How to Catch a Stray Cat If it Only Comes to Eat at Night

Catching a feral -- or stray -- cat that only comes out at night must be handled with caution. Wandering cats are not necessarily feral, so observing the feline beforehand is important to ensure it is an animal that should be trapped. Treat a feral cat humanely at all times to earn its trust. Once a feral cat is captured take it to a veterinarian for a proper examination.

Things You'll Need

Wire cat trap
Mackerel juice
Newspaper
Cat food
Chicken
Blanket

Instructions

- 1
  Observe the cat. Look to see if it has tags. Examine the fur. A cat with disheveled fur is indicative of an animal roaming the wild. Watch its behavior. A cat that sees you and becomes scared or immediately defensive is another sign of a feral feline. A cat with tags or a clean coat may simply be an outdoor cat.
- 2
  Feed the cat at the same time, every night. Set out food in the spot where you intend to catch the feral cat. Continue this process for a few days to acquaint the cat to a regular dining time. Set up the feeding area near a bedroom or living room window. Do your best to feed the cat as early as possible at night, so you can tend to it as soon as it is caught. Avoid feeding the cat the night before you trap it to keep it as hungry as possible.
- 3
  Soak a sheet of newspaper in mackerel juice. Fold the paper into a square and place it on the ground. Assemble a wire-mesh cat trap. Position the rear of the trap on top the newspaper.
- 4
  Layer the bottom of the trap with clean newspaper. Bait the rear of the trap with cat food or shredded chicken. Position the bait in accordance with the trap plate, which engages the trap door.
- 5
  Stay close to the window. Remain out of sight, but close enough so that when you hear the trap engage you can tend to it.
- 6
  Cover the closed trap with a blanket. Keep the blanket over the trap until you can transport the cat to a veterinarian for a proper check up.