How to Build an Automatic Cat Trap

Cats sometimes need to be captured in order to relocate them, immunize them against spreadable diseases such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS or perform population controlling or even potentially life-saving medical procedures. The most humane way to capture a cat is by using a non-lethal small animal trap. Unfortunately, these traps are often quite expensive. Building your own automatic cat trap that utilizes the same principles as commercially available traps is an excellent way to capture these animals.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon plastic container
  • Propping stick
  • String
  • Cat toy
  • Tuna
  • Drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill two holes into the bottom of a rectangular 20-gallon plastic storage container. Drill the holes about 6 inches from each other and about 3 inches from either side of each of the short sides of the container. These holes will act as air holes in addition to serving their purpose for the mechanics of your trap.

    • 2

      Thread a piece of string up through one of the holes from the inside of the container and then back through the second hole from the bottom of the container. One end of the string should be shorter, about 3 or 4 inches, inside the container. This end of the strong will attach to the bait and it will hang down from the bottom of the container to attract the cat.

    • 3

      Tie the long end of the string to the middle of your propping stick.

    • 4

      Tie the short end of the string around your bait.

    • 5

      Tip the container over and prop it up with the propping stick. Make sure the bait is dangling down 3 to 4 inches from the bottom of the container, which is now the top of the trap.