Pablo Trapped & Spayed

 Pablo was not easy to trap. I tried with the 'Havahart' style trap first. She ignored it at her normal feeding spot and walked past to where the other cats were eating. I moved it closer and tried to coax her with some fresh canned food leading to it. Smokey went for it instead. He tripped the trap and leaped backwards as it closed, escaping before the door was shut. With the cats momentarily scattered, I picked up the food and went to get the drop trap. 

With canned food bait in the drop trap, Pablo went for it. Twice I watched and waited as she grabbed pieces of the bait and stepped away from the trap to eat it. I don't want to drop the trap On a cat as it's half way out. On her third time to the bait she was more committed. I pulled the cord and had her. Setting the transfer trap next to the drop trap, she easily passed into it and we went to the vet.

Her kittens were born roughly eight weeks ago. I didn't want to leave them unattended longer than necessary, but I didn't want to wait too long to have her spayed. Sasha became pregnant again while I was waiting for 'the right time'. The vet noted that Pablo was already coming into heat. I got her just in time. I released Pablo early in the evening as it was starting to cool down. She quickly oriented herself and ran to an area where I suspect the current den is and disappeared into thick brush. 

I didn't see her the next day, but she is back on schedule for feedings now. She had been a loner in the past, but now she is integrating into the social group of the other cats. When I arrived home from work this morning, she was sitting on the curb with Smokey, close and affectionate. When I put food out, she joined the cats at the main feeding area and would not let anyone push her around.

 Although I haven't seen them for about a week, I think that her kittens are doing well. When she finished eating she didn't delay and hurried off to the area where I know she had an established a den. I'll be watching for the kittens and do what I can to keep them safe.