A cat colony can grow to dangerous numbers, especially for health reasons, if not regulated. If you are an animal lover and have your own, perhaps the best solution is to sterilize stray cats, doing a service to your community and the pets that live there. To learn how to catch a stray cat safely, read this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Attracting the Cat
Step 1. Create a regular feeding schedule
If you live near an area with a lot of stray cats and want to neuter them to keep them healthy and keep the population in check, you can start a regular feeding program. Always put the food in the same place and at the same time.
Step 2. Let the cat get used to your presence
Don't try to grab it or even touch it, as most stray cats don't want to be touched by humans. Stand at a distance and sit in a nearby chair after taking out the food. Stay still as much as possible while the cat eats.
Let the cat control the situation. If he comes up to you and rubs against your legs, great. Otherwise, stay where you are and stay still. The cat has yet to get used to your presence
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to Trap a Stray Cat
Step 1. Get a trap
The safest way to catch a cat or other wild animal is to use a trap. A medium sized trap will be fine for most stray cats. Most traps work the same way, so follow your model's instructions.
- A stray cat trap has openings at both ends and an activator in the center, where to put food. When the cat enters the cage, the trap clicks and the doors close. It is easy to carry and comfortable for the cat.
- In some cities, animal welfare organizations lend traps to catch cats to take to the shelter. Do your research before buying a trap.
Step 2. Make an appointment to have your cat spayed
Make an appointment a few days before your attempt to catch, to give the animal time to get used to the trap and to have a few more opportunities to catch the cat.
Give the vet all the necessary information about the cat, such as sex, any health problems you have noticed and, if you have an idea, the cat's age
Step 3. Consider feeding the cat in the trap for a few days before the appointment
You can open the doors of most traps without any problems, allowing the cat to get in and out. You can consider taking out the food at the same time to accustom the cat to the trap and let it spread its scent into the space to make it even more comfortable.
Part 3 of 4: Setting the Trap
Step 1. Prepare the area before placing the trap in place
You will need a safe and quiet place to keep your cat before your clinic appointment and after the operation. It must be a place where the temperature is warm (anesthesia prevents the cat from regulating its body temperature), which protects them from other animals and free from disturbing elements.
An empty bedroom or any dark spot in your home will do. Garden sheds or a particularly large wardrobe can also work
Step 2. Do not feed the cat for 24 hours before the appointment
To make sure he likes the food you give him, and so that he doesn't overeat before the operation, skip a food delivery. It might be tough, but resist the temptation to take out the food before catching the cat.
Eliminate food, but don't eliminate water! Make sure you continue to feed the stray cat, even the night before the capture
Step 3. Place the trap
When feeding him (ideally 12-24 hours before the appointment), use a light cloth to cover the underside of the trap. Place about two tablespoons of canned cat food (or tuna or other foods with a strong odor) in the back of the trap. Place the trap on a flat surface where it cannot slip or flip over.
- You can take some liquid or oil from the food and arrange it in a zigzag pattern if you want it to be even more irresistible. Alternatively, try to place a few kibbles in the direction of the trap, but not too many.
- Consider placing a cup or bowl of water after the cat is trapped. You can use a small pet water bottle to fill the bowl while staying further away.
Step 4. Wait and observe
You don't have to go into action immediately after setting the trap but, if the cat enters the trap, you can calm him down by covering the trap with a towel or blanket.
- Either way, take the trap home as soon as you notice the cat is trapped inside. The cat may not take it well, so if it is agitated, do not put your fingers in the openings.
- The cat may meow a lot and moan. While meowing can squeeze your heart, remember that you are doing the right thing.
Part 4 of 4: Moving the Cat
Step 1. Always keep the trap covered
Let the cat calm down by keeping him indoors until the appointment. Give it some water and try to keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible.
Step 2. Prepare the cat
Put a towel or blanket on the car seat in case you decide to urinate or spray urine into the car during transportation. Remember that this is a very different experience for the cat, so be prepared for her reactions.
Step 3. Carry the cat gently
When it's time for the appointment, carry the cat gently and slowly, trying not to make any sudden movements and keeping your fingers away from the opening of the trap. Then let the vet take control of the situation. Make sure he knows it's a stray cat.
In the car, speak slowly to the cat in a soothing voice and keep the situation under control. Do not listen to music and do not drive with the windows open
Step 4. Follow the post-operative instructions for stray cats until it is time to release the animal into the wild
Your vet will explain the basic procedures and you can keep the cat overnight before releasing it.
Step 5. Discuss the different options with an animal shelter
In general it is not recommended to release cats into the wild, unless there is no other choice or if normal accommodation is somehow dangerous for the animal. If so, contact the animal shelter for advice or seek another shelter.
