How do you set up a trap to catch a feral cat?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – how can a catch a feral cat? I want to spay her – she runs the neighbor hood and is quite feral. Noone can touch her. A couple years ago – I tried to catch one with my hands and ended up in the hospital. How do you use a trap?

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You asked the best way to use a trap to catch feral cats. I have a friend that does this a lot and I emailed her your question. This is what she sent:

Christine wrote, “Generally, I make a spay/neuter appt and set the trap the day before. Then I hold the cat in the trap until the next day – that way there is no moving them in and out when you are likely to get bit. I put a light t-shirt or towel in the trap – so that it does not set off the trap but will protect the cat’s feet from the cage wire when they are in there for the night. After the spay/neuter they are usually agreeable to going into a crate. I keep them in a crate for 3 to 5 days for healing then let them out to the outside – no handling. I make sure they have plenty of food and water. “

A couple articles that might be helpful to you are Care of feral cats and The Truth About Feral Cats.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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