TNR Handbook - Neighborhood Cats

The Neighborhood Cats TNR Handbook
3) Unlock the carrier door (Figure 4). Use a plate or a book to shield your hand if
you’re concerned about getting scratched.
4) Place food and water at the front of the cage.
5) Close and lock the cage door.
6) Remove the yardstick, then use it to reach into the cage through the bars (it’s
easiest from above) and maneuver the carrier door open until the door is resting
against the side of the cage.
7) Use the twist tie to secure the carrier door against the side of the cage (Figure 5).
8) Cover the cage partially or fully with the cotton sheet to calm the cat.
Figure 4
• Feeding and cleaning
Once the cat is inside the Setup and the carrier door is open, he’s free to move about,
eat, poop, scatter the litter, shred the newspaper, tip over the water dish, etc. Usually, it’s
not that bad but you will need to regularly feed and clean. In order for you to safely open
the cage door and clean up, the cat must be inside the carrier. Normally, this is not a
problem because feral cats will spend most of their time in the carrier to begin with as it’s
the only tight, dark space available. If they happen to be out of the carrier when you want
to get in the cage, they’ll usually head straight back inside as soon as they see you
approaching.
If they start to get comfortable and don’t go in, then you may have to coax them.
Unfolding more of the sheet that’s covering the cage might work. Other tricks include
making a loud sound, tapping the side of the cage, poking gently with the yardstick or
spraying a very small amount of water at them. If none of this works and the cat won’t
move into the carrier, wait and try again later. Do not open the cage door if the cat is out.
Once the cat is inside the carrier, follow these steps:
1) Untie the carrier door from the side of the cage.
2) Using the yardstick, maneuver the carrier door shut.
Figure 5
72