Christine,

What you're doing is truly wonderful! I've done TNR for over 5 years and although I don't like releasing back where they came from, sometimes you have no other choice.

Okay...the first thing you can do is start by putting food near the trap and feeding them there for a couple days so they don't fear it. Cover the trap with a sheet so they don't see it.

Then stop feeding them for at least 2 days so they'll be hungry. No, this is not cruel, but it's the only way to make sure they're hungry enough to want the sardines. Once you think they are comfortable around the trap, get some sardines. Cut a paper plate in the shape of a pie wedge. Put a whole bunch of sardines on the plate and place it way in the back of the trap. Dribble some juice leading to the trap with a "teaser taste" to let them know that there's more where that came from. Never leave the trap. It takes time and patience (alot!!) but it's so worth it. Also, cover the bottom of the trap (the grate part) with leaves so they don't feel it under their paws.

Then just sit and wait (out of site). It may not take long. It may take a while. I've seen where cats will go part way in the trap (seeing the sardines) then change their mind. If they are hungry enough, eventually they'll go for it. Once you've trapped a cat, completely cover the trap (the cat, if feral, will thrash around and could possibly hurt themselves) in order to calm them down.

I wish you alot of luck. I hope you can catch the little gray girl. If she lets you pick her up, you might want to bring a carrier with you and just place her in that. I've done that before. She sounds like she's just starving for food and a little love. You might be surprized.

Please keep us posted.