Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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.

9 comments:

Stacy Disarrayed said...

look at all those baby kittehs!

oh, I hope you can get him/her soon! and I DO think that it's a good sign...getting closer!!!

ps - thank you for the butterfly award!!!
i would have awarded you had the situation been reversed!!

Dog_geek said...

Well, it is at least a step in the right direction, if she's showing some interest in the trap. I'm still hopeful that you will get her soon!

Betty said...

I surely do hope that's not a 'come hither' look she's giving him as she moves towards the trap! Looks like you are getting really close!

Thank you for the sweet award. I have a post about it tomorrow...you'll see how confused I am about 'links'...teehee.

Anonymous said...

I just love cats. You do such a great job.

Dana said...

I gave you an award yesterday, I thought I cane by and told you but I guess I didn't. Sorry. Please go buy and pick it up, it was yesterdays post. Now I feel bad:( I think that kitty has so much spunk you should keep her once you trap her. Are all those kittens in that picture?

elsieflynn said...

yup, she figured you out... she's not gonna get caught :-D

well, just continue patiently waiting for the day. it's about all you can do. i'm amazed at the things you've thought of, and she still avoids being trapped. she's a smart little thing.

Dana said...

What do you think it means when you are talking to your dogs and they tilt their heads side to side? I think it is sooo cute,like they know what you are saying:)

alli-gal said...

I think it's wonderful what you're doing to save all these poor kitties!! I have fostered several dogs over the past few years, and one cat. I have a female Siamese that didn't care for me having another cat in her castle. So, we've mainly stuck to dogs since then.

I think it's important to let people know that they ARE making a difference. Even if it's one little life at a time. It all adds up in the end.

Bless you!!!

T said...

Thanks all!

I have a few more ideas I will be trying, but not able to until this weekend. When I will be home all day. I will get her, just a matter of when.

MrsRuiz, Yes those are all kittens, ones we trapped in the past, they are all older now and adopted into new families. As much as I would love to keep her, I have no room. I will only keep her long enough to try to tame her, and this a big MAYBE. She might not be able to be tamed.

alli-gal, Thank you for stopping by, and the kind words. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do too!