I literally--and I mean literally--stayed up all night looking for him to no avail. I set up a camera in my garage, left food in there, and left the garage door partially open. Though I am not supposed to, I've spent every night since I got home looking for JP with a flashlight. I cannot stay out longer than 5-10 minutes, so I take breaks to rest. I did see him in my neighbor's yard, but he would not let me near him. I set a trap where I saw him, got up at 2 am to check the trap, only to find a possum. This morning, my other cat started hissing and making all kinds of noises. I looked out and saw JP sitting on my step to my bedroom door. I put my other cat in another room, and dashed outside to coax him in. I brought treats, his favorite toy, and his favorite brush. But he did not let me near him. I have a trap set up with tuna (his favorite) in my garage. I am so despondent. I should be concentrating on my health, but I am so upset over JP. I am afraid all my activity will rip my incisions. However, I cannot have friends or family help me b/c JP is TERRIFIED of everyone but me. It has to be me looking for him. This is so stressful on me.
Should I leave the set trap in my garage? The camera has shown he has gone in the garage a few times, but he is spending most of his time in my neighbor's yard.
Is my other cat going to scare him away now? I lost JP once before for two days, and when he came back, my other cat had a hissy fit b/c I guess he did not recognize JP's smell anymore.
I am not crazy about the trap I have, but it came highly recommended. It is a Tru-catch. But I think some animal was able to get the food out without setting off the trap b/c the food was gone, the trap door was shut, and no one was inside. I know I set it properly b/c I watched a video on YouTube on how to set it.
Should I buy a heavy net to throw over him? He lets me get close enough to brush him once or twice, but then runs away. I don't know if I could handle a net given my condition, but I am willing to try ANYTHING at this point.
Should I buy more traps? I have a ton of wildlife in my backyard, so I know I would be catching everything, but maybe one trap won't do it?
Please help me!!
Should I leave the set trap in my garage? The camera has shown he has gone in the garage a few times, but he is spending most of his time in my neighbor's yard.
Is my other cat going to scare him away now? I lost JP once before for two days, and when he came back, my other cat had a hissy fit b/c I guess he did not recognize JP's smell anymore.
I am not crazy about the trap I have, but it came highly recommended. It is a Tru-catch. But I think some animal was able to get the food out without setting off the trap b/c the food was gone, the trap door was shut, and no one was inside. I know I set it properly b/c I watched a video on YouTube on how to set it.
Should I buy a heavy net to throw over him? He lets me get close enough to brush him once or twice, but then runs away. I don't know if I could handle a net given my condition, but I am willing to try ANYTHING at this point.
Should I buy more traps? I have a ton of wildlife in my backyard, so I know I would be catching everything, but maybe one trap won't do it?
Please help me!!
