Do you think Cats Protection would lend me one of their traps to catch frightened AWOL cat

[GertyWebster]

We adopted a young and terrified cat 4 months ago - she'd had a horrible start in life and due to various ailments her main interaction with staff at the (wonderful) sanctuary was having pills poked down her throat and other not so nice things done to her. So each day was spent cowering in a corner.

But we saw her potential and believed we had the time and patience to help her recover. So she cameto us and spent 3 months living in a bedoom on her own - yummy food, comfy bed and lots of gentle visits - and was gradually statring to trust us just a little bit. Then 4 weeks ago my son came home from uni and left the window open and off she went.

Since then I've seen her a handful of times at night. I put biscuits and water out for her each day - its gets eaten but theres lots of other cats round here (including 2 of mine) so not sure how much, if any, she's getting.

Then last week after I put food out for her at night I spied a young fox eating it.

Our lovely little cat can't get back in through the window she came out of as she wouldn't be able to get up to it - cats can get down, but not up.

My plan was to eventually lure her into the house - moving the food gradually into the house at night - but now with the appearance of the fox that's not going to happen and she's too scared to come out in daylight.

She's so little and frightend - not feral or semi feral - and I know she'd be so much happier back in her room healing from her trauma until she's ready to face the world.

Do you think Cats Protection would lend me one of their 'traps' ? (She's microchipped and speyed).

Any thoughts/advice would be gratefully received.

[MissBeehiving]

I've borrowed traps from the CPL before for stray cats - I'd ask

[cozietoesie]

I reckon they would - why not give them a quick phone?

[thecatneuterer]

I don't suppose you're in London are you? If not then certainly ask CP. You may find that your local vet might also be able to lend a trap - I know that mine has them.

Start preparing now by getting her to go inside something to eat the food. A large plastic kitchen bin on it's side for example. If you can find a large wire bin that would be ideal. It will make things so much easier when you get the trap.

[crazynanna]

Poor little thing
I hope you get her back soon and well done for rescuing her

[GertyWebster]

CP have lent me the trap - what wonderful folk they are

Now lets see if we catch her - I know she'll be so much happier if only we can.

Any tips from anyone who's used one?

[fenneltea]

I've trapped several cats in order to get them neutered and catch an ex feral escapee. I line the base of the trap with folded newspaper, making sure that the trap mechanism will still go off and the paper isn't caught in it. It helps to hide the trigger plate and makes it more comfy.

Fill the trap with loose food right at the back with a few morsels scattered to tice her in. Don't use dishes as these can stop it working if they get under the plate, or may injure a panicking cat.

Site the trap against a wall or amongst undergrowth where the cat will feel more secure, it is more likely to be avoided out in the open.

Some cats prefer the trap covered, but if it is windy make sure that there is nothing blowing about to frighten them. You can use tent pegs or similar to make any cover more secure.

Check the trap regularly, I've always caught cats within a short period of time after setting the trap, it is quite stressful for them so best not to leave them too long.

Always check that the rear door is secure before setting the trap!

I hope it proves successful, good luck! :)

[fenneltea]

Forgot to add that smelly food is usually best, something like sardines.

[cozietoesie]

Oh - and is DS duly chastened and prepared to keep windows closed from now on?

[GertyWebster]

Just to let you know that AWOL cat is back

The trap did its work in a very short time - just brilliant!

And yes, DS has been spoken to.

Thanks for all your advice.

[demolitionduo]

Wonderful news!

I hope she settles back with you soon.

[RandomMess]

Fantastic

[cozietoesie]

Great. Is she being given nice taste treats?

[gobbin]

Excellent news!

[timtam23]

Glad she's back, it's nice to read a happy ending

[GertyWebster]

She's had a good sleep and is having her breakfast

[cozietoesie]

All good news.

CPL will be very pleased that their loan worked out so well - especially when they won't have an extra mouth to feed as a result!

[fenneltea]

Brilliant news! I must admit that I bought a couple of traps for situations like this, they weren't that expensive and have proved their worth a few times.

[cozietoesie]

Has she settled today, Gerty ?

[GertyWebster]

She's doing well cozie Mostly staying in one corner of the room, but was prepared to come out and eat quite near where i was sitting. She's still very nervous, but the terror has gone out of her eyes.

My other cats popped in to eat her food visit her and she seemed to enjoy watching them.

[cozietoesie]

That's good. She must be mightily relieved to be safe again.