Understanding the Feline Mindset
Feline Behavior
Before you even consider setting a trap, it’s critical to understand the psychology of the cat you’re trying to capture. Cats, particularly those that are feral or unfamiliar with humans, are often wary and cautious creatures. Their instincts dictate survival, and this often translates into a deep-seated fear of anything new or perceived as a threat. This is why patience is paramount. Any attempt to “Trap the Cat” should be guided by this awareness.
Feline behavior is a complex tapestry woven from instinct, past experiences, and environmental factors. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Fear of the Unknown: Cats are naturally cautious. Anything new, from a brightly colored object to a moving shadow, can trigger their flight response.
- Survival Instincts: A cat’s primary goal is to survive. Food, shelter, and safety are always at the forefront of their minds. A hungry cat may overcome some fear, but the instinct to avoid danger is always present.
- Preference for Routine: Cats thrive on predictability. Changes in their environment or routine can cause significant stress.
- Nocturnal Tendencies: Many cats are most active at dawn and dusk, which is when they’re most likely to be foraging for food.
- Memory and Association: Cats remember things! They’ll associate a location with food, and avoid places where they feel threatened.
Observing Your Target
Successful trapping relies on careful observation. Before even thinking about a trap, devote some time to simply watching the cat. This reconnaissance period is critical, as it allows you to gather essential information:
- Location: Where does the cat spend its time? Does it have a favorite spot to rest, eat, or shelter?
- Feeding Habits: Where and what is the cat eating? Is it scavenging for food, being fed by someone, or hunting? This information helps you determine the best bait.
- Behavior: Is the cat friendly, skittish, or aggressive? Is it accustomed to humans? This knowledge will guide your approach.
- Timing: Observe when the cat is most active. The best time to set the trap is usually when the cat is most likely to be searching for food, like early morning or late evening.
- Identify other cats around : If multiple cats are around, identifying which is the target, will prevent accidental trapping.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Box Traps
The right trap is crucial. While several options exist, live traps are the only humane choice. Avoid any trap that could cause injury or unnecessary distress.
The primary type of live trap is the box trap. Here’s a breakdown:
- Box Traps: These traps are generally constructed from durable metal mesh or solid plastic. They are equipped with a trip plate that triggers the door to close when the cat enters and steps on the plate.
- Advantages: Relatively easy to use and set up, widely available, humane if used correctly.
- Disadvantages: Can be bulky, can sometimes cause stress to the cat, the cat can sometimes escape, depending on design and manufacture.
Considerations for Selection
Considerations when selecting the right trap:
- Size: Choose a trap that is appropriate for the size of the cat. A trap that’s too small will cause the cat distress. A trap that’s too large is often not required.
- Materials: Opt for a trap that is made from durable, weather-resistant materials. It should be easy to clean and disinfect.
- Ease of Use: Select a trap that’s relatively easy to set up and operate. Read all instructions prior to attempting to “Trap the Cat.”
- Safety Features: Look for a trap with safety features, such as covered handles to protect your hands, and rounded edges to prevent injury to the cat.
Preparing the Trap for Success
Cleaning and Familiarization
Preparation is key. Avoid rushing this stage; it can be the difference between success and failure.
Cleaning and Familiarization: Before setting the trap, clean it thoroughly. This removes any unfamiliar scents that could deter the cat. Consider leaving the open trap in the area for a few days *without* setting it to allow the cat to get used to its presence. Place food inside the open trap to further encourage the cat to enter freely.
Baiting the Trap
Baiting the Trap with Care: The right bait is essential. The goal is to entice the cat into the trap without making it suspicious.
- Choose Tempting Bait: Wet cat food (particularly something smelly like fish or pate), tuna (in oil or water), cooked chicken, or sardines are generally good choices.
- Strategic Placement: Place a small amount of bait just inside the entrance of the trap to entice the cat. Then, lead a trail of bait leading towards the trip plate. Ensure the trip plate is clear of bait, or the door may not shut fully.
- Control the Amount: Don’t overdo it! A large amount of food might make the cat suspicious. The goal is to create enough of an enticement to prompt entry.
- Consider the Weather: If it’s hot, avoid food that will spoil quickly. In cold weather, consider providing more substantial, high-calorie food.
- Avoid Anything Dangerous: Do not use anything harmful to the cat.
Camouflaging for Comfort
Cats are often wary of anything that feels exposed.
- Concealment: If the cat is particularly skittish, you might consider camouflaging the trap. Covering the top and sides of the trap with a blanket or piece of fabric can make it feel less threatening.
- Placement: Place the trap in a location where the cat feels safe and comfortable. This could be near its usual feeding spot, a sheltered area, or along its usual route.
Setting Up and Getting Ready
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Once the trap is prepared, it’s time to set it.
Choosing the Perfect Spot: Carefully select the location of the trap. Ideally, it should be:
- Sheltered: Away from direct sunlight, rain, and extreme weather.
- Familiar: In an area where the cat already feels comfortable.
- Safe: Away from busy roads, other animals, and human interference.
- Hidden: Away from obvious viewpoints.
How to Set It Up
How to Set It Up: Follow these steps:
- Activate the Mechanism: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the trap. Ensure that the door mechanism is functioning properly.
- Secure the Door: Test the trap door by lightly pushing on the trigger plate to ensure it closes properly. If it jams, readjust the mechanism.
- Consider Covering: Drape a blanket or towel over the trap to provide a sense of security.
- Always Handle with Care: Remember that you’re dealing with a potentially stressed animal. Be gentle, avoid sudden movements, and handle the trap carefully.
Safety
Safety for You: Protect yourself. Wear thick gloves to prevent scratches or bites.
Monitoring and Maintaining Vigilance
Regular Checking
This is not a “set it and forget it” operation.
Checking Regularly: This is probably the most critical part of the process, as cats should not be left inside traps for long periods. You must check the trap regularly, ideally:
- Morning: Check first thing in the morning.
- Evening: Check again in the evening.
- During Daytime: if possible, check again during the day, particularly during inclement weather.
After Capture
What to Do When You Have a Cat: Remain calm. Approach the trap slowly and speak in a soft, reassuring voice.
- Cover the Trap: Drape a blanket or towel over the trap to calm the cat.
- Prevent Escape: Secure the trap firmly to prevent the cat from escaping if you accidentally let go.
No Capture
What to Do if You Don’t Catch the Cat: Be patient and persistent.
- Adjust Bait: Try different bait or place the bait closer to the trigger plate.
- Consider Location: If the cat still avoids the trap, try relocating it to a new spot, or experiment with a new trapping strategy.
- Review Settings: Make sure that the trap isn’t faulty.
- Adapt. The art of how to “Trap the Cat” is not an exact science.
Handling the Capture – What Comes Next
Assessments
After successfully trapping the cat, the work continues. Handling the cat, and deciding its future, is crucial.
Assessing Health: Examine the cat for any visible injuries. If the cat appears injured or sick, seek immediate veterinary care.
Options
- Veterinary Care: If you are taking care of the cat, the cat will need a vet. This can range from vaccines, deworming, and spay or neutering the cat.
- The TNR Process: Trap-Neuter-Return is a humane approach to managing feral cat populations. This involves trapping cats, taking them to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to their original territory.
- Adoption: For friendly cats, finding a loving home is often the best outcome.
- Re-release: Cats often need to be returned. Never re-release a cat if you have not performed all the checks above.
Humane Trapping and the Law
Ethics
Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize the welfare of the cat. Never use traps that cause unnecessary suffering.
Legal
Legal Ramifications: Be aware of local ordinances and animal control laws. Some areas may have restrictions on trapping cats.
Common Pitfalls to Dodge
Many attempts to “Trap the Cat” fail due to common errors:
- Poor Baiting: Failing to choose the right bait, or placing it incorrectly.
- Improper Trap Placement: Placing the trap in a location where the cat doesn’t feel safe.
- Lack of Patience: Giving up too soon. Sometimes it takes several attempts.
- Wrong Trap: Using an unsuitable trap.
- Human Interference: Leaving the trap open and unattended.
In Conclusion
The process of how to “Trap the Cat” is a delicate one, demanding a balance of knowledge, patience, and compassion. By understanding feline behavior, selecting the right equipment, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of success, and contribute to the welfare of cats in need. The goal is to assist the cat safely and humanely.
The information provided here is for general guidance only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization for further advice or assistance. Remember, taking the time to do it right ensures a positive outcome for both you and the cat.
