You can also scattered leaves, dirt and small branches on the bottom of the trap, to make it seem more like the outside environment that O'Malley is use to.
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URGENT, competent help needed for injured feral cat
- Thread starter frank korosi
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- Apr 16, 2014
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Oh I've been wondering how you've been getting on with O'Malley, I know only too well the feeling of apprehension to get them go into the trap, and the joy relief and panic when they finally do!
I recently had to catch a cat that wouldn't go near a trap, we ended up ticing him in to a shed through a small pop hole and had a little guillotine style drop door held up by string that we dropped when he went in for food. We then had the problem of getting him in a carrier though, and I don't think I'd have managed if I didn't have my daughter to help.
I'm sure O'Malley will go into the trap eventually, it is wonderful that you are helping him, good luck Frank!
I recently had to catch a cat that wouldn't go near a trap, we ended up ticing him in to a shed through a small pop hole and had a little guillotine style drop door held up by string that we dropped when he went in for food. We then had the problem of getting him in a carrier though, and I don't think I'd have managed if I didn't have my daughter to help.
I'm sure O'Malley will go into the trap eventually, it is wonderful that you are helping him, good luck Frank!
And I do think O'Malley knows you are trying to help him, though is understandably unsure about the process....
Yes, O'Malley does know you're trying to help him, but caution and self-preservation is deep-seated in the nature of feral cats, so although he wants help, it's difficult for him to receive it. Cats are perceptive, though, so don't doubt for a minute that he knows you care for him. It's also possible that he's been trapped before or has seen other cats trapped, and ferals have a long memory when it comes to that sort of thing. I've never had to withhold food from a cat to trap it, and I won't do that, ever. I've managed to trap cats by putting food into the trap that is tastier than the regular food I give. Many cats can't resist chicken, especially when it's heated up and in broth, but every cat is different.
I hope that if you're unable to trap O'Malley that his paw will begin to heal on its own. I know how difficult this is for you. My outdoor feral had an injury to his ear in February--something bit it-- and it got infected within 24 hours. He seemed to be in terrible pain but I couldn't trap him or clean it (except to spray wound cleaner on it). My vet prescribed liquid antibiotics that have no scent or taste, and I was able to put it into his food each day, and that saved his life--but I sure suffered along with him during the entire ordeal. I'm sending my prayers out for both of you.
I hope that if you're unable to trap O'Malley that his paw will begin to heal on its own. I know how difficult this is for you. My outdoor feral had an injury to his ear in February--something bit it-- and it got infected within 24 hours. He seemed to be in terrible pain but I couldn't trap him or clean it (except to spray wound cleaner on it). My vet prescribed liquid antibiotics that have no scent or taste, and I was able to put it into his food each day, and that saved his life--but I sure suffered along with him during the entire ordeal. I'm sending my prayers out for both of you.
