How to Lure a Cat Into a Humane Trap Cage

Humanely trapping stray and feral cats is the first step toward non-lethal population control measures. According to the Feral Cat Coalition in San Diego, California, this method of managing feral cats is much more effective than extermination. (See References 1) Since they have begun the trap-neuter-release program in 1992, the organization has reported a 50 percent reduction in the number of cats impounded and euthanized. Not only does this method stabilize local populations, it reduces the annoying behaviors associated with breeding. (See References 2) It also provides a way for the feral and stray cats to live better lives.

Things You'll Need

  • Humane trap
  • Canned cat food, enough for a few days of feeding
  • Canned mackerel
  • Flashlight with batteries (optional)
  • Old towels
  • Newspaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the trap out, unset, one week before you plan to trap the cat so that the cat gets used to the sight and smell of the trap. Cover the trap with a towel. Place food around the trap so the cat associates the trap with food.

    • 2

      Use twist ties to keep the trap doors open three days before you actually plan to trap the cat. Place a thin layer of newspaper over the wire bottom of the cage.

    • 3

      Place canned food inside the trap at the front of the cage, moving the food toward the back of the cage, gradually, over the next two days.

    • 4

      Do not feed the cat the day before you plan to trap it. A hungry cat will be more interested in the food.

    • 5

      Set the trap up at dusk. This is when stray cats tend to be most active. Soak a small piece of newspaper, approximately a 3x3-inch section, in mackerel juice. The smellier the food, the more attractive it will be to the cat. Put a small amount of mackerel on the soaked newspaper segment then place the soaked newspaper section with the food on it under the trap. Push the mackerel up through the bottom of the cage, squishing it through the wire. Make the food hard to get so the trap will have more of a chance of capturing the cat. Then set the trap according to manufacturer's directions and cover it with a towel.

    • 6

      Check the trap every 15 minutes. You don't want to leave the cat trapped and vulnerable. Often, you can hear the trap deploy.

    • 7

      Check to ensure that the animal captured is a stray or feral cat, not someone's pet or other form of wildlife. If it is not a cat, point the door away from you and open it to release the animal. Reset the trap and try again.

    • 8

      Place the trapped cat in an area that is protected and quiet until you can take it to a veterinarian's office.