PLEASE HElP!!!!!!!?

Question

i was attempting to catch this feral cat that ive been feeding for over a week by sneaking up on it but, when i tried to grab it , it ran away before i could get it. i was just wondering the cat would come back again. i'm worried that i wont see it again because it was very scared. it hasnt been that long since it ran

yeah i really want to keep it

Answer 1

I can't help but smile a little at the thought of your attempting to "sneak up" on a feral cat. The way to a cat's heart is through its stomach so just continue to offer food and some quiet conversation to the cat. It will take time for it to trust you and you will certainly destroy any trust you create if you go at the cat with the intention of catching it.

If the cat must be caught it is best to use a humane trap baited with food.

Answer 2

If it's truly feral you will not "sneak" up on it and grab it. Also doing so can be very dangerous. This may be a cat that has been tamed before but a truly feral cat could do you a lot of damage. The best way to get hold of one is a humane trap. I will also say a week is no time at all, a frightened cat can easily take weeks to a month or so before it will trust enough to let you grab it. Keep feeding it and sit out there but make no attempt to grab it, after a time put your hand down and let it come and smell your hand but don't try to grab it, scaring it like you did will be a set back but he will probably return, don't rush it next time.

Answer 3

hopefully he'll come back
and in case he does, you need to be prepared because that is NOT how you catch a feral cat!! You could have hurt the cat and your self!!

here are a few safer ideas I urge you try:
1- use a live animal trap to catch the cat, you don't need to buy one, just go to your local humane society or animal control and ask to barrow one of their traps (some places may require a down-payment which they will give back to you when you return the trap); here's a link to the type of trap I'm talking about:
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=apc&product=Cage+Traps&exact_match
just bate it with wet cat food and leave it over-night, the cat should be there in the morning

2- OR if the trap method absolutely is not an option then here's the text from my pet first aid class on how to restrain a cat so that you can transport them in a way that is safe for you and the cat:
"Restraining a cat is different from restraining a small dog. Cats tend to become more upset the more they are restrained. Cats also have more weapons to hurt you, including claws and very sharp teeth. A cat bite is second in severity only to a human bite in terms of bacteria and infection. Extreme care must be used when attempting to restrain a cat.
When using a towel, it is best to come over the top of the cat from behind and grab the front legs as well, keeping your hands behind the head and covering nearly the cat's entire body. If the towel is large enough to cover the back legs, you can protect yourself from getting scratched.
The second option for restraining a cat is called scruffing. This is the safest way to restrain a cat if you do not have access to a blanket or towel. Grasp the loose skin at the scruff of the neck with a firm hold. Do not pull the skin so tight as to cut off breathing, but firmly enough to gain control. Place your hand close to the head and ears. Placing your hand too far down the cat's back when scruffing allows the cat to turn his/her head which could result in a serious bite.
If the cat attempts to use the back legs as a weapon, you can hold the back legs with your second hand while holding the cat by the scruff with your first hand. Lay your arm against the cat's back for better control and to avoid injury. Remember, the closer your hand is to the cat's ears and head, the less likely you are to get bitten. This method of restraint is called the scruff and stretch technique."

good luck-please be more careful in the future!

Answer 4

continue putting food out but DO NOT stay there. feed the cat a diffrent time(put food out in the evening)

to catch your kitty

-buy a humane trap(the ones used to catch raccons are fine)
place a can of cat food(fish flavered is preferred, it'll help coax the cat inside)
go back the next day and if caught your kitty take her/him home if not, try again

taming your kitty

-if the cat is trully feral then set up a room for your cat(DO NOT LET IT ROAM YOUR HOUSE)it should instinctavly use a litter box, if its trully feral(you can't aproach it) then when you feed the cat sit by the food dish and don't move, the cat will have to aproach you to eat, I recommend not feeding the cat for the first 24 hours and it will probably be very stressed this will also ensure your not sitting for hours waiting for the cat to come to you. over time the cat will get used to you.

Answer 5

Okay you have to put out a more calm, gentle vibe in order for the cat to even trust you. I know you want to help him, but he does not know that. All the cat is doing is sensing your energy. About a year ago there was a little kitten in my yard. Usually I would freak out. But this time I thought; okay take your time. I got a plate of food and placed it outside. I knew the kitten would come. I got down on the floor by the door and waited. Cats know were to go for food so trust me the cat will show up. It may freak out but they love food so don't move quick or anything like that. Just talk real softly and get the cat to start trusting you. It may take a few days but it will trust you. I laid on my stomach on the ground for over 4 hours. But it worked. What I did was each time I would move the plate of food closer to the door and then finally inside the door. And waited just for the right time and closed the door. It was a little crazy that night but now he's a sleep on my lap. It all worked out and hope it works out for you good luck

Answer 6

If there's food involved, chances are a feral cat will return. Why do you want to catch it? Ferals over 8 weeks of age usually cannot be turned around and lose their fear of humans enough to make good pets.
You might want to contact Alley Cat Allies for advice on traping ferals for spay/neuter and re-release. That will cut down on feral cat overpopulation.

Answer 7

We tamed a 2 year old stray cat. We put food out over the period of 6 months and eventually she allowed us to pet her, pick her up, and even bring her in the house. We moved recently and we brought her with us, at first she was a little freaked out but she eventually calmed down. My fiance use a box that was turned on it's side. He put food in it and when she came to get the food he closed the box. I would suggest gaining the cats trust before you try to catch it. You could be seriously hurt if your not careful. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Just continue feeding the cat and chances are the cat will come back. instead of sneaking up try coaxing the cat or gently petting him/her. Are you planning on keeping the cat (if you catch it)?

Answer 9

If you're the only one feeding it, it will be back when it gets hungry.

Answer 10

it will come back when its hungry.. as long as your feeding it dont worry it will be back....