Taming feral cats

[jessmarimba]

Picked up two traps this morning. They are scheduled for surgery for next Thursday. Here goes nothin!

(They'll also scan Siamese for microchip, so I might try to snag him over the weekend too)

[indysteel]

Picked up two traps this morning. They are scheduled for surgery for next Thursday. Here goes nothin!

(They'll also scan Siamese for microchip, so I might try to snag him over the weekend too)

Good luck! You might leave the traps out for the the next few days. Secure the trap doors, but leave some food in them so that the cats start to get used to going into them. I used canned food with a handful of kitting treats leading into the trap. When you trap them the day of surgery, cover the traps immediately with a sheet or light towel. It will hopefully calm them down to some extent.

I'll say the same thing to you that Mimi was kind enough to say to me: Thanks for making a difference.

[jessmarimba]

Thanks for all of the advice!

The orange guy has gotten so friendly (when he wants something, anyway) - he is still so kittenish and hopefully Thursday is still early enough that he doesn't start spraying. He ran up purring this morning and let me really pet him, loved having the back of his head rubbed. Then he tried to suck on my finger. If all goes well I may let him out in a room in the house and see if he can't be tamed. He's "old" to tame, for a feral, but seems to be quite comfortable around me.

Last thing I need is another cat, but I don't see my living situation changing any time soon.

[jessmarimba]

Today starts the "don't feed 'em til you wanna catch 'em" phase...

Will try and trap one tomorrow night and the orange guy tomorrow or Thursday morning. I feel kind of bad now about the whole thing even though it needs done, but it's awful to think of them in the cages and having NO idea what's happening...

I hope they don't remember that the only person they trust did it to them. Or they don't hold a grudge, anyway.

If I trap one the night before the surgery (or both) is it better to leave them in the cages outside with towels over them? Will they be safe from the other cats, foxes, dogs, etc? Or should I put them in the garage or something?

[smilingcat]

If you catch them, place the cat and the cage in a safe dimly lit place. You don't want them exposed to the elements nor to wild critters: skunks, racoons, opposums, coyote... None of them are going to be nice to a young cat.

[indysteel]

Today starts the "don't feed 'em til you wanna catch 'em" phase...

Will try and trap one tomorrow night and the orange guy tomorrow or Thursday morning. I feel kind of bad now about the whole thing even though it needs done, but it's awful to think of them in the cages and having NO idea what's happening...

I hope they don't remember that the only person they trust did it to them. Or they don't hold a grudge, anyway.

If I trap one the night before the surgery (or both) is it better to leave them in the cages outside with towels over them? Will they be safe from the other cats, foxes, dogs, etc? Or should I put them in the garage or something?

They should be okay overnight, but I would line the trap with newspaper and place it on additional newspaper on the assumption that he will pee at some point. I'd bring them into your garage if it's not too hot. None of our strays are holding a grudge. If anything, they've gotten friendlier. They'll be fine.

[jessmarimba]

Definitely not too hot...lows in the 40s tonight

Alright, garage or utility room it is. My backyard is fenced but the cats have created a lot of holes under it, so critters definitely go in and out all night. Skunks, other cats, possibly dogs and other critters (I don't venture out much to check).

but ughhhhh I think I saw more (older, maybe 12 weeks?) kittens yesterday morning. I need to chat with the neighbors that are feeding the mama cat. No wonder she hasn't been around much.

[indysteel]

Definitely not too hot...lows in the 40s tonight

Alright, garage or utility room it is. My backyard is fenced but the cats have created a lot of holes under it, so critters definitely go in and out all night. Skunks, other cats, possibly dogs and other critters (I don't venture out much to check).

but ughhhhh I think I saw more (older, maybe 12 weeks?) kittens yesterday morning. I need to chat with the neighbors that are feeding the mama cat. No wonder she hasn't been around much.

Uh oh. Obviously, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. I'd still get that mom in as soon as you can; she's likely to go into heat again soon, if she hasn't already. The kittens--if there are any--will soon be ready to be fixed, too.