- Talk to other caregivers and neighbors in the area to let them know you are trapping and ask that they withhold food as well.
- Withhold food but continue to provide water 24 hours before trapping. You want these cats really hungry so that they throw caution to the wind and climb into an unfamiliar contraption to get that great smelling food!
- Bait the traps. The smellier, the better! Place approximately one tablespoon of bait (rotisserie chicken, KFC, tuna in oil, canned mackerel, sardines) at the very back of the trap, so that the cat will step on the trigger plate while attempting to reach the food. Lightly drizzle some bait juice outside the trap towards the entrance. You can even place a tiny bit of food (1/4 teaspoon) just inside the entrance of the trap to encourage the cat to walk in.
- Placing traps. For the safety of the cats, always place traps on a flat and stable ground – preferably on dirt or grass. If you’re using multiple traps, stagger them and face them in different directions. Try to place the traps in quiet and hidden areas, so cats are more comfortable going near them. When placing trap, make sure there is nothing under the trap that will prevent the trip plate from being pressed down (i.e. concrete, rocks, sticks under trap poking up in through the wire). If you’re placing the trap near a structure that they frequent (recommended), place them alongside the wall, not perpendicular to the wall.
- Monitor and keep track of traps. Traps should never be left unattended. Check the traps frequently, but from a distance so you don’t scare cats away. Choose a location to wait where you are far enough away to give the cats a sense of safety, but close enough so that you can see them.
- A cat has been trapped. The trapped cat will likely be frightened and thrashing to get out. Immediately cover the entire trap with a large towel or sheet to calm the kitty down. Carefully move the covered, trapped cat away to a quiet and safe area that’s temperature-controlled to prevent her from scaring off any remaining un-trapped cats.
- Do you have a trap resistant cat? Use a paper lawn/leaf bag (available at HEB/Lowes/Home Depot)! Cover the trap with the trap cover and insert it into the bag. Cut a slit in the top if the bag for the handle to make it easier to move the trapped cat away from the trapping area. You can then remove the covered trap from the bag. Not only do cats love bags, we think the bag intensifies the smell of the bait. (Read more about the paper lawn/leaf bag method in action.)
Can I pick these cats up and put them in the trap?
- If the cat has become used to being handled and petted, you may think you can just pick him up and put him in head first. The cat will immediately react by throwing forward all four legs to grab onto the trap and won’t go in.
- If you are able to touch or pet the cat while feeding, you may be able to pick him up and put him in the trap. We call this the “scruff and stuff” method. Stand the trap on end with the trap door (with the rings) side up and move back the rings to open the trap door and leave it open. Leave it out there for a few hours to make it part of the environment. Feed the cat next to the trap and, when he is focused on eating, pick him up by the scruff of the neck (grab the biggest handful you can) and lower him in. If you have a good scruff grip, his limbs will be somewhat limp. Once your hand is at the trap opening, let go and quickly flip the door closed.
Other things you will need besides traps you buy or borrow:
- old cut up sheets, beach towels or small blankets to cover the traps,
- newspaper or corrugated cardboard to put in the bottom of the traps,
- a tarp to protect your vehicle,
- small paper plates and
- some smelly food to use as bait, such as tuna or sardines in oil or warmed deli chicken.
Before you trap any cat, have a plan for that cat first. Set up appointments through Bastrop CATS TNR Program or if you prefer to do it yourself, set your own appointments through Austin Humane Society.
Austin Humane Society Feral Cat Program
At the Austin Humane Society link above, you can set your own appointments, borrow traps and read trapping tips and information too.
This YouTube link is a great video from Kitten Lady: How to Trap a Feral Cat for TNR
Alley Cat Allies has lots of good information on cat care and advocacy.