How can I safely catch scared stray cats to rescue and care for them?

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!

It may take some times before the cats become comfortable. Cats have been on their ownfor a while may develop a healthy fear of humans and it will take some time to gain their trust. I recommend to try to associate yourself with food. Get something that is very tasty and high value to the cats and sit quietly nearby while they eat. Gradually work your way up to hand feeding them or touching them while they eat. Most cats instinctually want to play so try to entice them with toys. If they will play with you, they will usually bond with you as well. I’m not sure if you have veterinary access but the one who is not eating could be ill. Make sure to deworm both cats as well. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello, I would recommend using a feral cat trap to trap the cat and take it to an animal shelter. They will be able to examine and treat the cats under sedation. It often takes a very long time to socialize feral cats, and some may be wild animals forever no matter how much effort is instilled. I hope this is helpful.

You can only giver her more time to get comfortable with you. Some cats will never completely trust humans, but just continuing to feed her and interact with her at her level of comfort is the best you can do.

The easiest way to get him would be to set up a live trap. You place food in the trap and when he eventually goes in to get it the door to the cage will close and he will not be harmed. The other option would be to continue what you are doing by visiting him frequently and offering him food and treats. Once he trusts you to get close enough you can slip a leash around his neck to secure him. Keep in mind that even if he comes to you once he will likely still be fearful for a long time. Good luck!

It can be very difficult to catch a feral cat that has already been trapped. Once they have been caught, they learn how to avoid being caught again. You can continue to try leaving different types of cat and human food in a live trap (tuna, wet cat food, dry cat food, chicken breast), and cover it with a blanket so it is dark and "safe" in there. Try to avoid touching the trap more than necessary so it doesn't have human scent on it. You can also continue trying to feed the cat in hopes that she learns to trust you. However, not all outdoor cats want human interaction, and she may not be a very good candidate for a house cat.

You should be able to borrow a Have a Heart trap or other safe trap to catch her. Then you can take her in the trap to get treated. Put food inside the trap and leave it near to where she is. When it’s dark and she’s hungry she should go inside and won’t be able to escape. This Is safe for both you and her. Once she’s treated they may spay her and release her back to your area. That depends on things in your country. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care this stray cat.