Humane traps are useful pieces of kit when you need to capture a skittish cat. Whether it's your own kitty who's got lost on an adventure or a feral cat that needs medical attention.

However, the process can prove difficult. This is why we've put together this complete guide to trapping a cat.

We'll explore the basics of setting a trap, best practices for capturing your kitty safely, and how to monitor the trap.

1.

Acquire a humane cat trap: Purchase or rent a humane trap specifically designed for cats. Avoid using traps meant for other animals or homemade contraptions. Choose from a drop trap or a box trap.

2.

Select a suitable location: Choose a location for the trap based on factors such as familiarity, visibility, and evidence of your cat's presence. Consider the environment, as finding a lost cat in the woods may require a different approach than in a city. Generally, try to find an enclosed space.

3.

Gather familiar items: Collect items that carry your cat's scent, like their favorite blanket or toys, to use in creating a scent trail and making the trap more inviting. You could also try placing a lost cat's litter box outside as an additional lure.

4.

Prepare bait: Stock up on enticing food items, such as canned tuna or wet cat food, to use as bait inside the trap.

5.

Gather comfort items: Assemble soft bedding, a blanket, or a towel to place inside the trap, making it more comfortable for your cat.

6.

Set up a trail camera: If possible, set up a trail camera near the trap to monitor its activity without disturbing the area.

7.

Plan for post-trapping: Have a plan in place for when your cat is captured, such as how to safely transport them home and provide immediate care upon their return. Review what to do if your cat gets out to ensure a smooth reunion.

1.

Place traps in the location you've chosen, based on your research and understanding of your cat's behavior.

2.

Camouflage the trap with surrounding foliage or other natural elements to help it blend into the environment.

3.

Place bait inside the trap, using the tips we've provided to entice your cat.

4.

Make the trap comfortable for your cat by adding a soft blanket and familiar items.

5.

Monitor the trap using trail cameras, or check on it frequently if using a manual door trap.

Canned cat food

Wet food

Tuna or canned fish

Cooked chicken or turkey

1.

Place a small amount of food near the entrance to entice the cat.

2.

Put the majority of the bait at the back of the trap to encourage the cat to enter fully.

3.

Use a small dish or flat container to hold the bait, making it easily accessible.

4.

If using a spring-loaded or automatic trap, ensure the bait is positioned to trigger the trap mechanism.

Familiarity: Set up the trap in an area your cat is familiar with, such as your backyard or a spot they frequently visited.

Visibility: Ensure the trap is visible and easily accessible to your cat, but not overly exposed to other animals or people.

Quiet and sheltered: Cats are more likely to approach a trap placed in a quiet, sheltered area, away from loud noises or heavy foot traffic.

Feeding spots: If you've noticed your cat eating from a specific location, such as a neighbor's pet food bowl, consider placing the trap nearby.

Evidence of presence: Look for signs your cat has been in the area, such as paw prints or fur, and place the trap nearby to capitalize on their established territory. Learn how to track a cat with our expert techniques.

Your cat's used litter or bedding: This will remind them of their safe, familiar space.

Your own worn clothes or socks: Your scent can be comforting and attractive to your cat.

Your cat's favorite toys or treats: These can create a sense of familiarity and comfort.

A blanket or pillowcase from your bed: Again, your scent can be a powerful lure.

Used food bowls or dishes: The scent of food can be very enticing for a hungry, lost cat.

1.

Spray catnip or pheromone spray around the trap and nearby hiding spots.

2.

Apply the spray to the items used in the scent trail.

3.

Reapply every few hours or as needed, following the product's instructions.

Add a soft blanket or towel to the bottom of the trap.

Place familiar items, such as toys or bedding, inside the trap.

Camouflage the trap with surrounding foliage, making it appear more like a natural hiding spot.

Ensure the trap is level and stable, preventing it from wobbling or tipping.

Place cameras at various angles to cover a wider area

Set the camera to take photos or videos at regular intervals

Make sure the camera is well-hidden to avoid scaring your cat

Use a camera with night vision capabilities for round-the-clock monitoring. Learn more about how to find a lost cat at night.

Check battery life and memory capacity to ensure continuous operation Trail camera monitoring a cat trap

Cat tracks or paw prints around the trap area

Displaced items or knocked over objects

Unusual noises, such as meowing or rustling sounds

Sightings of your cat by neighbors or passersby

Evidence of your cat eating the bait but not entering the trap

Other animals entering the trap: Use smaller openings or a cat-specific trigger mechanism to prevent non-target animals from getting trapped.

Cat not entering the trap: Experiment with different baits, scents, or trap placements.

Trap not functioning properly: Regularly inspect and test the trap to ensure it's in good working order.

Weather conditions affecting the trap: Protect the trap from rain or direct sunlight by placing it under a shelter or using a weatherproof cover.

Unsuccessful trapping attempts: Consult with local pet rescue organizations or experienced trappers for guidance and support.

Expand your search area: Consider extending the search radius, as your cat may have wandered further than anticipated.

Utilize social media and local resources: Post about your lost cat on social media, contact local shelters, and notify your neighbors. Learn more about how to spread the word effectively on Facebook.

Hire a pet detective or tracker: Professionals with experience in finding lost pets may be able to offer valuable assistance. Here's our guide on reporting a missing cat to help you get started.

Check hiding spots regularly: Revisit areas where your cat might hide, as they could return to the same spot multiple times. Discover the top hiding spots for cats outside to know where to look.

Don't give up: Persistence is key, and many lost cats have been reunited with their owners after weeks or even months. Try contacting the local shelter to see if they can help you. They will often attend to reports of stray or feral cats that need trapping.

Start a PetRadar search: We can help you locate your kitty by spreading the message to thousands of your neighbors on social media. Through reported sightings, you'll be more likely to find your cat. We've already found over 10,000 cats this way!