Got a cat question and need some help

[WillParkinson]

This morning on my way home I saw a small gray cat hiding under a dumpster. Being the person that I am I came into the house and took some of our cat's food and went back to the dumpster. I tossed a couple kernels to the cat who gobbled them up (even chasing them when they didn't get near enough). So I'm assuming the cat was very hungry.

I kept tossing the kernels nearer to me and eventually the cat came very close. I was able to touch and rub the cat, but when I tried to pick it up it freaked and ran (please note: at no time did the cat use claws on me. I do not know if it's declawed or just didn't see me as that much of a threat). Then the trucks from the factory started rolling in and the cat hid back under the dumpster. (Still chased food kernels under the dumpster, but would not come back out because of the truck noise.)

So my question is how to get the cat away from that area and either to a shelter or (and don't tell Paul I said this) keep him at our house with our 3 other cats and 3 dogs).

[malta blue]

1. try a have a heart trap if you can't get him to come near you.

[flvegan]

2. Set a Havahart trap with bait.

You can probably borrow one from a local rescue or humane society.

Good on you looking out for this one.

[jojo54]

3. My suggestion:

Call your nearest no-kill shelter and ask them for their advice. It's more than likely that the cat is already sick and you should be careful approaching it again. You're like me - a sucker for a stray animal, but you don't know what it's been through. Good luck.

[NewEnglandGirl]

4. Good for you

for caring about the poor little thing. It could be feral or domesticated but lost. I have these big gloves that I got from the vet and I've picked up small cats with them and put the cat into a carrier to transport. Be really careful because it can bite you also. You can call your vet for some advice too about shelter information. See if it is sick before you bring it near your other pets. Good luck !

[applegrove]

5. Did the cat look skinny? I'd go back the next day and see if the cat

was still hanging out there.

[nuxvomica]

6. A big towel might work

You could probably catch him with a towel or blanket. Block off any escape route and force him into the towel. You have to work quickly and carefully. That's what I use to capture my little monsters when they have figured out I'm taking them to the vet.