How to Trap Feral Cats

Preparation before trapping cats
  • Make an early morning appointment with one of our participating Amador County veterinarians.
  • Do not remove cats from the trap. Transport to and from the appointment in the trap.
    Be sure the cats are hungry enough to take the bait! Withhold food before attempting to trap.
  • Prepare your car to prevent messes. Lay down tarp or plastic trash bags and newspaper or old towels on top.
Setting the Traps:
  • Cats are vulnerable in traps. Place trap in a cool dry area and cover it to camouflage it.
  • Use smelly food as bait! Canned tuna is very effective. Remove food from the can and place on paper in the back of the trap.
  • Make sure to set hook slightly to create a hair trigger.
Release and Try Again:
  • Check for a collar or clipped ear that may indicate you have trapped a pet or previously altered cat. If so, release and reset trap.
Safety:
  • Feral cats are wild. Use caution not to get bitten or scratched. Keep children and pets away.
  • Wash your hands frequently before and after trapping or handling wild cats. 
  • IF YOU ARE BITTEN, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. DO NOT RELEASE THE ANIMAL. CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL FOR QUARANTINE INSTRUCTIONS. TAKE ALL INJURIES SERIOUSLY.
After Surgery:
  • Follow veterinarian’s post-op instructions.
  • Take the cat to the same location where it was trapped to release. Keep trap covered until you are ready to release.
  • If the veterinarian tells you she’s a lactating female, release immediately and watch where she goes. See if you can locate her kittens. We do not want to take them away from her for four (4) weeks. Call (209)-223-0410 for instructions.
  • The cat will be scared and want to run. Release it in a safe location, not by a busy street or other dangers.
  • Open the trap door while it is FACING AWAY FROM YOU.

    IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT A-PAL HUMANE SOCIETY AT (209) 223-0410 OR ANIMAL CONTROL AT (209) 223-6378