How to Catch a Biting Cat
Cats are sweet, fluffy companions--when they're calm and happy. A scared, sick or injured cat may lash out at a well-meaning human trying to take it to the vet, and an agitated cat can inflict serious injury with its claws and teeth. Trying to catch a biting or otherwise hostile cat is not a task that should be taken lightly. If you must capture a violent cat, wear protective clothing, exercise caution and work with a partner if at all possible.
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Things You'll Need
- Live trap
- Bait
- Leather or heavy canvas jacket
- Leather gloves
- Blanket
- Cat carrier
Instructions
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Allow the cat to calm down, if at all possible. A calm cat is less likely to bite or lash out. If the cat is friendly, try playing with it with a favorite toy, or offer some treats. For feral or unfriendly cats, simply allowing it some time and space alone may help calm it down.
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Use a live trap to catch feral or other unfriendly outdoor cats. Bait the trap with a smelly and cat-friendly treat, like canned tuna, chicken or salmon, or wet cat food. Depending on the situation, you may be able to borrow or rent a live trap from the local animal shelter or a wildlife rehabilitator.
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Wear a thick jacket made from leather, denim or canvas to protect your arms from bites or scratches. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands, but make sure the gloves allow enough freedom of movement so that you can safely handle the cat.
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Approach the cat slowly and speak to it in a slow, quiet voice. Avoid holding extended eye contact, as this may trigger an aggressive response in the cat.
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Throw a blanket over the cat and swiftly scoop the cat and blanket up in your arms, bundling the blanket loosely around the cat. It may be easier to work with a partner, who should also be wearing protective clothing.
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Insert the cat into the cat carrier and quickly pull the blanket away as you shut the door. If you feel the cat may escape or attack you before you can pull the blanket away, use a carrier large enough for both the cat and the blanket, and use a blanket that you won't mind being destroyed. It's best to catch the cat on the first try and not subject it to multiple capture attempts.
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Tips & Warnings
If the cat squirms free from the blanket before you can get it into the carrier, try to scruff its neck gently but firmly. This will calm the cat slightly--or at least prevent it from biting you.
Habitual aggression or a sudden change in behavior in cats can be a sign of a medical problem, and it may be able to be treated. Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have over your cat's health and well-being.
