Keeping Trapped Cats Safe

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by Alina Duenas

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So you finally caught the unaltered cat who's been running circles around you! To ensure your safety and the safety and well-being of the trapped cat, here are some suggestions that might make for a more successful trapping.

 

Always Monitor Your Trap(s):

It’s important to never leave a trap unattended. Leaving a trap unattended can have various consequences, as an unmonitored trap is exposed to other animals, people, and the weather. For example, a well intentioned but misinformed person who doesn’t understand TNR might release a trapped cat. In some situations, someone might even take or tamper with the traps.  Loose animals also  pose a threat and might harm a trapped and unattended cat. Traps should also be monitored for extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or extreme heat. Especially in the summer, the weather might be too extreme for a trapped cat to sit for hours and they can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or in extreme cases even death. 

For these reasons, you want to observe from a safe distance that allows you to intervene if necessary but not disturb the trapping process. 

 

Cover Your Trap(s):

Once the cat is trapped, cover the trap with a towel or blanket. This can help reduce stress for the trapped cat.

On warm days, it’s recommended to use a lightweight sheet. No matter what type of covering is used, always ensure that there is enough air flow for the cat.

 

Set up a Proper Holding Area:

While you wait to take your trapped cat to their neuter/spay appointment, traps should be placed in a calm and quiet place, somewhere with low foot traffic and away from other pets or animals. The location should always be a temperature controlled environment such as:

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●           A garage or basement

●           A bathroom

 

Choose a Proper Trap(s):

Fresno TNR recommends the use of safe and sturdy traps and also reinforcing traps with zip ties. Recommendations also include not using any collapsible or soft carriers. Fresno TNR has a list of traps they’ve found effective:

●           Traps :: Feral Cat Traps & Accessories :: Feral Cat Traps :: GT606 - Neighborhood Cats 30Lx9Wx11H Gravity Trap with Non-Spring Loaded Door and Easy Release Door

●           Traps :: Professional Series Traps :: Professional Traps with One Trap Door :: Professional Traps with One Trap Door and Rear Access Door :: 608.2SS - 10x12 Pro Flush Mount Trap with One Trap Door and Rear Access Door

●           Traps :: Feral Cat Traps & Accessories :: Feral Cat Traps :: 605NC - Neighborhood Cats 30" Cat Trap with Easy Release Rear Access Door

●           CountyLine 1-Door Catch-and-Release Live Animal Traps, 2-Pack at Tractor Supply Co

 

Time Your Trapping:

A scared trapped cat’s instinct may be to bite, scratch, and/or flee. Once a cat is trapped, it’s important to secure the trap, as an escaped cat will be difficult to catch and is potentially dangerous for both the trapper and the cat.  Fresno TNR advises that no cat(s) be trapped without a proper plan. A plan entails the following:

1.          Begin “Train Trapping” to ensure that the desired cat can be secured with the selected trap.

2.          Secure a veterinarian appointment /Fresno TNR admin approval to bring a cat in for an neuter/spay appointment.

3.          Do not trap a cat earlier/longer than necessary. For example, do not trap on a Friday or weekend unless you are prepared to hold and care for the cat in the trap until their appointment.