Post # 1
Member
1213 posts
Bumble bee
I’ve recently seen a white/tabby cat hanging around the backyard, specifically the man hole to under the house. She has that typical heavy belly look of a pregnant cat. I’ve put out some food and water, and its always gone in the morning, but I can never get close enough to her to catch her. Idealy I’d like to trap her and take her to the RSPCA before she has the kittens, as the weather is starting to get really cold (its coming up to winter where I live) And advice on how to catch her?
Post # 3
Member
2008 posts
Buzzing bee
A live trap would probably be your best bet. The humane society may have one you can borrow.
Post # 4
Member
226 posts
Helper bee
There are basically 2 methods to this yourself–trust or trap.
The first is to take the time to get the cat to trust you. This may not be time that you have if she is close to having her litter. Keep feeding her at the same time/same place each day. After a while start inching the food bowls closer to where you can catch her. Take notice of when the food is gone so that you have a window of time where you know that she is out eating. Then keep watch for her and start carefully approaching her. The first time, give her a treat and leave. The next time giver her a treat and stay a little bit. The next time a treat and stay longer and so on and so forth until you can safely touch her and move her.
If you don’t have that much time, you might try a humane trap with food and water. Some shelters have these for loan if you are trying to catch a stray. Cover the trap with an old thick towel or blanket so that she won’t be exposed to the elements if she is trapped. With this method, there is the risk that you could… catch something else. So be prepared for that.
A combination of the two (getting her used to being fed and then setting food in a humane trap) could work well. All else fails, call the RSPCA and ask for advice.
Post # 5
Member
1213 posts
Bumble bee
Good idea about the trap, I think I’ll call the shelter in the morning and see if I can borrow one. I’d be a bit scared of catching a possum though! I think its best to catch her ASAP not only for the cats health and safety, but also because if Mr. Roux finds the kittens he will adopt them all and fill my house with cats. 2 is enough for now!