How Do You Catch a Kitten That Is Wily and Runs From You?

Catching a wild kitten is important to its health and longevity. Wild adult cats are usually not able to be socialized into families, and so live on the street where lifespans are shortened by disease, starvation and fighting. When caught as a kitten, often it can be socialized to become a pet. Once you trap the kitten, if you can't keep it, take it to a local animal shelter or try to find it a suitable home.

Things You'll Need

  • Traps
  • Fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the kitten's hiding place by observing the kittens. Placing the trap in or near the hiding place makes catching the kitten easier.

    • 2

      Call your local animal shelter or veterinarian's office and ask about borrowing traps to catch a wild kitten. Many shelters and vet's offices have traps available.

    • 3

      Put the trap in a dry location. If you've been feeding the kitten, stop for at least 36 hours before setting the trap.

    • 4

      Place a piece of fish in the trap. Canned tuna or a small piece of raw fish works best. Fish meant for human consumption works best because it's most alluring to the cat. Place the fish behind the trip plate.

    • 5

      Take the kitten to a veterinarian's office for spaying or neutering and a check up as soon as you catch it. Some groups spay and neuter wild cats for free or a reduced fee.

    • 6

      Put the cat in an enclosed small space when you get it home, or take it immediately to an animal shelter. Feed it, and give it water. Wait until the cat lets you take it out and pet it regularly to let it roam around larger rooms if you're keeping it as a pet.