Making it my mission in life to get this stray kitten in the alley next to my apartment to a shelter. I heard it meowing once this afternoon and then when I could still hear it hours later I figured it wasn’t there by choice.

Got a can of tuna and a dish of water and went out looking for it. Found the little guy hiding in a corner, tried to lower the water to him and he bolted past me. Left him the tuna and water and went back inside. A couple of hours later, I hear him again.

This time I find him in a different spot- one small flight of stairs up a fire escape. I had a cardboard box with me this time, hoping to get him into my apartment so I could call a shelter. Same thing- as soon as I got within like 10 feet, he bolted.

Little guy actually jumped off the stairs and fell far enough that I would’ve broken my legs following him. Dude doesn’t miss a beat and bolts down the alley to the street. This time I left him the box with a coat in it so he has a place to stay warm.

Put the food and water at the entrance to the box, tilted sideways. Not sure if he’ll accept the food and shelter, I think he’s a legit alley cat and doesn’t belong to anyone. Gonna sleep for a few hours then go out there and check on him again.

Hoping to just get him to a shelter, but I’m not sure how that works. Don’t wanna call animal control bc they’ll just put him down. Will keep leaving food and water out there if he’s eating/drinking and update this thread if anything comes of it