Feral cats...need ideas

[desertcat]

All the dumb ones (40+) have already been caught and dealt with, but now I'm stuck with about a dozen really trap smart cats (and a crazy neighbor who feeds them). At this point the trapping has been going on for over a year and I'm out of ideas other than poison and shooting. I'd rather not go those routes, but I want these things GONE.
Not necessarily dead, but definitely gone.

Don't get me wrong, I like cats in general. I do not like cats that sit on top of my chicken run and dig in my garden.

I've used: canned cat food, tuna, dry cat food, catnip, feather toys tied to the top of the trap and covering the plate with poster board and newspaper and the occasional car tire

.

So if anyone has words of wisdom on how to get them to leave, other than starving them out, which would involve shooting my crazy-but-nice neighbor, please, please share. I'll try almost anything at this point.

 

[mrbstephens]

Get a dog?

 

[Maryallison]

I am unsure, but I just wanted to wish you good luck. Is there animal control that will take the time and try and catch them for you?

 

[Imp]

See if there is a feral cat group in your area that may be able to help.

Imp- I admit it. I feed them too.

 

[OccamsTazer]

This is maybe an out there suggestion that might offend some, but what about acepromazine? It is the sedative typically prescribed for pets for fear of storms/travel/etc. The good thing about ace is that it is very safe, if an animal gets a rather large dose, they'll just sleep deeper (within reason, there is a lethal dose, but it's like 50 times the standard dose).
Could you spike a kitty snack bar and then grab them when they're drunk and clumsy?
I am not a vet but I have worked in the county animal shelter and have 3 years vet tech experience, and I have never seen an animal reacting badly to ace, although it can happen sometimes just like with any drug.

 

[desertcat]

Oooh, I like the acepromazine idea! Just got a fresh bottle for the horses, so I've got plenty.

Yep, I've got dog(s)...a border collie who will only bark at a cat, and a bloodhound who will catch them if they get in her yard. But then nobody wants to touch them, 'cause they are ticked off and really slimy!

Animal control thinks I have their number on speed dial. They are great on pickups and loaning traps, but won't do the hard part for me.

 

[darkmatter]

A former neighbor left a legacy of feral cats. Trapping was not effective, they seemed to breed faster then we could catch them. We finally solved the problem by being persistent with a 22LR method. The sub-sonics worked well. Our own cats (2) are "fixed" and serve well as rodent control.

 

[lone cedar farm]

If you cant shoot them Tuna fish and anti freeze they love it, just put it up on a table out of reach from from the good critters and check it every morning. I know this sounds mean but feral cats are killers of many wild baby animals and most of the time just left un eaten.

 

[desertcat]

Thought I'd check back in with an update.

Acepromazine works really well. Caught 7 this morning. Now we only have about 6 left. The funny part, according to my husband, was watching the neighbor & I run around like crazy grabbing the cats. Even drugged some of those little beggars are quick.

After starting with a colony of over 50 last year, I feel like the light at the end of the tunnel really isn't an oncoming train. And my dear crazy neighbor has promised me to quit feeding every cat that wanders through her yard!

Thanks so much for the help.

 

[jjthink]

Quote:
Anyone reading this please never use anti-freeze - it is a gruesome and cruel way to die.

OP, hopefully the cats can at least be spayed/neutered by whomever you are bringing them to because then at least the cycle of breeding for that batch of cats will cease, and their numbers will dwindle by attrition.

Acepromazine - I don't know anything about this drug - wondering if beings get sleepy before they can eat too much? Something I will research....
JJ