How to Catch a Wild House Cat

If you want to catch a wild cat to keep as a house pet, or if you want to catch your house cat that has escaped, using a live animal trap is best. Wild or scared cats will shy away from humans and run if they are chased. Since cats are smaller and faster than people, it is easier to simply set a trap and wait. Live animal traps do not harm cats but simply lure them with bait into a cage that closes and locks them inside. Use caution if you are trapping feral cats that have not been vaccinated, and consult your local animal control department to learn about any municipal laws regarding cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Live animal trap
  • Cat food or meat
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Get a live animal trap at a local hardware store or farm supply store. Be sure the trap is the right size for the cat you're trying to catch. Most live animal traps involve using food as bait. When a cat steps inside the cage of the trap to eat the food, the door immediately closes and traps the cat inside.

    • 2

      Set the trap outside where you last saw the cat. Follow all instructions that came with the trap. For the bait, use cat food or plain, unseasoned meat. Stand and wait where the cat cannot see you from the trap, or simply leave and come back a few hours later. It may take hours or an entire day until the cat enters the trap. Be patient and check every couple hours. If an animal such as a rabbit or squirrel is trapped instead of a cat, you may need to let it go.

    • 3

      When the cat is trapped, do not let it out inside your home unless it was already your pet and has been vaccinated. If you trap a feral cat, take it to a veterinarian or a local animal shelter. If no vets are open when you trap the cat, keep the cat caged in the trap until you can visit the vet. Provide food and water for the cat in the meantime.