Avajoy! What wonderful committment you have to these kitties. You have a big, big heart for sure.

I did this deed for a few ferals in my barn/backyard area. It took me three days to catch them all. There were three kittens, a Mom cat and BIG Papa. They went in the following order: two kittens at the same time, one more kitten later, BIG Papa and THEN Mom cat. I started on a Saturday at 4 AM, with tuna fish and five traps. I covered the traps with a towel, so they could not see the cage. Once they entered, they were at my mercy. Since it was Feb. when I did this, I couldn't leave the traps outside all night - cause the cat would freeze if it was in there all night. So I started at 4 AM each day..including Monday early morning, when I caught Mama. So I did four round trips to the Vet....as I caught them. The Vet was so impressed with my determination, that he was willing to come in when I called, do the deed then return them to me same day. The kittens were all males, saving me a bit of money....and then there was Mama. Mama had a bad infection and needed to be confined for a week. She ended up living on my screened in porch for two weeks (after escaping from her container, in my house..... )

You seem to be getting the hang of this and may want to seek reimbursement for your costs from some animal society.

My Vet does it at a reduced rate, since he charges me full price for my personal pets. He is a nice guy, for sure.

Keep us posted on the Mama cat. She sounds smart. But not as smart as you ARE!