Tips for trapping cats who are "trap-shy"

Set the trap up with the door clipped open - you can use a paper clip or other piece of wire. Then put food near the door, just outside the trap, and put no other food in the area. The cat/kitten will get hungry and hopefully eat the food near the trap. Do this for a day or two.

Then put the food just inside the trap for a day or two, so the cat/kitten has to step into the trap. Again, the trap is still wired open so the door won't close.

For the next few days, gradually move the food further back in the trap so the cat/kitten gets used to going in for food.

Now you are ready to set the trap. Make sure you are prepared to deal with the trapped cat. Have an appointment ready at the veterinarian’s office for spay/neuter. Have your car or truck prepared with a plastic tarp or shower curtain liner, some extra newspapers, and a blanket or towel to cover the trap.

Finally, when the cat seems to be more relaxed about going into the trap, you can remove the wire that held the door open and set the trap to do its job.

The two most important things to remember are to be patient and to not put any food in any other location. This method works for almost all cats/kittens who have been accustomed to getting food that you put out.

Another thing that can make it easier for the cat/kitten to be braver is to camouflage the trap. You can put it next to or under bushes, cover it with a blanket, or surround it with bales of hay.

Make sure the food is extremely tempting. Many people have had success with sardines or chicken nuggets. Do not put too much food in the trap and make sure the food is as far back as possible so the cat has to go all the way into the trap and step on the “trip pad” to get to the food. It also helps to smear some food on the “trip pad” as well as the larger portion further back.

It is essential to place the trap in a location where you can observe it to see if a cat has entered. Never leave a trap unattended for more than 30 minutes, and do not trap in severe weather.

As soon as the trap is sprung, place a blanket or large towel over the trap. This helps most cats calm down quickly.

Once the cat is in the trap, immediately place the trap into your vehicle and transport to the vet for spay/neuter. If you must hold the cat overnight, make sure the trap is in a safe, inside location, protected from weather and other animals.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Jul 23, 2004