How to Trap Feral Cats

Feral adults rarely make good house pets, but feral kittens are better able to adapt.

A feral cat is one that has adapted to living outdoors in a wild state and is often ill-suited to life as a pet. Usually sexually intact, these animals form inbred colonies. Humanely trapping these cats must be done with care. Feral cats taken to shelters are usually euthanized to make room for more adoptable cats. Groups like Alley Cat Allies, the only national feral-cat-advocacy group in the United States, recommend trap-neuter-release programs that allow the cats to live out their lives in the wild but puts a cap on population.

Things You'll Need

• Humane wire trap with a guillotine-type door, of appropriate size for the animal(s) in question
• Newspaper
• Smelly, cat-attractive bait (sardines or mackerel work well)
• Spoon
• Towel large enough to cover the trap
• Heavy work gloves

Instructions

Setting a Feral Cat Trap

1. 

   While feral cats eat their share of rodents, they also decimate the wild songbird population, as do cats allowed to roam outside by their owners.

   At feeding time, usually near dusk, place the trap on level ground near where you've seen the cat. Make sure there is some cover, which will make the cat feel more secure and keep the cat safe until you can return to the trap.

2. 

   Feral cats often fight over territory, dominance and mates.

   Using the newspaper, cover the wire bottom of the trap, including the trip plate. Cats prefer not to walk on wire. Make sure the paper doesn't set off the trap or prevent it from springing.

3. 

   Some colonies are so inbred that the kittens they produce suffer from chronic health issues, including genetic abnormalities that would otherwise remain dormant.

   Using the spoon, scoop some of the bait onto the trip plate. Soak small pieces of newspaper in any liquid from the bait and place it near the rear of the trap to act as a further attractant. Make sure the bait is far enough in the trap that the cat has to change the pressure on the trip plate and spring the trap.

4. 

   Many feral cat colonies make use of available shelter, such as barns or under porches.

   Set the trap by pushing in the top of the door and pulling upward on the bottom of the door. Place the hook, attached to the side of the trap top, into the metal cylinder on the side of the door. This raises the trip plate and prepares the trap for triggering.

5. 

   Feral cats fend for themselves, although humans often add cat food to their inconsistent diet.

   Cover the trap with the towel to camouflage the trap, leaving only the entrance visible. This can also help prevent the cat from snagging the bait from the outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the weather when setting a trap, as trapped cats are vulnerable and cannot seek further shelter.

• Don't be surprised if you catch a different cat than the one you intended to catch, particularly if neighbors let their cats roam.

• Use the work gloves if you ever have to handle the cat you've caught. Cat bites contain bacteria that almost instantly result in infection. If you are bitten hard enough to pierce the skin, immediately wash the wound with soap and hot water, and then have a medical professional assess the bite as soon as possible.

References

• Savage, Ray. Feral Cat Coalition, "Humane Trapping Instructions." November 2009.

Resources

• Alley Cat Allies