Trapping Should Be Easy

We seldom have a difficult time trapping kittens. With their natural curiosity, and sense of smell, they can be lured into a trap with the aroma of fresh food in a rather short time, as they have not become quite street smart or trap wise.

We have even had great success trapping pregnant mama cats with ease.

So why is it so difficult to trap this kitten in my shelter? Why, oh why, I keep asking myself. I think she is rather smart. One of the smartest cats I have come in contact with. She knows she is safe, and knows how to hide.

While watching her the other day, I was crossing my fingers as she took a couple steps into the trap. Oh yes, I thought for sure, that was it, she was going to finally go in. No, she wasn't ready, she backed out, and that was the last I have seen her go near the trap. But, I am getting closer, right? That was a huge step in the right direction.

I was observing her behavior with the Siamese. When he comes into the shelter, she rubs all over him, pushing her head into his body, then she steps very slowly to the trap, all the while looking back at the Siamese, as if she is looking for reassurance. She will only go investigate the trap when the Siamese is there, otherwise she stays away from the trap. I find that quite interesting, as if she gets her confidence from him.

I did trap my other feral, Buttons. He is really driving me nuts. He won't leave the trap alone, and when he finally got trapped, he was NOT happy! When I had to release him, boy, did he hiss and spit at me. I never knew he had it in him. You would think he would learn his lesson now, don't you. No, he just set it off again. I think he needs to take lessons from the mysterious kitten.