TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN
Community cats are not adoptable because they are not socialized to humans.
Studies show outdoor cats are as healthy as pet cats and can have the same life span.
An eartip removed during surgery is the universal symbol to identify a neutered and vaccinated feral/community cat.
GUIDELINES FOR TRAPPING FERAL CATS
• Trap only during daylight hours. Traps set after dark attract wildlife, including raccoons, skunks,
possums and foxes.
• Whenever possible, set traps in a secluded location, out of public view and inaccessible to dogs and other animals.
• If traps are in a public area such as an alley or parking lot, do not leave them unattended. Stay in the vicinity, close enough to be able to see them.
• If traps are in a secure area, such as a fenced back yard, they may be left for up to two hours.
• Use only small amounts of food (about 1 tablespoon) to bait the trap. Place food on a small flat object such as a lid from a yogurt carton or a small piece of cardboard. Do not use cans or bowls that may become wedged under the trip plate and prevent the trap from closing.
• NEVER use cans with sharp edges to bait traps as these can slice the cat’s mouth or tongue. This
includes cans with pull-tops and cans that have been opened with conventional can openers.
• ALWAYS check the back door of the trap to make certain it is securely fastened before you set the trap.
• Once a cat has been trapped, cover the trap with a towel to calm the cat, and move the trapped cat to a quiet location. If you are trapping several cats and the trapped cat is sitting quietly in the trap, leave it until you've finished trapping. If it is thrashing about, walk in quietly, cover the trap, and remove it.
• Once a cat has been trapped, DO NOT OPEN THE TRAP FOR ANY REASON! The only exception is if the cat has an obvious ear-tip, meaning it has already been spayed or neutered.
• Never attempt to transfer trapped cats into other cages or carriers. You WILL lose them! If you trap more than one cat in a trap, take them to the vet that way, and take an empty trap or carrier to the vet so they can be separated after surgery.
• If cats are trapped in the evening and must be held overnight, place the covered trap in a secure location such as a garage or locked shed. Elevate the trap slightly,
using a couple of sticks, so any urine or feces can
pass through the bars.
• Keep the trapping area clean! Remember, you
are an ambassador for the cats, and it is very
important to maintain good relationships with
neighbors. When you’ve finished trapping, be
sure to remove any cans, lids, plates, paper towels,
or other debris.
Simple Steps for Successfully Trapping Feral Cats
Feed the cats every day, at the same time. Once they are used to being fed, it is time to get the
used to the traps. Wire the trap doors open and begin placing the food in the rear of the traps, so
the cats become comfortable eating in them.
Allow several days for them to get used to eating in the traps. Do not provide food anywhere except in the trap.
Once the cats are eating in the traps, call us to schedule a date for spay or neuter procedures.
Withhold food for 24 hours before you plan to trap.
Now, the cats are really hungry! Bait the traps with yummy, smelly food, like tuna fish, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or good, smelly canned cat food. Put a small amount of food (1 to 2 tablespoons is plenty) on a small paper plate. Place it at the rear of the trap and set the trap.
As soon as a cat is trapped, cover the trap with a towel or small blanket. This will calm the cat.
Leave the cat in the trap. DO NOT OPEN THE TRAP or attempt to transfer the cat for any reason!
Bring the cat to the clinic in the covered trap.If you have questions or need assistance, call us at 707-682-6366.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT FERAL CATS
Feral cats are a different species from domestic cats.
The only difference between feral cats and domestic house cats is their level of socialization. Most feral cats have had little or no contact with humans and as a result, tend to be elusive and fearful of them.
Feral cats attack humans.
Feral cats are fearful of humans and avoid contact with them whenever possible. Feral cats only attack when they are cornered with no way to escape.
Feral cats can spread disease to humans.
Most diseases of cats are species-specific and do not infect humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is rare for cats to spread diseases to humans. This is especially true for feral cats who avoid humans as much as possible.
Removing feral cats will solve the problem.
Removing feral cats, through relocation or euthanasia, is neither a permanent nor humane solution. New cats will soon move in to replace those that were removed, because of the area’s desirable attributes. This is known as the vacuum effect.
If you don’t feed feral cats, they will go away.
Like domestic cats, feral cats are territorial animals, and their strong territorial instinct means that they will stay put whether you offer them food or not. If you stop feeding them, they will remain in the same territory and find their own food. Like other wild animals, they will hunt and resort to rummaging in bins and other places to find food.
Feral cats should be trapped and taken to shelters.
Feral cats are not adoptable. Euthanasia is the only option for them when they are taken to shelters.
