Trapping Feral Cats in your Neighborhood

Trapping feral cats in your neighborhood is a way to save lives.  

When you trap the cats and take them in for spay, neuter, and their vaccines you are helping the cats to live a longer and safer life and you are controlling cat populations.  

"When I trap a cat or kitten I use Havahart 1089 a collapsible one-door live animal cage trap is the same trap that I use for raccoons, groundhogs, and other medium-sized animals that need to be rescued.  I always have good results with this trap."

Trapping is not difficult however you must be organized and take steps to be gentle and caring to the feral cats.  Understand that they are terrified of you, I always give them the respect that they deserve by approaching them slowly and calmly with my eyes lowered to the ground.    

Take steps to get the cat accustomed to you by feeding and providing them with fresh water twice a day at the same time.  This is a way for the feral cats to become dependent upon you.  When the feral cats are dependent upon you for food and water you would set a humane live animal trap.

The humane trap will allow you to confine the cat safely while transporting the cat for medical care and sterilization. 

Contact your veterinarian or pet clinic and inquire about their procedure. My veterinarian will take the feral cats as soon as I trap them. I schedule my trapping for Monday – Friday.  Some clinics will give discount services for feral and stray cats. When in doubt join a cat network and ask about inexpensive cat spay or neuter clinics in your area.

Refrain from feeding cats the night before trapping.  Do provide them with water.   On the day that you set up the trap, the only food available will be inside the trap. 

Choose a safe area for trapping, I usually put the trap on my brick patio behind the ornamental grass garden or I will set it inside our garage shelter. I have trapped many stray kittens inside the shelter.  They tend to go inside to hide. 

Line the trap bottom with newspaper.  Take a large sheet and fold it over so that it fits the confined space.  

 I trap cats in parks and in the woods and for these cats I find it best to line the bottom of the trap with a layer of straw and in some cases I will put down a layer of leaves.  It mimics the woods and the cats are more comfortable and trusting of the trap.

Spray Feliway Behavior Modifier Spray 75 ml onto the blanket that will cover the trap once the trap door closes.  Also, spray the paper that is in the front of the trap by the trap opening only. 

The Feliway will help in keeping the cat calm.  It takes the stress out of an anxious situation as the cat will think the trap is their safe place and not the scary place.  

Fold the blanket back so that it does not conceal the trap opening, but does provide a cozy area in the back of the trap.

Bait the trap with a strong fish scented and flavored cat food.  Set the food on the newspaper in the back of the trap.  The food in the back of the trap will draw the cat into the trap.

Havahart  Live Animal Trap  For Stray Cat

When the trap door closes, cover the entire trap with a blanket. The blanket will comfort the cat. Bring the cat inside your garage, basement, or house if you are unable to take the cat directly to the veterinarian's office.

Tips

When adult feral cats return from the veterinarian's office, the female will need to stay inside for medical care for 3-4 days, release the male cat to the same area in which you found him. Allow cat to regroup with the colony.

Ask the veterinarian to tag the cat's left ear. This universal symbol indicates to animal control workers that the cat is part of (TNR) trap neuter and release program.

Setting up Feeding Station for Feral Cats

Setting up a feeding station for feral cats is a big responsibility as the cats that you feed will become dependent upon you. 

This community service is not for everyone, before you take on the responsibility of being a feral cat colony caregiver, determine the hours that you have to volunteer your services.  


Contact cat networks in your area to see if there are volunteers that will help you with the cat colony.  It is not wise to take on a large colony without helpers.   For a colony up to 10 cats you will need a minimum of 3 volunteers.  For 20 cats six volunteers.  

Get organized as you will need to be ready to care for cats.  It is best to have everything that you need before you are assigned to a feral cat colony. 

Many cat caretakers will document their cat’s history by getting a journal.  Take the cats photograph and give them a name to identify them.  Write a description and date all notes about the cat.  Log in the journal daily with the time that you fed the cat and note the cats eating habits.

You will also need food and water bowls as well as a multipurpose food that is formulated for all ages.  

Choose a safe feeding station; an area that is away from human and car traffic.  You will need to protect the food from rain, snow and wind.  I bought a plastic storage container and turned it on it's side and set it close to a wind block; privacy fence, back of the house or if in the woods by a large rock or tree trunk. 

To secure the plastic feeding station I held it in place with bungee cords.  When the weather is good you can set out a freestanding feeding station.

Feed the cats twice a day, a bowl food and fresh water in the morning and at night. Hungry cats will arrive early and will sit close to the feeding station. 

Do not miss a feeding; if you cannot feed the feral cats at the specific time; ask a one of colony helpers to put out the food and water. 

For large colony’s you will want to put out a few bowls of food and water.  Otherwise for 1 to 6 cats you can put out a bowl of food and water and the cats will wait their turn.   

Feral cats get along however if they are hungry and no food is available they will become agitated and that is when fights occur.  It is best to provide the cats with a regular feeding schedule.  If you miss a feeding the cat will go to look for food in trash canes and dumpsters. 

Continue to feed the cats daily. By doing this, the cats are growing dependent upon you. After two weeks, the cats will be more comfortable and will wait for your arrival and walk or run toward you when you approach them with the food and water.

Tips:

Watch over the cats while they eat and take away the bowls when they have finished.  Leaving bowls with food will attract predators; dog, fox, coyote.  I provide the cats with fresh water all day long. 

Never attempt to pet the cat. The cat has never been touched by a human and your touch will terrify them.  The cat will attempt to protect themselves by scratching and biting.  A bite will need to be reported and that cat will be trapped by animal control and put down.  It is best to watch and care for the feral cat only.

Cat Lady Gift Ideas

In every community in the world there are groups of women who oversee feral cat colonies, rescue abandoned and injured cats and provide their community with civil service.  

The cat lady comes in all shapes and sizes, they are young and they are old however they all are the same because they love cats.

A cat lady has a huge heart when it comes to taking care of cats. She may provide cats with a loving home or she may be the neighborhood trapper that takes the feral and stray cats in for spay or neuter and all of their vaccines.  The crazy cat lady may work alone or with other volunteers and they watch out for the cats, feed them twice a day, give them fresh water and shelter from the heat and cold. 

The neighborhood cat lady is doing their community a world of good.  So when it comes time to give the loving cat lady a gift, consider gifts that were designed especially for her.

There are a variety of cat lady gifts that are humorous however if your friend is more serious then give this type of lady a coffee mug, board game,T-shirt or home accessories that will work well with their lifestyle.  

Here are a few Crazy Cat lady gifts that I found at zazzle.com.  I think the graphic designs are adorable.  Click the product image to view at the zazzle website and to check for product sales or specials.  Enjoy!

Crazy Cat Lady In Training Bumper Sticker by DawnMorningstar

OCD Obsessive Cat Disorder Shirts by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady in Training Shirt by DawnMorningstar

Cats are like potato chips mug by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady Key Chains by MeowMeowBowWowGifts
  

 

Not So Crazy Cat Lady Black Pillows by MyMemaws

 

I am a feral cat colony caregiver and rescuer and I recommend these gifts because they are fun and will make the recipient laugh. I drink coffee every morning from my cat lady mug and it always makes me smile.

Adult Feral Cat Adopted into Forever Home

Maggie is a year old feral cat that was born in a cave in the forest.  When she was 12 weeks old I used a cat trap and successfully rescued her from a life of hardship.  I then socialized her to live with humans and other pets and then Maggie was adopted.

Maggie lived with her adoptive family for 9 months and then they returned her to me because they were moving out of state and could not take her. 

Maggie the is sweet and loving however I needed to work with her to lessen her anxiety because she missed her family and she was terrified of me and my other pets.  It took me approximately 18  days to put her at ease to the point where she was comfortable with her surroundings.  

Cats generally do not like change, and feral cats get very nervous when they leave their adopted families home. 

When Maggie had a daily routine and was getting along with the other pets and humans then I felt I could begin to look for an adopter.

Feral cat Maggie under the bed covers

A friend of mine suggested that I surrender Maggie to the Humane Society because the cat would have a chance to go to one of the pet stores that feature pets for adoptions.  I contacted the shelter and learned that there was no guarantee that the cat would go to the adoption center.  I knew Maggie would be afraid of the pet shelter and would hiss at the onlookers.  Feral cats are fearful of all new situations so  I decided to keep Maggie and to work with volunteers to find someone to adopt Maggie. 

Today we made up flyer's for Maggie and the three of us handed out flyer's in front of the local pet stores and we asked our veterinarians office if we could post the flyer on their bulletin board.  After that we went door to door and put a folded flyer in our neighbor’s mailbox.

Cat Adoption Template Flyer

A few people came out to talk to us and we told them about the cat and offered a referral compensation if they would be able to find a serious cat adopter.  All seemed generally interested in finding the cat a forever home.

The say that money talks and I believe that it is true.  Tonight I received two calls for Maggie and tomorrow I have  interview appointments.   I feel that there is an adopter for Maggie and that God has a plan for her.  I need to be patient and have a little faith.  I am hoping that the interviews go well and that tomorrow I find an adopter for Maggie. 

Feral cat Maggie on top of refrigerator

Update Tuesday March 13. 2012...Maggie was adopted into her forever home.   She was a little frightened and hid in the bathroom at her new home.  Her adopter is a woman who has always loved cats and will treat Maggie well.  

Maggie is such a sweet and loving cat, she likes to cuddle and will hide under the blankets when there is thunder.  I am certain that once Maggie gets used to her new home that she will be happy.

Introducing New Cat to the Family Dog

Introducing a cat to the family dog is easy provided you take the steps to allow the new cat and dog to get used to each other's scent.  

Dogs are generally more accepting of a new cat.  The dog may bark and chase outdoor cats  that walk through their yard or cross their path however if you pick up that cat and bring the cat indoors then the dog's attitude is usually “if the cat is okay with my master then it is okay with me.”  

It is an adjustment for the cat especially if the cat is not accustomed to being around a dog.   Cats usually need to bond with the dog before they will be able to reside under one roof.

My dog with a new kitten

I have introduced 12 stray cats to my dog.  During the introduction, I experienced behavior issues from both cats and dogs. The dog is fine with the cats but when the cat hisses the dog will bark at the cat.  

When it comes to cats living with dogs it is best for the human to bond with the cat before they introduce the family dog.  The reason I say this is because the cat will bond with the dog and will ignore the human.

All new cats coming into the home are put into a separate room with a closed door, this room will allow the cat to get acclimated to the surroundings, and get used to the new scents. I will spend time with the cat in the room.  I will bring the cat food and water, and talk/ pet the cat.  The cat-safe space is a must as it also allows the dog to get used to the cat's scent.   

Socialize New Cat before Introducing it to Family Dog

Friends Forever Card by Susang6

Step 1

Put the cat in a pet-safe room and work with the cat on a daily basis.  Socialize the cat with its human before introducing it to other pets in the home.

Step 2

When the bonding with the human process has been completed, put the cat in a carrier and set the carrier in the middle of the safe room floor.  Invite your dog into the room and allow your dog to sniff the carrier. 

Step 3

Command your dog to lie down close to the carrier and to stay.  Doing this it allows the cat to view the dog in a non-threatening way.  Allow the cat and dog to visit with each other for an hour and then remove the dog from the safe room.

Step 4

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for four days and on the 5^th day put the cat in the carrier and set the carrier in the middle of the floor.  Command your dog to lie down.  Open the carrier door. Talk softly to your dog, and encourage your dog to accept the cat.  The cat may bolt out the door and run and hide or it may be very brave and investigate the dog. 

The cat will be defensive and will be cautious around the dog.  A dog must be well trained to not react to the cat’s behavior.  My dog Benny is afraid of a hissing cat and will sit down and whimper. 

Step 5

Supervise the cat and dog to make sure that the situation is under control.  Stop the cat should it attempt to attack the dog.  Stop the dog if it becomes aggressive with the cat. The face-to-face visit should continue as long as the cat and dog are being cordial with each other.  

When the cat walks past the dog and rubs his body or tail on the dog, it is a sign that the cat has bonded with the dog.  My dog reacts to the cat bonding as a sign that it is time to nuzzle the cat with his nose and to be affectionate; my dog will lie down close to the cat and rest with the cat or take a nap.

 

Step 6

When cats and dogs have bonded, you can now allow the two of them to live under the same roof.  When the socialization reaches this point I usually open the safe room door at night to allow the cat to investigate the home.  The cat will then be able to explore when everyone is asleep.  The cat will then hide under the sofa or will return to the safe room when the exploration of the house is completed.  

Tips:

When the cat explores the house the dog will follow the cat.  My dog Benny will stay up all night with a new cat.  In the morning the cat will either return to its safe room or they will hide in a new location.  Socialized feral and many stray cats prefer to sleep in a dark area during the day; closet, under the bed, or sofa. 

Bach Pet Rescue remedy is a natural way to relieve pet stress and calm an anxious cat. 

Helpful to spray the cat carrier with Feliway mood modifier before you put the cat in.  This treatment will calm an anxious cat.