How to Humanely Trap Cats
Use the proper humane cat trap. These can be purchased online or borrowed from local shelters or rescues. Fluffy's Feral Friends can loan out traps to local trappers. Avoid using your hands, nets, darts, or tranquilizer guns to trap feral cats.
Do Not Attempt to Pick Up Feral Cats: Most of these cats have never had human interaction, and touching them is dangerous and stressful for everyone involved.
Focus on Trapping Cats in One Area At a Time: Trapping cats can be overwhelming. Concentrate on one area to trap at until complete. Then you can move on to the next.
Cats Do Not Like Being Trapped: Once a cat is trapped, they will begin to thrash around trying to escape. They may injure themselves in the process. Cover the trap with a blanket or towel right away to calm the cat and make them feel safe. Do not remove the covers.
Trapping Can Be Difficult: Sometimes trapping is a quick and easy process, while other times it can be time-consuming and difficult. Don't give up. You may need to switch up the bait food or cover/uncover the traps to convince the cats to enter.
Tips on How to Properly Trap
Withhold Food from Cats: It's recommended to withhold food for 24 hours before trapping, but continue to provide water. This ensures hungry cats will enter the traps on trapping day. Coordinate with other caregivers and neighbors to withhold food as well.
Line the Bottom of the Trap: Place one or two pages of newspaper or light towels inside the trap. Fold them lengthwise to create a comfortable surface for the cats to walk on.
Tag the Trap: Always label traps with their location. Write a brief description of the trapped cat on the tag to facilitate proper return.
Bait the Traps: Use smelly bait like tuna in oil or sardines at the back of the trap. Drizzle the juice from that location to entice cats to enter.
Placing Traps: Set traps on flat, stable ground. If using multiple traps, stagger and face them in different directions. Quiet, hidden areas are ideal. You can partially cover or leave traps uncovered.
Monitor and Keep Track of Traps: Check traps frequently from a distance. Be prepared to act if a trap malfunctions.
Handling Trapped Cats: Cover the entire trap with a large towel or sheet to calm a frightened cat. Move the covered cat to a quiet, temperature-controlled area to prevent scaring other un-trapped cats.
Hard-to-Trap Cats: Consider using a drop trap for savvy cats. Ensure you have a transfer cage for successful transfer.
Count Your Traps: Always verify the number of traps to avoid leaving any behind.
Transport Safely: Cats should remain inside covered traps during transport. Secure stacked traps to prevent accidents.
Recovery Post Surgery: Return cats in the same covered traps to a safe, temperature-controlled area after neutering.