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A Feral Rescuer's Blog...

Trapping Techniques

7/30/2024

Whether you are looking to trap a stray cat to help, a missing kitty to return them to their home, or a feral cat to TNR (trap, neuter, release) to help work toward ending the cat overpopulation problem... you're going to want to know how to use a humane live trap.

A humane live trap can come in a few different types - there are small traps for kittens/mice/squirrels, etc... medium traps that are perfect size for cats, and larger traps for raccoons or skunks... If you need a trap:

  • Some local organizations may loan out animal traps (if you are in Kalamazoo County, contact Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement to rent a live trap)

  • If you are working with a rescue organization or working with a colony, you can purchase live traps through well known companies such as Tomokawk or Tru Catch, Havahart or even on Amazon (make sure you check out the size and all the features and how they work!

  • If you are in a hurry to trap a lost cat, you can usually find live traps at farm supply stores such as Blaine's Farm and Fleet or Tractor Supply
cat trap

With a good quality, working trap, first and foremost - HAVE A PLAN for when you trap the cat. DO NOT trap a cat without a plan of what you are going to do next! If you are unable to take the cat in, return the cat home, or bring the cat in for spay/neuter surgery, DO NOT TRAP THEM. Never trap first, plan second. It puts unnecessary stress on the kitty, and you may not be able to trap them again. It's better to wait until the right time. 


Once you have a plan, you'll want to find a SAFE place to set your trap. If there is a particular area where you've seen them, or near where they may be hiding or eating - find a somewhat hidden spot where it can be 'camouflaged' such as under brush or next to a building. Covering the trap with a towel, or placing the trap in a bag may help the kitty feel more comfortable walking into the trap. If a kitty is missing near their own home, they usually don't go very far. Set traps close to home where they are likely to return to find food. Make sure your trap is located somewhere where the kitty will find it (they'll smell the bait, more on that next!) and where they will walk into it - avoid loud noisy areas, or just setting it out in the open. 


You may also want to label your trap with your information (like this) - so that if someone comes across your trap they will know a humane live trapping is in progress, and your contact information for assistance if there is an animal in the trap.


If you are trying to trap a kitty who's been around for a while - they may already be used to coming around for food, which you can use to help make sure they go in the trap when the time comes! Once you get them into a routine, you can continue to feed them INSIDE the trap (and may even want to ziptie the trap OPEN so it doesn't trigger until you're ready to trap - such as the night before a surgery). You may even refrain from feeding them the night before so they are extra hungry when you need them to go in the trap!​

Next, you'll need some SMELLY bait! You can start with something easy, like wet cat food, or even kibble or treats, and sometimes that will work just fine (such as for a missing kitty). However, if they're not falling for it, or you're not seeing them come around, you may need to up the ante with some sardines, salmon, tuna or canned chicken, yum! 


**NEVER EVER leave a full open can in the trap - cats can cut themselves on the can! Use a small piece of cardboard, or a paper plate to place the bait on.


When you've got a PLAN, and all the supplies you need - figure out the best time and place to set the trap and follow the directions on the trap you have to set it correctly. Typically, these humane live traps work by a loosely balanced metal plate inside the trap, which holds the door open until the animal steps on the plate, releasing and closing the door - placing the bait as FAR back in the trap as possible is best, and on a piece of cardboard or a paper plate that is OVER the metal plate so that the animal is SURE to step on it!


Once your trap is set - the hardest part begins... waiting. 


Make sure you check your trap(s) FREQUENTLY. The kitty may wander into the trap 5 minutes after it's set, or 5 hours... or another unwanted animal may find themselves in it! You never want an animal stuck in a live trap for longer than necessary... so make sure you are able to check the traps frequently so you can move your kitty, or release any unwanted critters. If you aren't sure if the kitty is friendly, or you've got an unwanted critter - USE CAUTION!!! A humane live trap is a relatively safe method of transporting unfriendly friends, but us humans must still use caution when dealing with unknown animals. 


​If you are having trouble trapping - 

  • Relocate the trap to a new location, even close by but facing another direction
  • Switch up the bait, switch up the timing, switch up the trap (are they too small to trigger the plate? is the trap too small for them to feel comfortable walking into?)
  • More camouflage! make the trap like a hidey-hole the kitty knows they will find food in and could use as a hiding place
  • Try playing mama cats calling kittens videos on YouTube! I literally have gotten kittens to come close enough to me to catch by playing videos like this one, or this one :) 
trap
trap

With the right supplies (not the fanciest, even items you've got laying around like paper bags and cardboard!) knowledge and patience, hopefully you'll be able to trap that stray, missing or feral kitty that needs YOUR help! Everyone can do something, and YOU can be that someone!! ​

trap

References and Further Resources

Traps and Humane Animal Equipment - Alley Cat Allies
Game Changers - Tips for moving past stalemate in your cat-trapping efforts) - Tips for moving past stalemate in your cat-trapping efforts
Trapping Guidelines - Humane Society of Charlotte
How to Help Community Cats (TNR) - Alley Cat Allies
TrapKing (TNR)