Dear Barbara,

I would prefer to avoid sedating them, even though it may seem like the simplest solution. Giving medication to a cat you cannot safely handle usually means hiding it in food, which creates several concerns.

You cannot accurately control the dose without knowing the cat’s weight; you cannot be certain which cat receives the medication, and a partially sedated cat may still be able to wander off before the medication takes full effect. In a barn, a wobbly or disoriented cat could easily hide under machinery, climb into a hayloft, or injure itself. A humane cat trap is a much safer and more reliable option for cats that are not yet comfortable being handled.

Since they already associate you with food, you have an important advantage. A humane box trap can be placed where they normally eat and baited with something particularly appealing, such as tuna or sardines. Once a cat is safely secured inside, covering the trap with a towel can help reduce visual stimulation and keep them calmer during transport. Many shelters, humane societies, and low-cost spay/neuter programs lend humane traps, so it is worth asking locally before purchasing one.

For the kittens, their age makes a difference. If they are still quite young, especially under about eight weeks, they may become accustomed to gentle handling more easily with patience and quiet, positive interactions. If they are already avoiding people and behaving like independent outdoor cats, trapping is the safer choice. Many veterinarians can safely sterilize healthy kittens once they reach approximately two pounds, depending on the clinic’s protocols and the kitten’s health.

I would make getting the mother spayed the first priority, since this prevents another litter and helps break the cycle of reproduction. Then the kittens can be examined, vaccinated, and sterilized when they are appropriately sized. You have already done something very helpful by establishing a predictable feeding routine. Now that routine can make the trapping process much easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola