Capturing a feral cat

Capturing a Feral Cat
The best way to capture a feral cat is with a cage or the "hav-a-heart" traps commonly used by humane societies. Good bait is essential, since these guys can't be fooled twice, so a good piece of raw meat or fresh game is best. However, a nice fish head will work in a pinch. Hide the trap under a blanket or woodpile to disguise it. If you need to catch more than one cat, this will prevent the loose cats from knowing what the trap does. Also, the cat you are trying to catch may be disturbed by the appearance of the trap, so covering or disguising it may be your best way to entice the animal in.Once you catch the cat, take it to the vet to be spayed or neutered and given vaccinations. You might also have it tested for feline leukemia, since there isn't much you can do if the poor thing is sick. I know people who run foster homes for FeLV positive cats, but I can't go near them. I don't want to bring that home to my babies.
Once you have taken care of the cat with the vet, you have a decision to make. Keep and tame the cat or let it loose in the colony. If you decide to let it loose, you can be comfortable knowing the cat is healthy, and won't breed any more. This will serve to lengthen its life, if nothing else. No longer interested in mating, a male won't be so inclined to fight with other cats. Females will build strength after being mothers so many times. They will become nice outdoor cats in your yard if you feed them.