How to Build a Drop Trap for Feral Cats

Feral cats were born wild or were abandoned and have learned to fend for themselves. Because cats turn "feral" so easily, feral cats should be considered wild animals and treated as such. If you're attempting to trap feral cats to take them to the pound or vet, do so with caution. Prepare for your trapping experience by consistently leaving food out for the cats and having a plan in place for after they're caught. Even though they're wild animals, feral cats should be treated humanely.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat treat/food
  • Large wooden box
  • Plywood (roughly the size of the box)
  • Stick or pole (light)
  • String
  • Screw hook
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Screw the hook into the center of the inside of the box, in what will be the roof.

    • 2

      Lay the plywood flat on the ground, in a place the feral cat frequents. To ensure the cat's presence, leave food for the cat in the same spot for several nights in a row. If the feral cat is used to getting food in a specific spot, it will come back consistently.

    • 3

      Use your stick or pole to prop up one side of the box over the plywood (when the box falls, it should fall on the plywood, to form the fourth side). Make sure there's enough room under the lip of the box for the cat to get inside.

    • 4

      Tie the string to whatever treat you're using to tempt the feral cat. Make sure the treat is tied securely, and in several places, so the cat will have to pull it before eating it. Run the other side of the string through the hook.

    • 5

      Pull the string tight, until the treat is suspended near the roof of the box. It should be high enough that the cat has to pull it down. When your treat is at the desired height, tie the other side of the string to the base of your stick.

    • 6

      Go away from the trap. When the feral cat enters and tugs at the treat, the string will jerk the stick out from under the box, and the cat will be trapped. Turn the box over, keeping the plywood in place, and take the cat to your preplanned destination.