Surgery Prep

Before you embark on your trapping expedition, think about protection—the “what ifs” that could occur. Prepare the holding area in your home for pre- and post-surgery. Maybe it’s your garage or another warm, sheltered space. Cover the floor with 1) protective plastic and 2) newspapers on top to absorb moisture. Do the same in your car for transporting cats to and from the site and veterinarian.

Line your trap with a layer of newspaper if appropriate for you kind of trap: Each one is different. If it’s appropriate, cover the “trip plate” which springs when the cat “trips” it. Cover the entire trap bottom to protect the cat’s feet. Cats don’t like walking on the wire mesh. Stray Cat Alliance uses Tru-Catch brand because they close quietly. Hence, the cat does not get startled when the door is closed, “smashing” its face trying to get out. Also, the metal is coated and there are no sharp edges.

More newspaper: We don’t want females lying in their own urine next to stitches, as this could cause pain or worse, infection.

Make sure to practice with your trap to understand the mechanisms by which it works. Experienced trappers may push the hook just off the trap cylinder in order to effect a "hair trigger." This requires a delicate balance in order to keep the trap from springing due to the slightest contact with a cat. If you’re unsure, do what feels safe and sure—even though it may feel slow to you. Better to be safe than sorry, as you probably won’t get a second chance to trap a cat.

Read On:

Help is Here
If you’re new to colony care and trapping, Stray Cat Alliance can help. Please contact us through our contact page. We provide humane traps and training on all aspects of trapping for the purposes of TNR for people in southern California...

"T" is for TRAP
So you’ve assumed responsibility for a community cat colony. You want to get the cats vaccinated and fixed. Great! You’ll need these supplies first...

“N” is for NEUTER, “R” for RETURN
Be sure you’ve made appointments with clinics or veterinarians for cat surgeries before you trap. Before taking the cat to the vet—ideally the next morning—keep it in that quiet holding area...

At the Site
Consider spraying the trapping area with a cat-safe insect spray to discourage ants. Please ask your veterinarian what he or she recommends and do this a couple of hours before you trap. Then, place a large spoonful of appetizing food bait...