Trap Neuter and Return Humane Trap Training Day 3
Day 3 training #feralcats to use a humane trap for a food source. The trap is set open loaded with food, all cats must eat out of the trap for 1 week to get used to it. No exceptions, no feeding outside the trap to ensure they go inside.
Trap training is a MUST for hard to trap #cats
The #blackcat is the daddy cat who is getting aggressive and protective of his kittens.
He is neutered but in the way when I try interacting with his family.
He is a good daddy cat and scary at times with me. We just want to get his family fixed like he is, so many unfixed cats are harassing them all.
Continuing my TNR journey, Day 3 of trap training has really highlighted the challenges of working with feral cat colonies, especially when you encounter a wise, wary, or even aggressive cat like our 'daddy cat.' He's already neutered, but his protective nature makes things tricky, as the OCR noted, it felt like 'he wants to kill me' at times! This phase, where we ensure all cats eat only inside the open trap for a full week, is absolutely critical. For those 'hard to trap cats,' patience is your ultimate superpower. If you're facing a similar situation where a cat dad is 'taking this bad...he knows what's coming,' don't lose heart. One trick I've found helpful, beyond just withholding other food sources, is varying the bait. While the initial goal is just getting them comfortable with the trap, using irresistible treats like canned tuna in oil, sardines, or cooked chicken can make a huge difference. Sometimes, a cat might be hesitant with dry food but can't resist a strong-smelling, wet treat. Also, consider the trap's environment. Placing the 'TNR TRAP' in a quiet, secluded spot, even covering it with a blanket (after they're used to entering), can make shy cats feel more secure. The OCR mentioning 'This kitten trusts the trap already' is a fantastic sign! Kittens often adapt quicker. Use their bravery to your advantage. If they're comfortable, their older, more cautious family members might eventually follow suit. But what about the ones who are still skeptical after 'TRAINING DAY 3'? If a week passes and a specific cat still refuses, you might need to try a different type of humane trap, or even a drop trap, which allows you to capture multiple cats at once or target a specific individual. These require more active intervention but can be game-changers for truly trap-shy individuals. It's not always a 'good start,' and there will be moments like when you're 'Quickly trying to distract the one who goes in first' while another hesitates. These are the realities of TNR. The goal, as with our daddy cat's family, is to get them all fixed so many unfixed cats are no longer harassing them or contributing to overpopulation. Every successful trapping is a step towards a healthier, more stable colony. Remember, consistency and observation are key. Learn each cat's habits, their preferred foods, and their comfort levels. It’s a long game, but seeing them thriving after TNR makes every challenge worth it.
