Black swallowtails (BST's) eat rue, dill, fennel, parsley, etc, Giant Swallowtails (GST's) eat rue, citrus, etc. So your cats are BSTs. It should be fine to offer them other host plants that they are known to eat. The birds, spiders, wasps, lizards and other critters are probably what's behind the missing cats. If at all possible, protect them inside an enclosure which will keep out the predators. If that isn't possible, cover the plants with netting (to allow for sunlight and air flow) to keep the predators off. Some use the pop up hampers placed upside down over the plants to protect the cats. Caterpillars do not eat when they molt. It can sometimes take 24 hours or more for them to start eating again. They often will leave the host plant to molt since they are very vulnerable to predators at this time. I have several enclosures (cages) that I raise my cats in. These were made from plastic containers from Sams that had snack type foods in them, I cut panels out of the sides and cover them with screen, attached using bathroom caulk (so it is waterproof when I sterilize the cages). Good luck with your cats. Mechelle

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the pointers. We moved everybody into the sun porch. I have a huge brass planter out there. It's about 2 feet high with a 24" diameter. I placed the plastic milk crate down inside of it. There was also plenty of room for several small tree brances with nylon screen covering the top to keep them inside. The cat that I'm concerned about was also moved there. Honestly, last night I thought for sure the big cat was dead. Well, this morning he was still moving around. I did put some tender leaves inside for him but he wasn't interested in them. I also misted a few leaves with water in case he was thirsty. Should I be concerned about that? I thought about putting him back on the tree. He's not as big as he was when he left the tree...he looks shorter. Anyway, for the past 2 or 3 hours, he's been in the same spot. Keep your fingers crossed! I wish that our lime tree was huge. Unfortunately, we just purchased it this year. It's less than 5 feet tall. The inverted wire basket is a great idea (thanks for the photo). I have a couple of them in the garage. I also have some plastic broadcloth. I use it in the pond to keep the fish away from my plants. Honey, honey hush, Texaxpuddyprint, I never would have thought of that one! I'll certainly give it a try. I know that I need a better place to keep my cats. I'd sure like to see some pictures of your cat/butterfly homes. Perhaps you know of a website that tells you how to build a good, safe place to raise your cats. I'll let you all know what happens with Mr. On-The-Move. Thanks again, everybody. B

the chrysalis is formed, his little head capsule popped off, what a cool thing to see!! I can't wait to see him/her emerge, I hope it doesn't decide to wait all winter, lol, I'm thinking it is so hot here(still in 90's most days) that he will go ahead and come out few weeks! I hope I am here to take pics when he/she does decide to emerge!!!

It's perfectly normal for all swallowtail caterpillars to have a big, loose frass with some colored liquid in it. I've never seen quite as much pale liquid as what's in your picture, but it's probably normal. It's also normal for the cat to be perfectly still for a long time before the big purge. I imagine everythng's fine, and your cat will move around, get set in the "C" position and pupate. Good luck! Sherry