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TJ

Best way to catch a 6-8 month old friendly kitten in apartment complex?

I live in an apartment complex absolutely full of stray, feral cats. I lately have noticed a young cat, maybe about 6-8 months old, who is unusually friendly. I have fed him a few times and he lets me pet him and even pick him up, though when I try to carry him off he gets scared and runs away. I can't set a trap or leave out food for him, because it's against my lease (I'm technically breaking it when I feed him) and I'd probably end up catching a different cat anyway. However, I do think I can catch him, with patience, because he's so trusting. Does anyone have any suggestions?


Asked by TJ on Sep 25th 2009 Tagged kitten, rescue, catch, feral in Adoption & Rescue
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Best Answer

Izadore (Izzie)

If he is friendly enough to pick up, have a cat carrier handy and close-by and put him in it. He may not like having his feet off the ground and that's why he jumps out of your arms. Since cats also claw and scratch when they try to get away, I'd be extremely careful when you pick him up. Scratches from stray cats can cause serious infections. If he fights getting into the carrier, set it up on one end with the door on the top. Get a friend to help. Gravity will help you get him in. Close the door quickly and set it upright. Practice closing the door as it can be tricky on some carriers. Take him right to the vet. Do not expose him to any other pet cats as he might be carrying a nasty cat disease. Do not try to hide the fact that you have a cat if you are not allowed to have pets. And also be prepared to take on the financial responsibility of owning an animal. This cat will have be neutered/spayed, examined, vaccinated, fed, need litter and a box, etc.


Izadore (Izzie) answered on Sep 26th.

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Guest

I've caught a few cats by leaving food at far end of a pet transport bag, and closing other end after it enters and starts eating. If you call SPCA, keep in mind, pretty much all adult cats are put down; kittens might get a chance to be adopted if not to sick. Also, DO NOT mention that you've fed the cat for a week+ to SPCA, or they'll say you're legally responsible for the cat and any expenses incurred during the cats checkup (per an SPCA officer told me).


Member 893675 answered on 9/26/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Minuit AKA Miss Meany

I think patience is the key. It seems like your starting to gain his trust, so keep working on that. You can try holding him and take a slow easy step and see how he reacts. If he is fine, take other step. If he is uncomfortable try again next time. Possibly holding him with his head close to you, while you rub his head will distract him from your slow movements. What are you planning on doing with him? You keeping him?
Since the shelter thing is brought up, I must make a point. I know a lot of cats are euthanized daily, most being adult, but we can't blame or hate the people at the shelters. Blame irresponsible people who don't spay or neuter, take the time to train their pet or think pets are something you can simply get rid of when the adorable kitten or puppy is all grown up. People who work at the shelters dedicate their lives to help these animals find forever homes but the reality is their just isn't enough homes for these animals.


Minuit AKA Miss Meany answered on 9/26/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Sassy

The other have good advice about catching the friendly kittena nd I hope he is healthy when you get him checked out.

If you want to help more generally with the stray/feral problem at your appartment complex you could help organise a trap neuter release (TNR) program. There is probably a group in your area that can help with logistics (providing traps, paying for spay/neuter, additional volunteers to help) and providing info to help you convince the landlord/complex management.

TNR traps the cats, gets them fixed/vacinated and then releases them back into the appartment complex. You or some other volunteers would feed the cats and continue to trap as needed. For the apartment complex this would humanely control the population and create a healthier / friendlier group of cats with less fighting etc.

This ia a good place to start your research network.bestfriends.org


Sassy answered on 9/26/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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