Feeding Tips

• Adjust feeding times to 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM to match trapping hours.
• Feed the cats in or near the trap a few days ahead so they get used to it.
• Use canned cat food or tuna, not dry kibble, to entice cats.

Setting Up a Trapping Area

• Pick a quiet, hidden spot—like near bushes or along a building.
• Spread traps out; don’t put two side by side.
• If trapping in public, keep traps away from traffic and pedestrians.
• Tip: If a cat refuses to enter a regular trap, you may need a drop trap.

Feeding Routine

• Feed at the same time and place each day.
• The day or night before trapping, withhold food so cats are hungry.
• Let neighbors know not to feed cats before trapping.

Safety First

• Never touch or handle community cats; even “friendly” cats may scratch or bite.
• Do not put fingers near traps.

Covering Traps:

• Cover traps on all sides to reduce stress.
• Use breathable materials (not plastic, cardboard, or Plexiglass).
• Line the trap bottom with newspaper for comfort and safety.

Locking Traps:

• Secure all trap doors with zip ties and double-check them before moving.

Trapping Times

• Trap cats between 4:00 PM and 11:30 PM the evening before surgery.
• This ensures they have at least 6 hours without food before anesthesia.
• Remove all food by midnight.

Trap Guidelines

• Only use approved humane traps; no carriers, boxes, or soft cages.
• Traps provide a safe space for cats and allow vets to safely anesthetize them.

Transporting Cats

• Do not stack traps.
• Avoid the trunk or open bed of a truck unless seats are folded down.
• Line your vehicle with puppy pads and newspaper to catch any mess.
• Cover traps with breathable material.

Arriving at the Clinic

• Arrive between 7:15 AM – 7:30 AM.
• Leave cats in your car until check-in.
• Fill out one form per cat.
• After check-in, bring cats to the clinic staff.

Holding Area Tips

• Choose a safe, indoor, temperature-controlled location (bathroom, laundry room, garage, or enclosed patio).
• Keep the area quiet, ventilated, dry, and away from other pets.
• Do not stack traps; each cat needs its own space.
• Never leave cats outside or in vehicles overnight.

Trapping Steps

1. Gather all supplies in a single easy-to-carry bag.
2. Only trap in good weather. If it’s raining or extremely hot/cold, wait and reschedule.
3. Set traps just before regular feeding time, at the exact spot cats are used to.
4. Place traps on a level surface to prevent wobbling.
5. Bait the trap with food.
6. Set the trap carefully.
7. Cover traps partially at first to let cats see and smell the food while reducing stress. Fully cover once the cat is inside.
8. Remove all traps by midnight, whether you caught cats or not.