TRAPPING HINTS

Trap at the same time and place that the cats are normally fed. If the cats do not eat at a regular time every day, start them on a schedule by feeding them canned food the same time every day. This will make trapping easier.

Withhold food for 24-48 hours before trapping. Decide what time of day is best to trap. Always provide fresh water.

Place a couple of sheets of newspaper flat on the bottom of the trap.

Use tuna or really smelly cat food. Place a half teaspoon in the middle of the trap towards the back of the trip plate. Drizzle the juice from the entrance of the trap to the back. Then place a small amount of food along the back of the cage. This will entice the cat to go into the trap and walk onto the trip plate. Do not use any plates or saucers - put food directly on the newspaper.

Once the cat is inside the trap, place a sheet or towel over the top of it to calm the cat. Check the cat for any injuries if it thrashed about in the cage. Check for ear tip.

Make sure you gather enough  traps to do the entire colony. You decrease your chances by 20% each time thereafter. Do not trap in high winds or rain due to limited success.

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NEVER LEAVE TRAPS UNATTENDED

For difficult to trap cats, call Metro Ferals or Alley Cat Allies for advice. You can speak to a counselor at Alley Cat Allies Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM at 202-667-3630, ext. 108 or 112. You can also E-mail Metro Ferals at trapping@metroferals.com.
 

IMPORTANT

If you catch a raccoon or possum, release the animal as follows:
1) Cover the trap with a towel.
2) Pull the towel back from the releasing end. Animal will retreat under towel.
3) Open the door and stand behind the trap.
4) Pull towel off and the animal should run out of the trap.
 

IMPORTANT

If you catch a pregnant cat or a lactating mother, DO NOT release her. You will probably never trap her again. A pregnant cat can be spayed. A lactating mother can be released as soon as she is fully awake. The kitten's main threat is exposure to the elements. Your choices for trapping a lactating mother in winter are:

1) wait until the kittens are weaned before trapping her,
2) wait until the weather warms up, or
3) shoo the mother away from the trap.
 

Remember that the suffering of many future litters will far exceed the litter she has at the time of trapping.

For additional information on trapping visit www.pets911.com.  Instructional videos that explain the trapping process in detail can be viewed by clicking on the picture below.   You can choose from six different videos that will explain each step of the TNR process.  The links for each video will be on the right side of your screen.

For equipment purchase, please visit these websites

• ACES (traps and nets)
• Heart of the Earth Marketing (Tru-catch traps)
• Livetrap.com (Tomahawk traps)
   

To borrow traps, contact Metro Ferals. There is a deposit required.

If you have a specific trapping question, please E-mail trapping@metroferals.com