I’m in the process of socializing a feral tomcat. I bring out food every morning, and he now comes over to get pats and brush against my leg. We’re moving in the next few months, and I want to take this cat along. I know there’s only going to be one chance to catch him.
What I would do:
1) get a trap cage from the animal shelter. Or if you have the money, buy one.
2) it is how we trapped ours in the very beginning. Just to get her spayed. I am still amazed we did that.
3) if you can catch him, & I pray that you can, I would IMMEDIATELY take him to a vet for neutering. I mean as soon as he’s trapped. They will probably have to give him a calming pill. I would arrange with the vet ahead of time. Explain that he’s a feral. Neutering will also help calm him.
4) you will want to bring him home & never let him out of the house.
5) to welcome him to the house I would have a dog carrier that is roomy. Fill it w/ soft blanket & a bowl of crunchy food at the back of the carrier. You want him to be vomfy, unafraid, & know that the carrier is his safe home. It will ALSO make it easy to lock him in when it’s time to move. He’s used to it. Cats are very wary, so I would do this asap.
Good luck & let me know how it goes. By the way he is loving w/ you & that’s a great start!