How to Catch a Cat Without a Trap

Catching a cat can be one of the more challenging tasks set before you as a pet owner. Whether you're trying to corner your own beloved animal for a trip to the vet, or just trying to relocate a feral cat from your property, it can be a terrifying ordeal. If an animal feels cornered, it can turn from a cute and cuddly creature into a hissing, spitting monster. However, if proper measures are taken, such a challenge can be overcome.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat toys
  • Cat food
  • Protective gloves
  • Cat carrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      First, try luring the cat into a quiet, secluded area, whether it be in your house or somewhere in your yard. The easiest way to do this, especially with a cat you're familiar with, is to use toys. An inviting strand of yarn or even a toy from your local pet store can be an easy way to gain the cat's trust and get him/her into a friendlier state of mind (see Reference 1).

    • 2

      Next, if you haven't succeeded in luring the cat into a place where you can trap him/her with toys, consider the same step with the cat's favorite foods. Trapping him/her will be easiest if you condition the cat to eat at the same time, in the same place every day (see Reference 2). This way, the cat will become used to the idea of being in the area you've designated to trap him/her and come to associate it with food.

    • 3

      Afterwards, once you have the cat in a set location and in a general state of calm, you can set about catching him/her. Whether or not the cat is friendly or feral, protective gloves should be warn, as a scratch or bite from a feline can harbor disease and infection.

      The best way to catch a cat is to quickly grab him/her by the loose skin just above the cat's shoulders. However, this is easier said than done and may take several attempts to be successful. It will be more difficult to capture a cat after your first attempt as he/she may grow suspicious of your motives.

    • 4

      Finally, after the cat has been captured, place him/her in a cat carrier so the cat cannot escape. Merely putting the cat in a closed-off room may not be enough to contain it as you can potentially spend hours chasing it around, trying to recapture it.