The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Oct 11, 2013 8:58:26 GMT -5
DH and I live in an unincorporated area. Every other year or so someone dumps a pregnant cat off and we get to try save her and rescue her kittens. Unfortunately the cyotes, foxes, racoons, and other critters usually get to them first  . This year we have one who has managed to survive and keep one of her kittens alive. She's smart enough to know if she stays close to our house she's safer. The first time we saw her (skin and bones) we started putting out food for her (taking it in at night so we don't attract racoons) and she's starting bringing baby around to get something to eat also. I can't even begin to get close to them. The run off whenever they see someone outside of the house. We can watch them through the windows, but that is it. At a minimum I want to get them fixed so we don't have more homeless cats around. I'm happy to provide shelter and food for them, but am afraid a critter will get them at some point. Any suggestions on how I can catch them and maybe get to a shelter? |
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Wisconsin Beth
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No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 11, 2013 9:08:44 GMT -5
a live trap. you set it and then leave it.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Oct 11, 2013 9:10:51 GMT -5
I have a live trap, and have used it before for other cats. My concern is if I catch one, the other may see what happends and be scared off...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2013 9:13:00 GMT -5
Does your County have a feral cat "trap, neuter, return" program? Maybe someone from there can help.
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milee
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Post by milee on Oct 11, 2013 9:16:17 GMT -5
I have a live trap, and have used it before for other cats. My concern is if I catch one, the other may see what happends and be scared off... Reasonable concern, but so far in my experience, as long as you bait it with the right stuff, it seems to work even if they've already seen one caught. If they are used to feeding the food you put out, the best way to catch one in the trap is to skip one day of feeding and then the next day put the food inside the trap. When you have one neutered/vaccinated, have the vet clip the ear (or whatever physical signal they use in your area) to indicate that this particular feral cat has been neutered/vaccinated. |
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Oct 11, 2013 9:25:25 GMT -5
How old is the kitten? If it isn't too old then it might be able to be adopted and domesticated.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Oct 11, 2013 9:29:49 GMT -5
I have a live trap, and have used it before for other cats. My concern is if I catch one, the other may see what happends and be scared off... If the kitten is small enough and still somewhat dependent on mom, more than likely, both will enter the trap at the same time, mom first with the kitten right behind her. Set the trap outside for several nights with the trap door down but with food at the back end. Once they know there is food in the trap after a few days/nights and then find the door open, they will walk in. I caught a mom and kitten one time like that. A two-for-one catch. |
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Oct 11, 2013 9:31:03 GMT -5
@beerwench - Great suggestion! Unfortunately I just checked, no such program. They only catch nuisance dogs . milee - Good suggestions, I didn't even think to call our vet for ideas. movingforward - I suspect the momma had a home at one point, she's too comfortable sunning herself on the deck for me to think she hasn't been around human structures. Could be wrong. The kitten looks to be 4-6 months old to my very untrained eye. We currently already have two cats and I really can't take in anymore. I'll call some shelters and see if they will take them if we do manage to catch them. |
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Oct 11, 2013 9:37:28 GMT -5
Can I just express my utter disgust for people who don't fix their animals and also abandon them  . Captain, so glad you are attempting to rescue these animals. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2013 9:53:57 GMT -5
@beerwench - Great suggestion! Unfortunately I just checked, no such program. They only catch nuisance dogs . milee - Good suggestions, I didn't even think to call our vet for ideas. movingforward - I suspect the momma had a home at one point, she's too comfortable sunning herself on the deck for me to think she hasn't been around human structures. Could be wrong. The kitten looks to be 4-6 months old to my very untrained eye. We currently already have two cats and I really can't take in anymore. I'll call some shelters and see if they will take them if we do manage to catch them. chances are if they go to the shelter they aren't coming out, especially if the mom is feral. contact alley cat allies for TNR programs in your area. |
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