Operation Creamsicle is working each evening and weekend afternoon. The traps have attracted all four of the cats I am trying to capture (Arliss, Cicero, Sable and my former neighbour’s beast) but have closed on none.
Sable has come the closest to being caught. Lured by the bait of sardines and Temptation Treats, Sable entered the traps thrice, but not far enough to step on the trigger. I watched her each time; she entered, then turned and scurried out, as if warned by instinct not to venture further. It may be experience, a memory of being trapped years ago, after which she was spayed and returned to her feral colony.
Though the bait is good, I may need something still stronger, something to overpower Sable’s caution. I will be buying some catnip tomorrow.
Time – and these animals’ intelligence - is not on my side.
Hopefully Operation Creamsickle will be a success and everyone will be caught soon.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly giving it your best try. I hope it is successful because I know you are worried about leaving these cats behind.
ReplyDeleteThey're wily! I hope this will be a success, but whatever happens, your efforts can't be faulted.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that all four went in...even if not far enough.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I don't know what you are using for bait, have you tried Sardines in water?
ReplyDeleteSardines and Temptation Treats were the lure last night.
DeleteHopefully, once they get used to seeing the traps, they'll be bolder about entering them. Judging from my own experiences trapping ferals, sardines and treats are hard to beat, but the catnip is a good idea, too.
ReplyDeleteSending all of the good trapping vibes we've got!
ReplyDeleteAnd though you didn't ask, if you could put fabric or slide the traps inside of those tall leave bags; cats seem to like to nose into cover/dark areas.
Praying you can catch them all.
ReplyDeleteThey sound like smart cats
ReplyDeleteI hope you can catch them.
ReplyDelete