There is a stray hanging around our apartment complex who seems used to people but runs when we approach. He eats out of a bowl I leave down but won't let me scoop him.
I've been leaving food for about three days. How long should I wait before trying to trap him, and do you have tips for getting him into a carrier safely?
Don't wait too long if he's healthy, but give it a few more days of consistent feeding so he associates you with safety. I had a similar issue with Luna when she was new; it took a week of just sitting nearby.
For the carrier, check out trapping a feral cat for the vet. The trap is usually better than trying to grab him manually.
I'm so worried about this. My Taco is sick right now and I can't even get him into a box without a fight. It's terrifying.
If you see any signs of illness, you need to call the vet today. But for a healthy stray, try the method in tips for catching a stray kitten. It worked for me eventually, even though it took forever.
My Pippin is very energetic and hates being confined. I would start with the carrier open in the living room, just let him walk in and out on his own terms.
See carrier training for shy cats for a good routine. It's about building trust first.
I agree with OrchardKettle. Gordo is very calm, but he still needed slow introduction to his carrier.
However, if the cat shows any signs of distress or illness, prioritize getting to a vet. what to do if a stray gets sick has some good emergency steps. Otherwise, patience is key.
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