How do you catch a stray cat?

Question

There's a mother cat and a litter of kittens in my backyard. The woman on the first floor has been feeding them, and they appear healthy (it's a small town and they can't really be hit by cars) so we want to catch them and get them spayed/neutered, and then release them. All the shelters around euthanize the cats or can't take in more cats, and they'd probably never find a home since they are feral. Aside from expensive methods, any tips on catching them? I have a lot of patience and don't mind working on it for a whole day. But I have to do it soon, because my neighbor wants to shoot them! Poor kitties!

P.S. I don't want any stupid answers like "Shoot them"

Answer 1

Havaheart, or humane traps do wonderfully to get the cat. Use the one that's about 12"x12"x30". you'll have to talk with any of your neighbors who are feeding them, and work together. Also, have a plan of what to do (which vet she's going to, etc) before you even set the trap. It will take you several days to do, but it's worth it to the cat, rest assured.

Trapping works best when you withold food for a day of two before the trap goes out. Then, put something very enticing into the trap, like sardines. Place the trap somewhere somewhat secluded, like against a building, or halfway into some bushes. Don't bait the trap with anything but the food. No plates, no cans. Or else, when you catch the cat, you'll have a plate banging around in there with her.

The kittens pose a problem. If they're still nursing, you can set the trap only when you know where she's keeping the kittens. Even when you do catch her, immediately go back to where the kittens were, and make sure they're still there. You'll want to scoop them up, and take them with mom, if you can. The vet that will spay her will advise you on what to do with them. If they're NOT nursing, you will have to get them used to being fed like mom did, withold food, and try to trap them too.

Get a hold of a local rescue group (I can help you if you need) and see if they can assist you in trapping (perhaps loan you a trap!) or finding homes for them. Most shelters will indeed euthanize feral cats, but unless you can find a shelter willing to try to gentle her, or you're willing to spay her, and re-release her on your property, you're somewhat out of options. The kittens will likely be able to be gentled and adopted out.

If you need any more help, feel free to e-mail me, [e-mail]

Best of Luck!

Answer 2

Two methods I have found to catch a stray. If the cat isn't 110% feral you can probably gradually earn it's trust and pick it up. Patiently sit as close to the cat as you can with something good to eat (bologna or other lunchmeat will work well), hold it out to the cat and talk soothingly to it. You may have to throw out little pieces and gradually get the food closer to you. Once you lure the cat close enough you can either grab it or start petting it before picking it up. Be prepared to be scratched and possibly bitten -- maybe use a towel to grab the kitty with.

Another way you can catch stray cats is with a Have a Heart trap. Here's an example of one: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jsp;jsessionid=YY2WBDR4GC1SPTQSNOHCCOOOCJVZCIWE?id=0006858220456a&navAction=jump&navCount=1&indexId=&podId=0006858&catalogCode=ID&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&cmCat=search&_requestid=13081. They work very well for catching stray cats -- just put something yummy in there soft canned food or whatever.

Good luck -- I hope the kitties stay safe :o)

Answer 3

Live animal traps with food will work. Like those that people use for skunks, raccoons, etc. You can get them at hardware stores.

It's actually a good practice to do that catch and release. Since cats are territorial, they'll stay in your area and prevent others from coming in, and the ones there now won't keep multiplying. I saw a show about this on Animal Planet recently. Good for you!

Answer 4

You will have to trap them, or, if the kittens are small enough, you might be able to get close enough to them to grab them (we have done that on a few occaisions).

You will need to either build a drop trap, or purchase an animal trap appropriate for cats. We have one we got from Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com). However, the cats are pretty smart, and often won't step on the metal plate that trips the trap.

You can look online for instructions on how to build drop traps. They are basically netted crates that you prop up with a stick. You wait for the cat to enter it, then pull a string attached to the stick and drop the crate over the cat.

Look online for "feral cats" for information on controlling feral cat populations, trapping etc. A lot of people do this, and there is plenty of information available.

Answer 5

RE:
How do you catch a stray cat?
There's a mother cat and a litter of kittens in my backyard. The woman on the first floor has been feeding them, and they appear healthy (it's a small town and they can't really be hit by cars) so we want to catch them and get them spayed/neutered, and then release them. All the...

Answer 6

With a stray dog?
No, seriously, we had a friend who was having trouble with a stray cat. She had a friend bring a trap that is like a cage with a trigger and then set food back in the back. When the cat enters the cage it sets off and closes.

Answer 7

My mother ran into a similar situation. This might take a while, but get a cat carrier and leave food in it. Get Momma cat used to you sitting there. And when she goes in to eat, close the door and take care of what you want to do- preferably by taking them to a shelter elsewhere, since you're so short of space in your own town. Good luck!

Answer 8

I can totally sympathize with you on this! I have two cats that were wild when I found them! The best solution I can give you is to be extremely patient with them. you really have to build up their trust! No sudden movements, put yourself down on their level! Another good trick is to set out a large cat carrier with a soft blanket and food & water. If they take the bait, they will continue to come back to the carrier for the food! Plus, the carrier will feel safe to them because it is closed-in! Eventually, maybe you can get them in this carrier, close it, and get them fixed! And tell your neighbor that they can get arrested and fined heavily for animal cruelty! You can report them!

Answer 9

You could get a humane trap and then put some food in it and hope for the best. Why don't you make a little hut type thing for them to live in after you get them fixed .

Answer 10

well you can set 2 bowls of food and 2 bowls of milk 1 can be at the end of your driveway like a bowl of milk and a bowl of food sitting at the end of your driveway and the other can be in front of your door and that is how my mom got her stray! just do no let it out after you capture it because it will not come back[ maybe] but just in case don't!
love, the avatar Rosilleia