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The baited trap, before covering. Newspaper is not required.
Before actually trapping, it is a good idea to take the back door off the trap, or lock the trap door open with a padlock, and feed the cat inside the trap for few days. This is called "pre-baiting." The cat will become used to the trap, and be more likely to enter it on the day you wish to take him to the veterinarian or a shelter.
If you have concerns about theft, consider using a "fake trap" to pre-bait--a trap-sized rectangle of welded wire, open on both ends. Feed the cat inside the fake trap until the day you wish to trap the cat. Then replace with the functional trap.
Pre-baiting is advised when you are trapping a large number of cats. If you immediately trap a cat before the other cats on the site trust the trap, they note their colony member's panic and may avoid the trap. If the trap has been used as a feeding site for days before actual trapping begins, even the sight of another cat caught in the trap is unlikely to make them view their wire restaurant with suspicion.
- Spread smelly, fish-type cat food on a small paper plate. Slather it on so the cat will have to spend some time in the trap.
- If the trap is on level ground, place some pine needles, flat leaves, dried grass, etc. on the floor of the trap so the cat won't be walking on wire (this may be unnecessary if the trap is on a solid porch floor or similar surface). If the surface under the trap is rough, smooth it. Make sure no sticks or grass interfere with the trap pan. Newspaper can be used in the manner pictured above, to create a smooth walking surface. However, if the cat is being kept overnight in the trap, newspaper may prevent feces and urine from passing through the wire. On windy days, newspaper may shift and spook a cat. Only use newspaper if you feel it is really necessary.
- It is important to lay small pieces of "lead in" bait at the front door of the trap, and about halfway back. This will get the cat to step into your trap and notice the bait at the very back. Do not throw tons of little pieces of food inside the trap. This is not necessary and the cat may spend so much time each your lead-in bait that he never steps over the pan.
Your trap should look like the set above (with or without newspaper).
Covered Trap
Cover the Trap!
It is very important to cover the trap, especially if the trap is in public view. Pillowcases slit up one side, fastened with clothespins, make good cheap trap covers.
If you fail to cover the trap:
- You will waste time. The cat will spend much of its time sniffing around the back at the bait which it can see sitting in there. The cat may even yank at the back of the trap and set off the trap The cover encourages the cat to go immediately to the front trap door.
- The cat may injure itself if the trap is unattended for any length of time. It will feel exposed, and does not understand that flimsy wire is a solid force. It will continue to try to escape, rubbing its face raw, and breaking teeth and claws.
- The cat will freak out when you approach. A covered cat may still struggle, but will be less panicked if it can hide in the covered section of the trap. In a covered trap, its struggles are less alarming to people who may be watching you.
Note: Raccoons destroy trap covers. They will pull the entire thing right into the trap with them and make a horrendous mess. Accept this, and be prepared to write off a certain number of trap covers if you leave traps unattended during the evening. It actually is good for the raccoon to have the cover to mangle--it will spend more time mangling the cover, and less time hurting its paws by yanking at the wire, trying to get out. It is best to avoid trapping at night. Releasing a raccoon is one thing. Releasing a skunk is another.
Fully Covered Trap
Once you have trapped your cat, immediately cover the entire trap before moving the trap and animal.
If you must move a cat in an uncovered trap, tip the trap vertically || so the cat has to run up and down rather than side to side. The animal is less likely to injure itself or distress watchers with its panic.
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