Setting traps for cats
Feral cats are naturally cautious and can be difficult to trap. Live catch traps, such as box and cage traps, are suitable.
When targeting cats try to think like a cat and place the trap where it will be tempting like against bushes etc.
As cats are more active at night, set your traps at night and release them in the morning if nothing is caught. This is a good safety measure if you have domestic cats around, as you only need to keep them inside during night hours.
Initially secure/wire the trap door open and bait with small pieces of bait around the entrance and on the floor of the trap. Bait the traps with fish, fresh meat or cat food. Once the bait is readily accepted then bait and set the trap.
Placing a sack or two to cover the entire cage reduces the risk of cats grabbing bait from the outside and will make the cats feel more secure in entering the trap.
If the area where you are trapping adjoins residential properties it is possible that you could catch domestic cats.
To deter them from re-entering your property we would suggest that you adopt
the following procedure. Once domestic cats are caught in traps roll the cage around, make plenty of loud noise, and then hose the cat and release. This is extremely effective and as they have had such a huge fright, while not harming them in any way, it is unlikely you will see them again.
Once trapped, a feral cat should be disposed of humanely. Check with the SPCA for approved methods of destruction in your area.
Legal Requirement: all 'live capture' traps must be checked daily.
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