Humane Trap BasicsAnimal Care & ServicesBuilding a community in which every adoptable pet finds a home.

These are simple, wire cages with a door on one end and trip plate on the other that cats will step on when they go in for food.  To set the trap, push the slanted door in and then lift at the same time.  Hook the door onto the latch on top of the trap, and this lifts the food plate.  When a cat enters the trap and steps on the plate, the door closes behind them. 

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when trapping:Humane Trap Picture

  • Understand how the trap works before you set it.

  • Never leave a trap unattended.

  • Once a cat is trapped, keep it loosely covered with a sheet or towel (this keeps them calmer).

  • When carrying a trapped cat, hold it away from your body.

  • Always be sure the doors on BOTH sides are closed and secure in order to prevent escape.

  • NEVER leave a trap in direct sunlight or in extreme weather conditions.

  • When actively trapping, do not feed anywhere else except for inside the trap!  After a cat has been trapped, go ahead and feed the others.

  • Use tuna fish or wet cat food to attract the cats to want to go into the trap, and put it all the way the back of the trap.

Sometimes raccoons, skunks, opossums, or squirrels will go in to eat the food and end up trapped.  These animals are natural to the environment and should NEVER be removed from the area.  If you find that you have trapped one of these animals, please release them immediately.

Once you have obtained a humane trap, you must learn how to properly let it up and use it.  For detailed instructions, click here.