Ugg...I really need advise about how to catch a stray kitty

McKee3

We have a stray male kitty who we've been feeding for 4 months now. He lives in our front yard/patio where we have a kitty bed for him. He lets me pet him but I can't catch him to get him to the vet to be neutered and vaccinated. He fights with other males cats in the area to protect his territory and he had a ruptured abcess last week that I have been treated with a liquid antibiotic.

I really need to get him neutered before he gets our neighbors female cats pregnant and I'm way beyond frustrated. We tried a Have-a-heart pet trap but he won't go near it and will just go without food. 

So, my question is have any of you used a medication to calm a pet for travel or capture? I think it's my last resort to medicate him but I have no idea what to give him, how much, etc. I'm desperate and feeling very defeated.

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

mainerocks

Maybe your local animal control might have helpful advice or equipment you can borrow?

Can you talk to your neighbor about getting the female cat fixed? Explain the situation and maybe provide a suggestion for a low cost clinic?

Thanks for caring and trying to find a solution! 

McKee3

I've talked to my neighbor about our local SPCA and she keeps saying she'll take them in but she never does. I told her yesterday that I was trying to catch Jasper to have him neutered and that she needs to do the same. They just aren't responsible, educated animal people. Makes me nuts.

I'm planning to call my vet today to see if they have any ideas. Thanks

 

kellbell1919

I've always been able to catch them in the trap if I am patient enough.  We line the bottom with newspaper, put a teaspoon of sardines every kitty sized step, with a huge blob in the back, and cover with a towel so it looks like a hidey-hole.  We also put it out in lieu of their food at their normal feeding time.

 

Good luck!  So glad you're trying :  )  FWIW I do not FeLv FIV test feral cats; if they have it the whole colony is exposed anyway, so its a waste of $.

ETA:  I always let the neighbors know I am setting traps on my property and if they're unfixed cats wanders into my trap on my property, its probably getting fixed.  Too bad, so sad, my property.

ndolehan

kellbell1919:

ETA:  I always let the neighbors know I am setting traps on my property and if they're unfixed cats wanders into my trap on my property, its probably getting fixed.  Too bad, so sad, my property.

How thoughtful of you!

Also what she mentioned using the sardines and covering the trap is a great idea. If you can find a "stinker" food - the better!

mainerocks

kellbell1919:

I've always been able to catch them in the trap if I am patient enough.  We line the bottom with newspaper, put a teaspoon of sardines every kitty sized step, with a huge blob in the back, and cover with a towel so it looks like a hidey-hole.  We also put it out in lieu of their food at their normal feeding time.

 

Good luck!  So glad you're trying :  )  FWIW I do not FeLv FIV test feral cats; if they have it the whole colony is exposed anyway, so its a waste of $.

ETA:  I always let the neighbors know I am setting traps on my property and if they're unfixed cats wanders into my trap on my property, its probably getting fixed.  Too bad, so sad, my property.

I love it!