Hello feline lovers alike. I am new to the forum and I must say that I feel like I have joined an elite society of kind, well-informed animal lovers. I have read the story of Lucky (truly inspiring) and I wanted to consult with all of you cat experts regarding my current feral cat dilemma. I've been feeding a stray cat that magically appeared in my backyard last summer, and as a result, I along with my husband have grown extremely attached to him (we're pretty sure it's a male). We keep dry food out for him most of the day as well as feed him wet food whenever he comes around. Initially he was very consistent with his feeding schedule, but lately he doesn't show up until the end of the day, as opposed to the early morning schedule he used to have. I think it may have to do with the onset of the warm weather which may cause him to hunt versus eat canned food (who knows?). Well, here's the dilemma: I can't tell you how many times my poor husband who has stayed up til 3am trying to catch him, and I have attempted to catch this adorable guy. We tried everything under the sun, including traps, crates, as well as trying to feed him in our house while my husband hid behind the door waiting until he was completely in before shutting the door. None of the suggestions made on the feral cat websites have worked with this very seasoned guy, and as a result, we had to suffer through the harsh winter, worrying and crying our eyes out all the while. Even though we bought him a $500 kitty condo as well as a igloo that he never uses, we felt so much better knowing he had shelter if he needed it. My husband also built two shelters for him and camouflaged them in discreet areas behind the garage, and although we've seen him use it a few times, he rarely uses it these days. Now, here's when it gets really distressing: last week we noticed that he had a horrible wound on one side of his neck, which may have been a result of cat fight or worse, a confrontation with a racoon. I noticed it and became immediately hysterical. It was as if I had eyewitnessed my child being badly hurt and not being able to do anything to help him. I can't tell you the frustration and overwhelming guilt that I felt knowing that I should have tried harder or been more persistent in catching him. I called my vet's office and asked them for help, but understandably, they couldn't offer any other advice that I hadn't been given in the past. The next day, I put out a new crate trap out for him. This one was larger and my husband actually drilled two holes in the basement door: one to pull some string through that was attached to the crate door, and another hole for him to look through. Our very seasoned cat didn't even go near the crate, although there were an assortment of treats and goodies waiting there for him. I think at this point, he is too wise to fall for our old tricks again. After I realized there was no point in me using these methods, I got some antibiotics from the vet's office and put them in his food once a day. I must report that the antibiotics have helped a lot now that his wound which was very red and deep is now turning a darker shade of red. Plus, the large chunk of skin that was hanging off the side of his head has completely fallen off, giving room for new skin to grow in.
I apologize for the long-winded explanation, but I wanted you guys and gals to know the history of this wonderful cat. I want nothing more than to trap him, neuter him and slowly socialize him so that he can join his six other feline friends (four are my own, and two are being fostered by me). I can't tell you how much this guy has caused havoc in my personal life as I spend a great deal of time just worrying about him. I am constantly filled with anxiety and concern whenever I don't see him for a few days, when it rains outside, or when I see him walking around our backyard late at night when all I could think about is how much I want to protect him and love him. If anyone on this forum can provide some insight on how to catch a feral cat that knows the ins and outs of a standard trap (yes, he's actually gone in, ate his food and walked out without setting off the trigger as he walks right over it), I would be forever grateful. Plus, you'll cure me of my constant stomachaches and heartaches.
Susan (aka Jesse's Mom)
I apologize for the long-winded explanation, but I wanted you guys and gals to know the history of this wonderful cat. I want nothing more than to trap him, neuter him and slowly socialize him so that he can join his six other feline friends (four are my own, and two are being fostered by me). I can't tell you how much this guy has caused havoc in my personal life as I spend a great deal of time just worrying about him. I am constantly filled with anxiety and concern whenever I don't see him for a few days, when it rains outside, or when I see him walking around our backyard late at night when all I could think about is how much I want to protect him and love him. If anyone on this forum can provide some insight on how to catch a feral cat that knows the ins and outs of a standard trap (yes, he's actually gone in, ate his food and walked out without setting off the trigger as he walks right over it), I would be forever grateful. Plus, you'll cure me of my constant stomachaches and heartaches.
Susan (aka Jesse's Mom)