"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:

• Traps (See more below.)
• Newspaper Can opener
• Catnip to enhance bait
• Plastic spoons or forks
• Bait, a.k.a., food: Canned mackerel is a favorite. Take a lid or foil for already-open cans.
• Flashlight if trapping at night: That’s when you will usually trap.
• Rubber and work gloves
• Water and snacks for trappers
• Paper towels, pre-moistened wipes for hands or spills
• Towels or fabric for covering traps
• Masking tape to mark traps, covers or to tape down newspapers; marker
• Food and water to leave for cats to be trapped
• Zip ties or twist ties
• Binoculars
• Trash bags
• Cat carrier
• Canvas garden bag with outside pockets; easily carried in one hand

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...

“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...

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...

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...