Humane Trapping Instructions For Feral Cats

Trapping feral cats to have them sterilized and vaccinated is the first and most important step in a humane, non-lethal management plan for the feral cats you feed. While trapping may seem intimidating, following the steps below will help make your efforts successful.

Before you trap:

  • We suggest that you establish a routine feeding schedule. Feed the cats at the same time and place each day, preferably for at least a week prior to trapping. You will eventually place the traps in this area, so make sure it is a safe and level location, free of rocks, gravel, dogs etc.
  • You should also assess the cat(s) you are trying to trap. If any are tame (friendly) contact a local no-kill shelter and try to place the cat for adoption. If you are unsuccessful, and especially if the cat is female, have her spayed as soon as possible, to prevent future feral cats in the colony.
  • Be sure to alert your neighbors that you will be trapping. Most will be very grateful that you are trying to prevent overpopulation and may even wish to help. Ask them to keep their own cats inside on the days that you trap and/or put a collar on them, so that you do not accidentally take their cat to the vet.

Supplies

In order to trap effectively you will need all of the following before you begin:
  • Humane traps
  • Cans of tuna, sardines, or mackerel in oil, or other enticing bait.
  • Newspaper, lightweight towel, or pillowcase to line the bottom of each trap.
  • A large towel or cloth to cover each trap. This will calm the cat and lessen the risk of injury once it is inside the trap.
  • Lids or small containers to hold bait (optional). You may also put the bait directly on the newspaper or towel.

Withhold Food

You must withhold all food (dry and canned) from the cats you intend to trap for 24 hours before trapping. This will ensure that the cats are hungry enough to enter the traps. Also, surgery will be easier on the cats if they have an empty stomach. While this may be hard, particularly if the cats appear hungry, remember that you are doing what is best for them. You should continue to provide clean drinking water.

Start Trapping

Make sure that you know how to work the trap BEFORE you begin to trap.
  1. Line the entire length of the trap with newspaper or lightweight cloth.
  2. Place a few tablespoons of bait along the very back of the trap. Drizzle some juice from the bait along the trap towards the entrance in a zigzag pattern. Place about teaspoon of bait in the middle of the trap, near or on the trip-plate, and another teaspoon about 4-6 inches from the entrance of the trap. You can also place teaspoon of bait outside of the trap, an inch or two in front of the entrance. The cat will follow the bait toward the back of the trap until they step on the trip-plate. It is important not to leave too much food in the front and middle, as this may satisfy the cat and she will leave without setting off the trap.
  3. Set the traps in the area where the cats are accustomed to eating, at the same time they are used to eating regularly.
  4. If you are using multiple traps, stagger them, and place them facing in different directions, with at least a couple of feet in between each trap. Move quietly and slowly and try to remain relaxed, so your mannerisms will not frighten the cats away.
  5. Set each trap and cover it with a large towel or cloth.
  6. Leave the area quietly. If the cats are used to being called for their food, do so before you leave. DO NOT LEAVE THE TRAP UNATTENDED! Find a place away from the trap (in your car, house, behind a building) and wait for the cat to go in. A cat left alone in a trap for even short periods of time can be terrified by dogs or children, or released, injured, or tortured by passersby. They are also vulnerable to hypothermia or over-heating, depending upon the weather. If you are trapping at your home, remember to trip the trap before you go to bed at night.

After Trapping

After the cat(s) have been caught, keep the trap covered at all times. This will help calm them. It is normal for the cat to thrash around inside of the trap and it may be tempting to release the cat(s). As long as you keep the trap covered, the cat will eventually settle down. No matter what, NEVER LET A CAT OUT OF A TRAP WITHOUT BEING FIXED FIRST (even if you catch a cat different than the one you were hoping for)! Cats become trap-shy easily. If you release a cat before it is altered, you run a very strong risk of not being able to catch it again and you will be stuck with an untrappable breeding machine. If the cat has babies, they will be fine without her for 12 hours, and mom cats will continue to nurse even if they are spayed. Injuries from traps, if they happen at all, are usually very minor (bruised or scratched nose or paw pad) and will not affect the cat long-term.

Often, it is easier to trap the cats the night before they go to the vet. This is perfectly fine. If you need to hold the cats overnight, keep them in their traps and make sure they are dry and warm. They can stay in a basement, insulated garage, or isolated room if the weather is poor. It is possible for a cat to die from hypothermia when confined in a trap outside in cold weather. Never leave cats in traps exposed to excessive heat or cold.

After surgery, allow the cats to recover in the same trap, still covered. For about 12 hours after surgery, cats cannot regulate their own body temperatures, so they MUST be kept out of excessive heat or cold. Female cats usually need to be held for 24-36 hours after surgery, while male cats should be held for 12-24 hours. You should very carefully place a small dish of wet cat-food inside the trap. Do not worry about water, as the cats will probably just spill it.

Make sure all cats are fully conscious and alert before release. Release the cat in the same area that you trapped him or her. Open the door of the trap and pull off the cover. Stand back and allow the cat to come out on his own. It is not uncommon for the cat to stay away for a few days after release; he will return eventually. Keep leaving food and water out as he may eat when you are not around.

NEVER release a cat into an unfamiliar location without following our guidelines on relocation. Relocating cats without following the proper guidelines is cruel and will endanger the cats life. They will try to return to their old home, facing busy streets, predators, and starvation all the while. Also, feral cats form strong bonds with their colony members, and leaving them alone in a new environment will cause stress, depression, and loneliness.

Special Trapping Tips

If certain cats will not go into the traps, try feeding them in unset traps for several days before trapping. Wire the trap doors open. Feed the cats in the same place and time as usual, but place the food right inside the trap entrance. Gradually move the food farther into the trap, until the cat feels comfortable eating in the trap. Once they become accustomed to eating inside the traps, they should be easier to trap.

Kittens

Kittens who are not exposed to humans early in their lives learn from their mothers and quickly become feral. However, if they are caught and handled regularly at a young enough age, kittens can be socialized and placed into responsible, loving homes. Kittens cannot be socialized while they are still in their colony. They must either be brought inside and confined so you have regular access to them, or placed in a no-kill shelter that is willing to socialize them.

It is best to capture feral kittens when they are 4-6 weeks old. At this age, they are old enough to be weaned, but young enough to be easily caught and socialized. Kittens between 6-8 weeks will take a bit longer, but will usually socialize very well. Kittens over 8-10 weeks tend to present more of a challenge. Though they will eventually socialize to the person working with them, they may never fully socialize to all humans, and therefore may never be adoptable. If you choose to try and socialize kittens over 8-10 weeks, do so with the understanding that you may end up having to keep the kitten(s), should they not fully socialize. If this is not something you are willing to commit to, it may be best to simply trap, neuter, and return the kittens to their colony. Kittens may be safely spayed/neutered at 8 weeks. If you need information on how to correctly socialize feral kittens, feel free to contact us. More About Feral Cats

Learn more about feral cats and their care.

Success Story

Two RMACA volunteers heard about a colony of ferals living under a loading dock (the "Hole in the Wall") belonging to a pet food processing plant. Our intrepid volunteers went to check it out and figured there were 5 or 6 cats hanging around. more >


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