Recovery & Releasing

Plan! Plan! And plan some more!!!

• Prepare the vehicle in which you will transport the cat(s) by putting plastic down and newspaper to absorb any urine/feces.
• During the summer, a garage may be too hot to leave an unattended cat in a trap. However, evenings are much cooler and would most likely be okay.
• A very quiet, out of the elements, recovery area is best, i.e., basement, extra bathroom, mudroom.
• Never!!! let the cat recover outside in the trap.

BE CAREFUL

• Do not put your fingers in the trap or try to pet the cat.
• Do not let the cat out of the trap. You may never get the cat again.

Recovery

• The trap should be lined with several pieces of newspaper.
• After the cat is fully awake, you can place a plastic dish with can food in the trap by either using the back door or slightly pulling up the front trap door. The cat will most likely retreat to the back, only lift the back door/front door very slightly,
• Always check on the cat(s)! Make observations and call Metro Ferals if you think that the cat is not recovering.
• Don’t be shocked if you are hissed at. Feral cats are extremely frightened when in a trap. Always remember to not stick your fingers in the trap. Keep a clean towel over the trap. Do not play loud music or make loud noises. Let the cat recover after the surgery without being annoyed.
• Recovery is usually 24 hours. The cat can stay in the trap.

Releasing

• Release the cat(s) in the same place you caught the cat. NEVER release the cat anywhere but where you trapped it. It will be disoriented and will be faced with too many unknowns, such as not knowing where to get food.
• Face the trap door away from you, facing the open direction.
• Be smart! If you’re releasing near a body of water, face the trap in the opposite direction. The cats are anxious to be freed, and will dart out of the trap faster than you can blink.
• Put food and fresh water out before you leave.

HAVE FUN!!! You are saving thousands of lives and making a difference in your community. Be smart, and ask questions. If you’re unsure about a certain cat/situation, always call Metro Ferals. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Trap with a buddy, you can brainstorm together. Always put the cat first before anything else you do.