Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Hi all,

   My daughter, Molly, runs a feral soup kitchen in a small mountain town in Colorado. She snagged a tiny kitten last year as he and his mom came for dinner. He's wonderful, but was very sick at the time. The others were too wily for her to grab. She's been feeding five or six cats (kittens have grown up). The same momma appears very pregnant. She's been getting quite friendly and Molly has actually had her and two grown kittens come inside the house to eat (just barely-by the front door). She's locked up her 4 other kitty rescues and dog while they eat. Now she doesn't know how to capture them to get them to the vet. She'd love for the kittens to have a chance to be social, healthy, and have homes and wants to get the others neutered and spayed. She's gained some trust, but still can't touch them.

   How do you go about getting them with the least amount of trauma?

   Posted 2 years ago by Bobosmom #

2. 

   Others have discussed this problem on the Daily Kitten. There are humane traps that can be baited with food (like tuna which has a very strong smell). Once the cat gets into the trap, it can be tripped by the person monitoring it or will trip automatically (fancier models). Your daughter's local animal shelter or humane society may be willing to lend her a trap. There are also websites that have directions for making one's own humane trap.

   Bless your daughter for the great work she is doing with these ferals. Please encourage her to check here for advice and support! :)

   Keep checking back for more comments from other TDKers.

   Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

3. 

   Here is a website that sells traps that don't require a person to close the trap once the cat is inside: http://www.havahart.com/store/live-animal-traps/1099?gclid=CO7Dt_H9gpoCFRwDagod9W05Fg

   Here is a great website with lots of advice about trap/neuter/release:
   http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=285

   Here is a website with instructions on how to build a humane trap:
   http://www.amrt.net/feraltrap/trap.htm
   and another good one: http://www.droptrapdesign.blogspot.com/

   Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

4. 

   Is that BoBo in your gravatar? He has the cutest little face.

   Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

5. 

   Thanks for your help. I'll forward the info to Molly.

   And the kitten in my gravatar is Gabby. I've got to find a kitten photo of Bobo. He's 15 now.

   Posted 2 years ago by Bobosmom #

6. 

   These humane traps are mostly known as "Have A Heart" Traps and they are a feral's best friend! Because now said feral can be trapped, neuter/ spayed and released - if they are the ones that will never be able to become house cats. And yes there are a sizeable percentage that just can never make the adaption.

   The best one can do in such circumstances is provide is regular visual checks, a safe outdoor haven, regular food, and some place for them to huddle up when the weather turns bad.

   Kittens are surprizingly adaptable however.

   Best of luck to your daughter Molly, all her rescues and all the ferals she takes care of.

   Posted 2 years ago by Shal #

7. 

   Hi, Shal. Welcome to the Daily Kitten! Are you involved in managing feral populations? I hope you continue to post. :)

   Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

8. 

   Molly's ferals have food and fresh water daily. They know she feeds them when her husband comes home from work. The sound of his truck sends them scampering toward the door. She puts out boxes with beds they'll use if it's cold. They totally rely on her. A raccoon will occasionally eat next to the cats when he's in need. The cats share. Molly has the safe haven.

   Posted 2 years ago by Bobosmom #

9. 

   You may be able to borrow a Have a Hart trap from a local shelter or vet rather than incurring the expense. Best wishes and please thank Molly on my behalf; I love ferals and have rescued quite a few myself:)

   Posted 2 years ago by Tigerlilly #

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