Cat Chat Feline Forum

I'm worried about what I believe to be a feral cat with a missing paw. See the following "found" thread for more detail: http://www.catchat.org/felineforum/view ... =10&t=1436

A bit more background. He looks similar to another large black and white with one eye that was seen around a few years back. Sadly he/she was run over and not claimed. I don't know the sex as I didn't find him and a neighbour dealt with him as although bringing him to me I was too upset to do anything as he looked like one of mine and until I got a better look thought it was. We live in a very rural, edge of small village area surrounded by farms. There are several owned cats around but we've had a few ferals lost on the main road from time to time. Also, had one brought to us as a kitten with cat flu that we took in. A lot of people don't neuter, microchip or care much for cats around here.

Wondering if anyone has any tips on trapping, where to place a trap, how to bait etc? Also, any other thoughts on the situation? Do you think I should let him be? He was first spotted back in May and is still about so seems to be managing but will he manage in winter? I worry that he will struggle to hunt and may hurt himself further with his missing paw.

Just to update. I haven't seen him since sadly. Just hope he is managing somehow. Hoping perhaps he will come around the house more now it is getting colder.

Oh the poor boy - I hope he's okay. Sounds like you have your work cut out in an area where people are not very caring about cat welfare. I hope you see him again as the weather gets colder - I successfully trapped and have now taken in a wild boy and he was very smart and difficult to trap so I have a few ideas if you do get to try. My first step was to set up a cat 'feeding station' outside the back door - basically some old recycling boxes with pieces of MDF covered in plastic bags on top to make covered areas where a cat could eat without getting wet. In the end I added a Mr Snugs kennel for warmth if the weather was cold. Once he was coming regularly for food I started putting in a trap and it was close enough to the back door that I could trip it without him doing it as he wouldn't step on the treadle.

Please let us know if he starts coming back - he really needs a vet check if nothing more and neutering at least if he hasn't been 'done'.