Catching A Semi Feral Kitty With Net?!

KrisinOhio

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ParkBaby ParkBaby best of luck to you and Baby, whatever you decide is best for all! I will be thinking good thoughts and sending prayers !!!
 
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ParkBaby

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Hi Msaimee,
Totally agree with you on the cold weather issue. We won't try anything until it gets warmer.
We have everything for/in the shelter, using everyday at least 10 hand warmers for 18 hours, lots of heating pads, etc. It is still outside!
I totally disagree, sorry to say, on the other thought, giving up on offering our girl a good home! For the last years 10 adult kitties and kittens from the park have been adopted...I personally know the people, some of them are my friends. The kitties (all ferals) are really HAPPY! It takes more than half/hour to adjust...for some it took weeks, for others a few months. But All of them are doing well and one even doesn't come close to the door...afraid of being again outside. Our girl is the friendliest and the only one to be picked up...so she has an unique chance to be inside. I've been taking care of her for the last 9 years. The only reason I cannot take her (and it breaks my heart) is because we have a parrot...and the girl is a big hunter.
I understand your experience with the kitty who was climbing the walls...but it is worth trying. I know she is happy with us...in the park...but we've seen so much sadness and unhappiness outside...leaving her alone, in the cold, dark park...
Thank you for trying to help!
 
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ParkBaby

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Kristin, I am very grateful for your kind thoughts and words! It helps to have your support and example!
I wish you too the best and many thanks!
 
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ParkBaby

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Di and Bo, I will try this option, hopefully I can find a way. I believe it is a very good idea...since she is so suspicious. This is our girl in the picture, you can see how sad she looks...She lost her companion 2 years ago.
Thank you for your advice!
 

KrisinOhio

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ParkBaby ParkBaby ...
My heart aches for you! I know many prayers are being said for you and your Baby! Forgive me if you have already covered this, but are there any experienced feral cat groups in your area? Maybe someone local can help you or offer advice.
 
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ParkBaby

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Hi Kristin,
I have been in touch with quite a few...they mostly suggested same things: trap, crate, carrier. I even looked for professional trapper...but he got discouraged by the inconveniences: place, people who interfered in this process out of perverse reasons. So I bought trap, crates, etc.
For good reasons I was not able to try anything in summer or autumn.
Now is cold and Baby is too smart.
Thank you for thinking of her and me!
You are so kind ...
All my best to you and your babies!
 

kittychick

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How interesting - - - what an interesting array of answers! And such different answers from many of my "favorites" that I read regularly - - goes to show that there are about as many ways to go about this as there are people!

ParkBaby ParkBaby - - she really is a gorgeous little sweetie! I've really skimmed the above answers - -- so if I'm saying exactly what someone's said - - -or am in direct contradiction with a way you've already chosen to go - - I apologize in advance (it's late....and it was a long workday). So just a quick little "chime in" from me for the moment since I hate offering much till I've really read.

I would say the main thing is don't panic!!! Especially after all of this time (9 years - WOW!!! BIG kudos!) It sounds that you're doing SO much for her already to keep her fed, warm, hydrated, safe, dry, and loved as possible. I'm SOOOO glad to hear that, after making it outside for so long (obviously largely bc of your care - - but also I'm sure because she's quite smart about surviving!), that she's got a loving, safe home in her very near future. I'm sorry you haven't been able to get her yet. As has been mentioned - - remember - - your inability to catch her shows how wily she is and that's what's kept her alive! I know many chimed in against a net - - - I do too. I think there are too many things that could go very wrong - the chance of catching her is slim, and if you DO catch her, the chance that she either escapes from the net or while you transfer her - or that she catches a nail in the netting, resulting in pain (and chances are - a release on your part) - - it's just not worth it.

I know you mentioned you've tried multiple types of traps. And that you're thinking of giving up till spring- as many have advised (and I'm certainly not trying to override many who have probably followed this more closely - -- this forum has lots of VERY experience people!!!!). I guess (again - - without studying your previous posts, etc. as I probably should) - - I'd still keep trying, but without the panic of "got to do it now!" Cats can absolutely feel the panic and know something's "up" - - making the 'catching' all that much harder. I personally would continue as you've been doing - - - slowly increasing your loving time with her (the petting and picking up). And at the same time, if you have an area you can do so, I'd have a large dog crate near you. Don't push her to go to or in it. Perhaps put some high-reward treat near the opening - - eventually putting it inside (taking it what you leave - you don't want another animal attracted to it!). And if she plays - - perhaps play with her with a laser when you can - - - sometimes leading her near - - -eventually into -- the crate (we use this trick often when we need to get feral cats/kittens into a carrier). I don't know if you've yet tried the "two person crate method" - - where the door of the crate has a string tied to it, and once she's in, you yank the door shut, and someone who's near then latches it. She's got to trust both of you though - - and it's a process that takes time. But we've used it very successfully with VERY hard to get kitties (although -- -as I said - - it too was some time!).

The main thing is to just keep on building trust while you keep doing what you can to keep her safe, warm, fed, and happy - - -- - which it certainly sounds as though you've done Good luck with this beautiful sweet baby - - and I hope you keep us posted!!!!!!
 
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ParkBaby

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kittychick,
What a wonderful message! Many thanks for taking the time to advise and help Baby and us! Everyone on this site has lots of experience and I do appreciate every message! And you know lots of things!
I would say, you read my thoughts! Me and my husband will try to do exactly what you suggested - weather permitted, take the crate (it is a small dog crate, 22") and just let our girl get used to.
You are absolutely right...panic was one of the reasons why we didn't succeed last year...
I am sure you will understand, I am terrified by the very cold weather, worrying about her ...unable to sleep...Every cold night is a nightmare, suffering for her and us.
We didn't try the two person crate method, probably because we didn't think of and because of the area...
We always have to watch for people, dogs, raccoons or skunks...or other cats.
Thank you so much again for the nice analysis you made - it is correct. Baby is happy with us, but she doesn't know what a home could offer...and I suspect our love is somehow preventing her from getting into a carrier...or a trap.
I will keep you posted, no doubt about!
Be well!
 

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Aw - thanks for the kind words! As I noted - - we've been in your shoes (both trapping-wise, and worry-wise) ----it's rough and VERY emotional! I know sometimes you feel like you can't do anything right - -and you just want to say "If only you'd learn english you'd know we really just want to help!"!!!!!! And boy - - many really do smell/sense fear - and frustration. Again - - you just have to remind yourself that her being extra cautious is what's kept her alive all of these years! (and you're doing something right because 9 is pretty old for a totally outside feral :clap2: )

And if you decided to try it, I can absolutely explain more in detail the two-person method when you think you're getting close to actually trapping her. We've done it several times with very smart, skittish, trap-shy kitties and it's worked!

And again - - - may have missed it in your earlier post(s) - - - but does she have a good, waterproof shelter (with an outdoor rated heated kitty pad if possible)? It'll keep her so much warmer at night. Ours are in our garage (which we leave cracked a bit so the 4 of ours can come and go as necessary) - -- and all are insulated, stuffed with straw AND (since we have access to electricity) have the heated outdoor kitty pads. And make sure she has plenty of water (heated electric bowls are actually really inexpensive (here's a link to a version of the heated pads we use, and the water bowl we use - - although there are lots out there - - -and you may have said already that you use these, or you may not have access to electricity):



Again - - you're obviously doing ALOT right!!!!!! She looks SO healthy - - and she's obviously really learning to trust you -- and love you.

Keep us posted!!!!!
 
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ParkBaby

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Aw - thanks for the kind words! As I noted - - we've been in your shoes (both trapping-wise, and worry-wise) ----it's rough and VERY emotional! I know sometimes you feel like you can't do anything right - -and you just want to say "If only you'd learn english you'd know we really just want to help!"!!!!!! And boy - - many really do smell/sense fear - and frustration. Again - - you just have to remind yourself that her being extra cautious is what's kept her alive all of these years! (and you're doing something right because 9 is pretty old for a totally outside feral :clap2: )

And if you decided to try it, I can absolutely explain more in detail the two-person method when you think you're getting close to actually trapping her. We've done it several times with very smart, skittish, trap-shy kitties and it's worked!

And again - - - may have missed it in your earlier post(s) - - - but does she have a good, waterproof shelter (with an outdoor rated heated kitty pad if possible)? It'll keep her so much warmer at night. Ours are in our garage (which we leave cracked a bit so the 4 of ours can come and go as necessary) - -- and all are insulated, stuffed with straw AND (since we have access to electricity) have the heated outdoor kitty pads. And make sure she has plenty of water (heated electric bowls are actually really inexpensive (here's a link to a version of the heated pads we use, and the water bowl we use - - although there are lots out there - - -and you may have said already that you use these, or you may not have access to electricity):



Again - - you're obviously doing ALOT right!!!!!! She looks SO healthy - - and she's obviously really learning to trust you -- and love you.

Keep us posted!!!!!
Aw - thanks for the kind words! As I noted - - we've been in your shoes (both trapping-wise, and worry-wise) ----it's rough and VERY emotional! I know sometimes you feel like you can't do anything right - -and you just want to say "If only you'd learn english you'd know we really just want to help!"!!!!!! And boy - - many really do smell/sense fear - and frustration. Again - - you just have to remind yourself that her being extra cautious is what's kept her alive all of these years! (and you're doing something right because 9 is pretty old for a totally outside feral :clap2: )

And if you decided to try it, I can absolutely explain more in detail the two-person method when you think you're getting close to actually trapping her. We've done it several times with very smart, skittish, trap-shy kitties and it's worked!

And again - - - may have missed it in your earlier post(s) - - - but does she have a good, waterproof shelter (with an outdoor rated heated kitty pad if possible)? It'll keep her so much warmer at night. Ours are in our garage (which we leave cracked a bit so the 4 of ours can come and go as necessary) - -- and all are insulated, stuffed with straw AND (since we have access to electricity) have the heated outdoor kitty pads. And make sure she has plenty of water (heated electric bowls are actually really inexpensive (here's a link to a version of the heated pads we use, and the water bowl we use - - although there are lots out there - - -and you may have said already that you use these, or you may not have access to electricity):



Again - - you're obviously doing ALOT right!!!!!! She looks SO healthy - - and she's obviously really learning to trust you -- and love you.

Keep us posted!!!!!
 
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ParkBaby

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Kittychick,
I so much appreciate your advices and willingness to help.
I noticed that most of the people who write here are experts in trapping/rescuing kitties and it is encouraging, after the disappointments we had last year, when an unstable person interfered in this project with no rights, just for the sake of hurting us.
Baby has a very good shelter, made by my husband. He made shelters for several kitties from the park.
Sadly, there is no electricity source for us in the park. We had many problems with the park people for years ...ending up with them taking kitties shelters, and my husband making new ones, lots of harassment for us and kitties (park people, police, etc).
For the last 4 years they left us alone...we are in good terms, but they will never allow any electrical device in the park.
So this is the situation, and the reason we use hand warmers in the shelter, under 2 pads.
The shelter is in a wooden box, covered with tarp.
But it is still outside, and I already am so worried because of the weather forecast...
Yes, please, when you are less busy, would you be so kind to tell me more about the two people crate method?
It might be our only option...though Baby for all these years never had to eat or go into a crate.
See how Baby's area looks....and quite crowded. She eats mostly under the bench or by the wall.
Many thanks for your kind messages and for giving us hope!
 

kittychick

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KrisinOhio KrisinOhio - you read my mind - I too had thought of ParkBaby ParkBaby recently kind of out of the blue.

ParkBaby ParkBaby - - any luck yet on getting Baby? I can still let you know a bit more on the "two person trap method" hubby and I have used if you want! It's just really starting to get into "hot and heavy" kitten season, so getting her soon would be really great (I know if you haven't, it's not for lack of trying)!!! Let me know and I'll fill you in on how we do it.
 
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ParkBaby

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KrisinOhio KrisinOhio - you read my mind - I too had thought of ParkBaby ParkBaby recently kind of out of the blue.

ParkBaby ParkBaby - - any luck yet on getting Baby? I can still let you know a bit more on the "two person trap method" hubby and I have used if you want! It's just really starting to get into "hot and heavy" kitten season, so getting her soon would be really great (I know if you haven't, it's not for lack of trying)!!! Let me know and I'll fill you in on how we do it.
kittychick kittychick KrisinOhio KrisinOhio
Good morning, thank you for thinking of us! Baby is still outside and we cannot figure out how to get her out of there without traumatizing her too much. The situation over there got worse and we are desperate.
Thank you for any advice! We will start bringing the carrier, but no way we can leave it there. Hope you are doing well?
 
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