How to Build a Homemade Cat Trap
According to Larry McDaniel, DVM for Purina's podcast series, there are more than 80 million cats as pets in the United States. In order to stimulate and exercise the animal, many cat owners allow their furry companions to roam outside. Unfortunately, if the cat is not spayed or neutered, the outdoor play time can turn hazardous by increasing the area's feral population. Female cats can become pregnant as young as 5 months old and have two to three litters, consisting of three to five kittens each year. Trapping stray and feral cats and taking them to a shelter is paramount when trying to reduce the number of homeless animals in your area.
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Things You'll Need
- 45 quart (or larger) plastic storage bin with lid
- String
- Cat toy
- Dry cat food
- Tuna
- Prop stick
- Drill
- Nail or Staple
- Hammer or stapler
Instructions
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Drop Trap
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1
Drill several 1/2-inch diameter holes in the storage bin's lid. Drill two 1/8-inch diameter holes in the center of the bottom of the plastic storage bin. Attach the cat toy securely to one end of the string. Hold the toy inside the bin and run the string out of the container through the first hole, down into the second hole and out the first hole again. Loop the string through itself on the outside of the container to tie a tight knot. The toy should be hanging three to four inches off the ground when the bin is flipped upside down.
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2
Place the storage bin lid upside down in the location where you would like to trap the cat. Dip the cat toy in tuna and set the storage bin upside down on top of the lid. Tie a 10- to 20-foot string toward the bottom of your prop stick. Secure the drop string on the stick with a staple or small nail. Prop one side of the bin with your prop stick. Make sure the end of the stick, which has the string attached, is at the ground level. Place 10 pieces of dry cat food around the cat trap.
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3
Run the end of your drop string to a location where you can watch the cat trap, preferably in a place not easily seen by the cat. Consider adding a chair to your hiding spot. A book may help pass the time.
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4
Be quiet as the cat approaches. Watch as she eats the dry cat pieces. Pull the drop string when the cat walks under the storage bin. Make sure the cat is completely under the bin before you attempt to trap her.
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5
Secure the bin to the lid by pushing down on the top of the container. Gently turn the bin over so the lid is at the top of the container. Immediately take the container, with the cat inside, to a shelter or the spay and neuter clinic of your choice.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not keep the cat in the container longer than it takes to transport her to the clinic or shelter. If additional time is needed, you must transfer her into a kennel or cage.
References
- Photo Credit cat image by petar Ishmeriev from Fotolia.com
