Humanely Trapping Cats
Establish a feeding program.Trapping will be more successful if the cat is accustomed to coming to the same place at the same time each day.Use dry cat food during this time.Then when the trap is set with canned cat food, the cat will consider it a special treat.
Set the trap with canned cat food that has a strong odor, such as fish.Place the food in a small dish that will not interfere with the trapping mechanism. Plastic or paper dishes are best.Metal dishes or cans with sharp edges may injure the cat, and during very cold weather the cat’s tongue could become stuck to the metal.Use only a small amount of food (1/4 cup or so) as the cat may be scheduled for spay/neuter surgery the following day.
Place something in the trap for footing - a small piece of cardboard or carpet will do. Cats don’t like to have the ground drop away and their feet could be injured on the wire.
Set the trap at a time when someone is available to monitor it. Trapped cats usually panic at first and the trap will need to be covered with a towel as soon as possible to help calm the cat and prevent injury. In warm weather the trap should be moved to a shady area, and in cold weather to a warm
protected area. If several traps are being set, it is best if other cats do not see the trapped one as they will become suspicious and avoid the trap.
Keep children and other pets away from the trapped cat. These animals are very stressed and may strike out in an attempt to escape.If possible, move the cat to a spot that is dark and quiet.Use the handles on the trap and keep fingers away to avoid being bitten or scratched.
If there are neighbors with pet cats, it is a good idea to let them know in advance that there will be trapping taking place.
Should a previously sterilized cat or other animal be inadvertently trapped, simply release it.Most cats will not soon re-enter a trap.
Many cats are reluctant to enter the trap. If trapping is unsuccessful at first, tie the trap open and place the food at the entrance.Over a period of several days, move the food further into the trap until the cat becomes accustomed to going completely inside to eat.
Do not attempt to transfer the cat into a carrier.If the cat escapes, re-trapping will be difficult, if not impossible. Cats can be safely transported while in the trap.
Set the trap with canned cat food that has a strong odor, such as fish.Place the food in a small dish that will not interfere with the trapping mechanism. Plastic or paper dishes are best.Metal dishes or cans with sharp edges may injure the cat, and during very cold weather the cat’s tongue could become stuck to the metal.Use only a small amount of food (1/4 cup or so) as the cat may be scheduled for spay/neuter surgery the following day.
Place something in the trap for footing - a small piece of cardboard or carpet will do. Cats don’t like to have the ground drop away and their feet could be injured on the wire.
Set the trap at a time when someone is available to monitor it. Trapped cats usually panic at first and the trap will need to be covered with a towel as soon as possible to help calm the cat and prevent injury. In warm weather the trap should be moved to a shady area, and in cold weather to a warm
protected area. If several traps are being set, it is best if other cats do not see the trapped one as they will become suspicious and avoid the trap.
Keep children and other pets away from the trapped cat. These animals are very stressed and may strike out in an attempt to escape.If possible, move the cat to a spot that is dark and quiet.Use the handles on the trap and keep fingers away to avoid being bitten or scratched.
If there are neighbors with pet cats, it is a good idea to let them know in advance that there will be trapping taking place.
Should a previously sterilized cat or other animal be inadvertently trapped, simply release it.Most cats will not soon re-enter a trap.
Many cats are reluctant to enter the trap. If trapping is unsuccessful at first, tie the trap open and place the food at the entrance.Over a period of several days, move the food further into the trap until the cat becomes accustomed to going completely inside to eat.
Do not attempt to transfer the cat into a carrier.If the cat escapes, re-trapping will be difficult, if not impossible. Cats can be safely transported while in the trap.
