Using Live Animal Traps To Catch Stray Cats

You have a problem with feral cats making their homes in your neighborhood. You really want to trap them, but is it humane to trap them and what should you do with them after they are caught? It is humane if they are trapped properly. Some people trap and release, while others trap them with the intent of giving them a new home. Whatever your intention, you need to put a plan into place before you set out with your traps.

What is Your Plan of Action After Trapping the Cats?

In most cases neighborhoods are overly populated with feral cats because the starving females have kittens and cannot provide enough food or milk for them. They are malnourished and sometimes carry diseases that are dangerous to other animals and sometimes humans. People trap the cats and take them to the vet to be spayed or neutered and then release them back into the wild. While this is a good intention, it still does not solve the problem of starvation and disease. Taking the cat to a shelter where a vet can examine the cat is a good idea. The vet can then determine if the cat is healthy and can be put up for adoption. If you choose to keep the cat, you will want to confine him in a separate room for at least a week, because he will be frightened and it might take him months or even years to gain trust.

Placing the Trap

To trap stray cats you will want to purchase an easy set or a traditional trap that is large in size. A trap featuring a spring loaded door with smooth internal edges and a protective handle guard will be the best choice.

1.Set the trap up on a flat ground to avoid tumbling.

2.Place a towel over the trap leaving the ends open to make it look as though it is a tunnel.

3.Line the bottom of the trap with newspaper to hide the grid and the trigger rod.

4.Use bait such as canned tuna or fish. Pour the juice from the fish or tuna around the trap with a trail leading to the inside. Place the initial bait on a piece of foil toward the inside back of the trap. Never place anything inside the trap that will cause a mess or breakage.

5.Once the cat is trapped, approach the trap carefully and keep it covered with the towel to avoid injury to you, or additional stress to the animal.

6.Transport the cat in a vehicle, never try to carry the trap to your destination.

Important Precautions
Never attempt to approach private property without prior consent.
It is important that you wear heavy rubber gloves when handling the animal
The best time to trap is in the early morning or evening hours.