How to use a cat trap

Trapping 101

Attempt to trap ASAP after the cat is missing, they are most likely to be close to the exit point or known area immediately after escaping.

Set and cover the trap near the most recent sighting. If it is an indoor only cat who escaped and hasn’t been seen since, set the trap in a concealed area near the window or door they exited from.

Use extra yummy and smelly bait like tuna or sardines or rotisserie chicken and make a trail of tiny bits of it leading into the trap.

Check the trap frequently from a distance, so as not to spook the cat off if they are nearby.

Avoid moving the trap unless you have a confirmed sighting in a different area.

How to set the trap:

1. Place a single layer of newspaper or a very light cloth like a pillow case on the bottom of the trap. The wire texture of the trap is undesirable to most cats so covering it up will make them more likely to enter. It’s important not to put anything too bulky or heavy on the bottom as this can prevent the trip mechanism from working.
2. Place the trap on a level surface in an area where no obstacles will keep it from closing. It is best to put the trap where it can be disguised or slightly hidden up against something (under a bush, up against a building, under a set of stairs, etc.)
3. Cover the top, sides, and rear of trap with a blanket or towel to make it look like a cozy cave.
4. Use a paper plate or paper towel at the rear of the trap (behind the trip plate) to place a large amount of high value food. Canned tuna, sardines, shredded chicken, stinky wet cat food, or your cat’s favorite special treat work best. Dribble or sprinkle a very small amount towards the entrance and just outside the trap.
5. Set the trap according to the manufacturer’s instructions:

Troubleshooting:

Additional things to try for a cat who is being seen but avoiding the trap- place catnip in the trap, remove the cover in case they prefer to view their surroundings, try smellier food. If the cat is going in the trap but not far enough to trip the plate, use a bungee cord or carabineer to keep the door open for a few days while they get comfortable going all the way in and feeding. Then remove the bungee/carabineer and reset.

Notify your neighbors that you are setting a trap, ask them to avoid the area/keep dogs away/not leave additional food out.

If you accidentally catch wildlife-stand at the end of the trap with the trap door with the entire trap covered with a blanket or a towel. Reach forward and lift the release door (the one that lifts straight up and down with a handle) and pull the blanket back. The animal will likely want to move away from you at the other end the trap and will escape through the open door.