How to Trap a Stray Cat

If you've noticed a stray cat in your neighborhood, there may come a time when you wish to catch it -- either to keep as a pet, to send to a veterinarian for medical treatment, or to offer up for adoption. Regardless of your intentions, it is important to use humane trapping methods to catch a stray cat and care for the animal appropriately. Because the animal may have a disease or may be feral, it is also important to use care when handling the animal to avoid injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Humane trap
  • Towels
  • Canned fish
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a live trap to catch the stray cat humanely. The trap should have a single trap door that automatically closes when the animal steps on the trip sensor. The trap must be large enough to accommodate a stray cat comfortably during transport.

    • 2

      Avoid feeding the stray cat within 36 hours of setting the trap to ensure the animal is hungry. If neighbors also feed the cat, let them know you intend to trap it and to avoid feeding it for the next few days. Let them know your intentions upon trapping the stray cat, as they may be hesitant to help you trap the animal. Once they learn your intentions of helping the cat, they will be more likely to honor your request.

    • 3

      Place a few old towels on the bottom of the trap to make it more comfortable for the cat. The wire mesh frame of the trap can be uncomfortable on their paws -- particularly when you are transporting the trap.

    • 4

      Put a small dish of wet food into the trap to attract the stray cat. Instead of cat food, use a can of human-grade tuna, sardines or mackerel. When placing the bait into the trap, put it far enough back inside the trap so the cat will trigger the trip when feeding. Place the food directly on the towels, or on a small paper plate which can't harm the animal while it is enclosed.

    • 5

      Check the trap periodically so that you can collect the trap as soon as you catch the stray cat. Keeping a close eye on the trap will also ensure that you are available to release a neighborhood pet or other animal that gets caught in the trap accidentally.

    • 6

      Place a towel or dark sheet over the cage to reduce the cat's anxiety and make it feel more comfortable. Leave the towel in place until the animal is brought into your home, to a shelter or to a veterinarian.