Phase One- The Setup

I always make sure the trap is in working condition to prevent injury of both the cat and myself. I test the trap three times before use. The trap is placed in a centrally located, accessible (from all four sides) area where kittens are frequently spotted. The trap is baited with cheap wet food. We find that cheaper cat food attracts them because of its strong odor. Beside me are crates, and a pair of leather gloves.

[above]Rural colonies are harder to maintain than urban or suburban ones...finding kittens is literally like finding a needle in a haystack.
[below] traps are strategically placed to ensure the capture of as many cats and kittens as possible, and a great deal of mapping and planning is required for success.

Phase Two- The Waiting Game

Waiting usually doesn't take very long. One hungry kitten, cast away by its mother crawls into the trap and begins to eat. The kitten steps on the plate and the door snaps shut. In rare cases, the animal will continue eating without flinching..but the others? They will run circles around the cage, looking for an escape hole. If all goes well, there won't be one! I will quietly approach the trap with gloves on and a carrier in hand. I will tilt the trap at a 45 degree angle, open it, and retrieve the cat. I will put it in the carrier. During this time there is usually a lot of biting, screaming and hissing going on. In few cases, I've been peed on!

Phase Three- A New Life

The kitten is brought home, and bathed right off the bat. No waiting, its in the tub. Most are too scared to fight back, and just go limp while I look them over, clean and medicate them. After all cleaning and medicating is done, the kitten gets what may be the first good meal of his life. The kitten is put in a large cage with a cat box, fresh food and water, and clean rags to sleep on.

Phase Four- The Taming

General Care and will gain the trust of the normal feral kitten, but lots of attention should be given. I frequently hold the kittens and talk to them to get them to know my voice. I often play music to get them to understand new sounds. In many cases, taming takes just 1-2 weeks. Food plays a major role in taming-- Food is associated with survival and comfort, so giving the kitten food from your hand is essential. Make sure they don't take your fingers off, though. It is absolutely necessary to get down to their level. The kitten isn't making friends with your shoes, its making friends with you! Always talk in a pleasant voice, even if you are feeling not-so-pleasant.

Phase Five- Adoption

Generally our kittens are spoken for before they are even brought home. In situations where this is not the case, the kitten is offered for adoption via internet and classified ads, and of course, the website. Adopters are checked for suitability and usually an unfit adopter will back out before the adoption process is through. The kittens are wormed once more before adoption. Appointments are made, people get informed and a family grows. For the time being, one cat adopted is one rescued from the life they would have led. After this, there may be a week with no feral kittens coming in--but one thing is for sure, it doesn't last long!

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