One more cat in the world will be childless from this day on. Meet Bijou.
This adorable little fellow was trapped last night. He was such a pretty cat, I was sure he was female. Alas, no, that gender continues to elude me. But this boy decided to enjoy a taste of sardines and ended up going to the veterinary hospital.
All is good news: Bijou is only about a year old, so the chances are slim that he has fathered many, if any, kittens. He tested negative for FIV and feline leukaemia, and is in good shape, otherwise. He will be returned to the colony later today.
My plans for trapping continue to evolve. I set traps out very early this morning, to take advantage of the cats’ convergence for what they hoped was their breakfast. I had intended to deny them that meal today to entice them into the traps where food awaited, but none was having it. I watched those I hadn’t caught revolve about the traps, wary and suspicious. Even with the use of catnip, I have been able to capture lately just one. I determined that all those who would be tempted by something different than what they usually eat have already been captured.
So now the bait will switch to what they normally receive as meals. They were waiting for that, and were uninterested in the sardines and catnip. I think that if they smell their usual fare, one at least may be lured into the trap to have a bite. Time - and the craftiness of the local cats - will tell.
nice catch. we use Kentucky Fried Chicken for our tough cases around here
ReplyDeleteHmm...If the reactions of my own beasts are an indication, that would work on the wilder-beasts, too. Thanks for the idea.
DeleteHe is gorgeous! Congratulations on the capture. I've heard of using KFC, you can always give it a try if the regular food doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!!
You're doing a great job with TNR. Good luck trapping the other cats in the colony. Hopefully switching the bait will work. KFC certainly sounds good to me! You did not mention Bijou's personality. Is there a possibility that he could be socialized and adopted? He's only a year old, and so handsome, perhaps someone would want to give him a "furever" home.
ReplyDeleteI think Bijou would socialise just fine. But there aren't enough people wanting to take cats in.
DeleteI second the suggestion of KFC; although I've never used it, the word around the TNR community is that it's DA BOMB! Also, putting little tiny pieces in front of the trap, then a little way into the trap, helps to draw them in. Glad that you caught Bijou; that's a mighty fine mancat!
ReplyDeletethey may be "catching on" to the trappings. a great idea by random felines though...maybe some human type food would make the trap go a bit easier ?? ♥♥☺☺
ReplyDeleteCongrats on trapping Bijou. He will now thankfully have an easier life.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, thanks for your good work!
ReplyDeleteNuk
I love Random Feline's tough cases reply and yours too John. Big smile here. Can't wait to hear.
ReplyDeleteBijou is lovely. I wonder if he would could become a house cat?
ReplyDeleteLook at Raleigh - looking at him sound asleep in your lap you would not know he had been feral.
I think Bijou would become well-adjusted to an inside life, if we had people willing to take him in.
DeleteBeautiful boy! Is there no hope for socialization and a home for him?
ReplyDeleteOur rescue-group receives calls every day from people who have found cats, who want to give up cats, whose cats have had kittens, and none of them want to keep cats. Unless people come forward to provide homes, little fellows like Bijou will remain homeless. The sad thing is, he and others like him would probably adjust very well to being insider house-cats.
DeleteHeartbreaking.
DeleteHe certainly doesn't look impressed to be in the cage, but Bijou is definitely a handsome cat. As Kari stated, it is heartbreaking that as young as he is, there is no one able to take him in.
ReplyDeleteBut I understand, too, as I know the three cats here would be some upset with me if I brought a cat of that age home.
That is what makes the work you are doing so very important. Thanks John!