Is it safe to leave a cat in a carrier on my doorstep for pickup?

Hello! The safest way to take the cat to the pet shelter would be to trap it, if at all possible. Feral cat traps are the safest option because they automatically close after the cat enters. A pet carrier or box with some food that you can securely close after the cat enters will also work. Most people use canned cat food or tuna to lure the cat into the trap. A common oral sedative for cats is a drug called Gabapentin that can be mixed with food, but this is a prescribed substance and not one I believe you can purchase over the counter. I also caution that if the cat is very wild, it will still be able to bite and scratch you while sedated, so you will still need to contain the cat in some type of carrier. Cats can carry the Rabies virus, so I want you to to stay safe! The animal shelter may offer some types of traps or sedation drugs to assist you in bringing the cat in. Try calling them and seeing if they can offer you any supplies to help! I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I would recommend having a friend or neigbor come to check on her daily to be safe. We never know what can happen if they are gone, they can knock their water over, get themselves locked in a closet (I have seen this multiple times), etc. so it is best to have someone at least check on her during that time period. As far as weather goes, I do not know your climate. If you do leave windows open be sure they have secure screens so she cannot get out and wild animals cannot get in.

I would take the door off of the carrier for now and leave it out at all times. Put treats and eventually feed her in the carrier. It may take weeks to get her used to it. Then put the door back on and keep feeding her in there. Eventually you should be able to close the carrier to take her to the vet. Also you may talk to her vet about some sedation or anxiety medication that could be given prior to her appointment time. Good luck. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

No, there is no safe way to make or sedate feral cats outside of a veterinary clinic setting. Humane traps are available which can catch cats which go in for food and can be used to transport them for neutering, such as with trap neuter and release programs

Hello. I would purchase a medium sized storage tote & coax Minka in. Or, you can place the tote over her, slip the lid underneath & carefully turn the tote right side up. Tape or secure the lid. It you have more than a 10 minute trip to your vet, make sure the tote has ventilation holes punched into it. Once you get to the vet, they should be able to handle her. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's a very good idea not to leave your cat alone outside for 10 days. As long as the cage is big enough for food, water, and litter box as well as for him to move, he should be ok for that period of time. Best of luck.

For a 30 minute transport, this is should be fine. There looks there are a lot of holes, which is good. I'd be surprised if they get their heads through the holes, but you can make them smaller to be safe. This is a very clever way to transport them! I hope this helps!