| Founded in 2003, Feral Cat FOCUS is a volunteer organization that provides fundamental services for feral cats in Western New York. |
| PO Box 404, East Aurora, NY 14052 1-888-902-9717 (toll free), www.feralcatfocus.org |
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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.
