Possible solution to my feral cat problem, would you do it?

[Vegashorselady]

So, I know it's been a long time since I've updated on my feral cat problem. Some of you might remember the pictures of the 3 kittens I rounded up and had spayed. Well, since then, the momma cat (who just refuses to be caught!) showed up with 2 new kittens. I caught both of them on the same night and they are now living happily at the barn along with their older sisters. The problem is, momma cat is still at large and I'm sure it is only a matter of time before she shows up with yet another litter. I can't keep hauling cats to the barn and feeding them all could get pricey!

So, last night I heard a cat crying outside. I walked outside to find two cats, one obviously male and the other one presumably female and in heat. The female ran off but the male stayed and came to me when I called it. This male definitely belongs to someone in the neighborhood and he is definitely not fixed. Curiously, he has the same white markings that three of the feral kittens had and I think he's the daddy cat. I want feral momma cat to quit having kittens but I can't catch her. However, if this is daddy cat and I can catch him (he allowed me to pick him up last night) I'm thinking I should take him in and get him fixed. The only dilemna is that he is obviously somebody's cat.

My feelings on it are that the owners are irresponsible for not having their cat fixed and if they won't take care of it I will because I don't want my neighborhood overrun with feral cats! Still, I would like to hear some other opinions on this before I make my final decision. So, would you do it?

[WashingtonBay]

How is he "obviously someone's cat". Does he have a collar on? If not... I'd say "He may be a stray" in good faith.

Have you tried a live trap with your momma? What have you tried?

Honestly... I think even if you neuter the male you have, another will find her as long as she's offering, unless you're on an island someplace. ;)

[Vegashorselady]

Well, I'm thinking he definitely belongs to someone because he is well fed and very friendly. However, you are right that he is not wearing a collar and I could just as easily make the assumption that he's been abandoned by someone.

I've set the live trap countless times and can't catch that momma. I've caught several of the nieghbors' cats and my own stupid cat (my fluffy orange cat isn't the brightest in the bunch, but he is cute:)) but not the momma cat. I've bated the trap with canned food, tuna, chicken, salmon, steak, bacon etc. I've kept a bowl of dryfood in the trap for weeks without setting it in hopes to lure her into a false sense of security. No luck, she won't have anything to do with that trap.

You're right, fixing this cat won't solve the probelm for good but, most of the cats in the neighborhood actually belong to people and most of them are fixed. This is the first male cat I've seen that isn't fixed and I'm sure there could be more but it might be worth a try?

[WashingtonBay]

Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt.

[Cat]

No collar and if you don't know the cat belongs to such & such person for sure - then assume its a stray and take him in to get neutered. Mamma cat will find another male when she goes in heat, but getting this guy neutered won't hurt.

[Equine_Woman]

If he's not neutered I say he is fair game for anybody to neuter him. If he's turned out and not fixed he's a nuisance. If I had the money I'd take him in if I were you. Think of how many kittens that would prevent. Granted there will be another for your female. . .

[Mountain Creek]

I'm with everyone else on this get him neutered! :)