Q&A for How to Catch a Stray Cat

Make friends with the kitten by offering her tasty food or give her the opportunity to play with a toy on a string. Slowly win her confidence, rather than forcing your attention on her. She's likely to be fearful, so let her discover that you offer good things, and she will want to get to know you.

Most human cat traps have a mechanism whereby the trap door is only able to be opened from the outside. Double check how the trap is set up, as it should be "cat-proof" once correctly positioned.

Many cats that are not used to being outside go to a place quite close to home and "freeze," too frightened to leave their new sanctuary. Walk around the neighborhood calling his name and shaking biscuits. Stop and listen every few steps, as he may be too frightened to emerge but will cry or call out. He's also more likely to venture out after dark, so call him then. Put posters up locally with a photo and a contact number, and ring the local vet clinics or shelters to see if he's been handed in.

Speak to your local vet, rescue shelter, or welfare society, and they should be happy to lend you a trap. Alternatively, lure the cat close with food. If it is friendly enough to pet, pick it up in a big bath towel. However, do not try picking a truly feral cat up. Put down a fish-based cat food or tuna to attract the cat.

Make sure the cat is neutered, as this reduces the urge to stray. Also, make sure your home is a really pleasant place to be by petting and playing with your cat, providing a clean tray, and giving him his own food and water bowls. If he regularly strays, then keep him in and only let him out when he's hungry, so that you can shake biscuits to attract his attention and get him back. Also, consider clicker training the cat and teaching him to come when you call his name.

You can try and win their trust by enticing them with tasty morsels of food and speaking to them so they become used to your presence. Alternatively, put smelly food out (such as pilchards or mackerel) and capture them from a distance with a butterfly net. Or you can speak to a cat rescue charity about borrowing a humane trap and bait it with food.