What's the best way to trap a sick, feral cat that won't eat bait?

I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with this kitty. I don't think you are likely to be able to trap her with a normal cat carrier if she is this shy as she will likely run as you approach it. I would see if there is a local rescue group or animal shelter in your area that has traps they use for this issue. You can read more about ideas to help capture these kitties at https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/tips-for-hard-to-trap-cats/

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, there are no oral medications (prescription or non) that will help him. The eye probably needs topical medications so you will have to catch him to even try. I would recommend offering him canned cat food so he can eat without much discomfort. If he eats the canned food, maybe you can use it to lure him into the trap. Good luck!

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.

I would recommend you contact your local charities to source a cage cage which you can trap him with. He requires a full examination and antibiotics and should also be tested for FELV/FIV as he may have a weakened immune system also

Hello. Unfortunately, there are no safe and effective medications that you can put in food to tranquilizer a cat. Any safe products must be obtained from a veterinarian as they are prescription. Even these are not reliable because they take hours to take effect and the cat has usually wandered off by then. Your safest option is to purchase a humane trap and try to bait her with some good smelling food. These traps can be purchased as stores like tractor supply. Your local animal control may also loan them out so it’s worth checking with them . Good luck.

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!