TIPS FOR FERAL CAT TRAPPING

When trapping, always use a humane cat trap that is in good condition. Before
actual trapping, place the trap where the cat is normally fed (this will help "trick"
the cat). At this time, the trap should not be set. That is, the trap door should be
held open (with a twist tie) so that the cat can go in and out of the trap without
the door closing. With the trap door held open, place food inside the trap. Doing
this will increase your success when actually trapping because the cat will be used
to going inside the trap for food.

Place the trap in a location that is out-of-sight and safe. This will help protect the
animal and keep people from disturbing or taking the trap. Cats are also more
likely to enter the trap when it is not in a wide-open area.

Sardines and tuna work best for bait. Smelly canned cat food may be used if
canned fish is not available. Place the food on a plastic lid or small paper plate. Do
not leave the actual can of food inside the trap, since the cat can cut its face and
paws on the can. In cold weather, try warming the food to make it smell better or
use dry food. Canned cat food will freeze within a few hours in cold weather.
Leave a little food outside of the trap as well for the cat to smell and taste.

Make sure the trap functions properly before setting it. A little WD40 spray
lubricant can be added to the lever to make the mechanism operate more easily.

You must be sure that traps are properly "locked" or set. The back door on some
traps can be lifted open and must be checked so that it is truly locked with the
bar down. As a precautionary measure, secure the back flap with twist ties to
make sure that it cannot be opened.

Never place the trap where a contained cat will be in the hot sun, direct wind or in
an unsafe location. A piece of fabric/plastic should be placed on top of the trap in
case of rain or snow. In order to calm the cat, keep an occupied trap covered with
fabric at all times.

Cats are extremely vulnerable once they are trapped and it is our responsibility to
ensure their safety. Once a trap is set, check the trap every 30 minutes and
do not leave it set overnight.  Once a cat is trapped, place the trap somewhere
safe and warm overnight & keep the trap covered. Do not open the trap once
there is a cat inside.

Cats can usually stay in a trap for 24 hours without jeopardy to their health. Cats
are very smart – do not trap a cat and then release it – you might never be able
to trap that cat again.

Be sure that an occupied trap is level and is in a secure position when placed
inside a car/van for transport. This way, the cat can rest comfortably and the trap
will not tip over. Place plastic and fabric underneath the trap in case the cat
urinates while being transported. Remember to keep the trap covered to reduce
panic and stress on the feral cat.
PO Box 404, East Aurora, NY 14052
Founded in 2003, Feral Cat FOCUS is a volunteer
organization that provides fundamental services for feral
cats in Western New York.
Please click here to see an Alley
Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) video
on trapping.

Trapping Video

One difference- Do Not line the trap
with newspaper or place anything in
the trap except a 1/4 paper plate,
no towels, etc.
After Surgery