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pan, food and water. When everything is in place, unlock the den’s side door, but do notopen it (Figure 12-3). Shut and secure the cage door, reach through the bars with abroomstick and then, pushing up from its lower left, lift the side door of the den into itsopen position (Figure 12-4). While it’s possible with the Tomahawk feral cat den to lockthe side door into an open position, do not attempt to do this. You need the side doorunlocked so you can open and close it from outside the cage. The side door should stayopen on its own anyway without being locked into that position.Finally, cover the entire cage with the sheet to calm the cat. Once he’s gotten used tohis new space, you can pull back the sheet, but always leave at least the back halfcovered.Figure 12-3: closed & unlockedFigure 12-4: open & unlocked Feeding and cleaningOnce the cat is inside the Setup and the side door of the den is open, he’s free to moveabout, eat, poop, scatter the litter, shred the newspaper, tip over the water dish, etc.Usually, your guest won’t behave that badly, but you will need to regularly feed and dosome housekeeping. Before you open the cage door to get to work, the cat must beinside the den with the side door shut. Normally, this is not a problem because mostferal cats will spend almost all their time in the den and all you’ll need to do is reachthrough the bars of the cage with the broomstick and tilt the side door closed. If the cathappens to be out when you want to get in the cage, she’ll usually head straight backinside the den as soon as she sees you approaching.If she starts to get comfortable outside the den and doesn’t go back in when youapproach, then you may have to coax her. Pulling back the sheet all the way and leavingthe entire cage uncovered might do the trick. Other methods include making a loudnoise, tapping the side of the cage, poking very gently with the broomstick or spritzingwith a light spray of water. If these don’t work and the cat just won’t go in the den, waitand try again later. Under no circumstances should you open the cage door while the catis out.Once the cat is inside the den with the side door closed, you can safely open the cagedoor. The first thing you should do is lock the side door of the den. As mentioned, it’s111