Trapping your cat

Trapping: Do It Right—Or Don’t Do It at All

Trapping is one of the most effective—but also most sensitive—parts of cat recovery. Done correctly, it can bring your cat home. Done poorly, it can ruin your chances of ever seeing your cat again.

❗ The Golden Rule: Never Leave a Trap Set and Unattended Overnight ❗

Sloppy or irresponsible trapping can be catastrophic. Cats are smart and will often never enter a trap again after a failed or traumatic experience.

Worst-case scenario: Your cat gets trapped, a predator finds them, and the trap is shaken open—leaving behind only fur. It has happened.

• In extreme temperatures, check the trap every 30 minutes.

• In ideal conditions, one hour is the recommended maximum—two hours is the absolute limit.

• If you can’t monitor the trap, tie the front door open and leave food inside instead of setting it.

Would you want to be stuck outside in a cage for hours in the cold, heat, or rain? If not, then check the trap as often as you'd want to be checked on.

🎓 Learn Before You Trap

Before setting your trap, watch instructional videos—especially those demonstrating both gravity-closed and spring-closed traps. Learn:

• How to safely bait and set the trap

• Where and how to place it

• What to do once your cat is caught

• Recommended Trap Video: Click here

🎥 Camera Monitoring

If you’ve purchased the Edge Pro 2 trail camera, you’re in great shape—it allows you to request a live photo or video anytime. This lets you check the trap without physically being there.

Avoid relying on motion-triggered cameras alone. I’ve seen cats left trapped in poor weather for hours because the camera never sent a timely alert. Never again.

📋 Supplies Checklist

Here’s what you need to trap safely and effectively:

• Humane cat trap (gravity-close preferred)

• Trap liner (or substitute: newspaper or pee pads)

• Sheet, towel, or fabric to cover the trap

• Bait:

  • Packaged fish in oil (tuna, salmon, sardines)

  • Dry cat food (better for hot or freezing temps)

• Small food bowl (must fit and clear the trap plate)

• Water bowl (outside the trap)

• Zip ties or carabiners (for securing doors)

• Strong magnets (optional – to secure sheet or food bowl)

🎯 Trap Placement Tips

• Place near the house or tucked into landscaping—avoid open, exposed areas that may scare your cat or attract attention.

• Ensure the trap is stable, level, and easily accessible, especially the food end.

• Use a liner to cover the trap floor and plate, especially metal traps, to prevent injury and reduce fear.

🍴 Baiting Tips

• Use a small food bowl that sits clear of the trap plate.

• Optional: Place a magnet in the bowl to prevent moving.

• Add strong-smelling bait, like fish in oil, to attract your cat from a distance.

• Pro tip: Trail the juice from the fish outward from the trap door to spread scent in multiple directions—especially effective in wet conditions.

🫗 Don’t Forget Water

Place a small water bowl next to the trap. Many lost cats are dehydrated and may go for water before food.

🔒 Secure the Trap

• After placing the bait, zip tie or carabiner the rear door closed if no factory locking option.

• Once the trap is set and your cat is caught, secure the front door immediately to prevent accidental escape during transport.

🏁 Final Steps

• Set the trap, confirm it closes properly, and verify the bait isn’t obstructing the trip plate.

• Cover the trap with a sheet or towel, leaving the front open. Use magnets to reduce flapping in windy conditions.

• Monitor regularly, adjusting bait frequency depending on weather (more frequent in extreme heat or cold).

• If you can’t check frequently, don’t set the trap—tie the front open and let it act as a feeding station instead.

🧺 After the Catch

Once your cat is trapped:

• Secure the front door with a zip tie or clip

• Calmly cover the trap fully

• Move your cat to a safe, temperature controlled place immediately

• Do not open the trap until you are home.