from the collective experience of our best trappers ...
Trapping Tips
Alley Cat Allies COVID-19 Guide: Safety Tips and Precautions for Trap-Neuter-Return
NEVER leave a trap unattended
Check traps every
15 minutes
Keep trapped cats indoors while waiting for transport or during recovery
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An ill-intentioned person who finds the trap could harm the cat
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A well-meaning cat lover not realizing the cat has been trapped for TNR might set the cat free
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Predators could drag the trap, causing grave injury to the trapped cat's paws
Once the cat is trapped ...
Cover the trap with a towel or other cloth to reduce the cat's stress during holding and transport.
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A frightened cat will try it's best to escape from the trap, so ensure that the trap door is properly latched.
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If you have to hold the cat before transport, keep it in a quiet place indoors away from people and other animals.
Advice
from our volunteers
Use a small bait trail leading into the trap, with a big reward at the back of the trap, behind the trip plate. Put the food on a scrap of newspaper or paper plate so that the cat cannot injure itself on a bowl.
Diana P
Most people start trapping around 2:00p.m., the day before surgery. Plan for trapping so that you don't have to hold the cat too long. Do not give the cat food for 12 hours before it goes in for surgery.
Pam C
Patience, Patience, Patience! Don't give up! There will be cats that it seems you cannot trap, and then when you aren't expecting it, they will go in the trap!
Rebecca K
