How to determine if a community cat visit my yard?

[Davis.james]

Hello all,
A cat appeared in my backyard once in the afternoon two months ago (I haven't seen him/her during the day after that). I'm wondering if there's a way to see if he or she visit at night as well.. Weather is getting cold and I just want to see if there's anything that I can do to help in addition to prep a small winter shelter (so far no signs of use). I cannot leave food outside at night though as I don't want racoons coming..
Thank you for your help!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Welcome!!
Would you be able to set up a camera? If not and it snows you'll see tracks.

 

[Davis.james]

Thank you fursball mom, really appreciate your prompt help
Yes I just bought a camera. So I assume that I don't need to setup anything to attract him/her (just in case he/she is in), would that be correct?
As for the footprints, for this winter I just see bunnies'.
Thank you again
Regards

 

[Norachan]

Cats are creatures of habit, so if this cat is regularly coming to your garden you should catch them on camera soon enough.

If you want to attract them to the camera without leaving food down you can use some Nampla Asian fish sauce. Dilute the sauce 50/50 with water and sprinkle or squirt the ground, bushes or fence near to where you have the camera set up. The smell will attract other wild life too, but as there is no food around they will just come to check out the smell then leave again.

 

[Davis.james]

Thank you very much Nora, really appreciate it!
Regards

 

[Furballsmom]

Let us know how things go. Are you planning to get her to a vet and then bring her inside?

 

[Davis.james]

hi furballsmom,
sure I will update if I see him/her..
I will attempt to bring her into the garage for sure as it is getting cold.
I have no experience in pet/vet.. but I have searched and there is one near by.
Thank you again for your help!

 

[Furballsmom]

Thinking of you both !