I wanted to reach out to those of you that are interested in helping cats and would like to start trapping in your spare time. I am a volunteer and long time animal activist. I would like to share with you how you can help make a huge difference in cat’s lives in this community.
When hundreds of cats and kittens enter the shelter system in our community every year, many of them don't survive the shelter environment. It's just too stressful and there are too many contagious diseases to contend with. One of the most effective ways to stop this influx of cats entering shelters is through spay neuter. TNR (trap neuter return) programs are very effective and the most humane way to help cats. After all, humans are responsible for pet overpopulation and it's our responsibility to fix it. So taking the first step and learning to trap them to be neutered is a life saving service!
You can borrow traps at LHS or you can buy one at Tractor Supply store for around $35. I am going to detail here exactly what I do (and I did this with a regular 40 hr. /wk full time job), so that anyone can do this.
Once you have your trap(s) and a target area of where you know stray cats are that is almost half the battle. If you need suggestions on places to trap you can call the shelter and ask.
What you will need.
Newspaper to line the traps with (no more than two sheets, so it's not too heavy)
Paper plates cut in half to place the food on for the very back of the cage
Towels to cover the traps with once a cat goes in to keep them calm. VERY IMPORTANT!
More towels to line the back of your vehicle with to transport them home to keep your vehicle clean
Cat food, tuna, chicken, or whatever you think will be enticing to put in the traps.
Small bag of dry cat food. Sometimes I shake the bag to alert the cats they are being fed and maybe drop some of the kibble in the back of the cage.
Flashlight to check for cats or check your traps.
Paper towels and a spoon if you are using canned food. (It makes a mess)
Techniques
DO NOT leave traps set and unattended for more than 15 minutes. DO NOT leave them set over night unless you want a wild animal in it or a very stressed out cat! I normally set mine and walk away or drive away to check another area then periodically check back. No cat or animal should be left unattended in a trap for very long. Once they go in quickly move them into your vehicle or a safe quiet area.
You may want to place traps near bushes or where a cat may feel secure. You can even place a small towel over the trap, but do not cover the back where the food is so they can smell it.
You will want to quietly place traps where you see cats go regularly to eat or travel in a certain area. If you can make sure they weren't recently fed that is ideal.
Trapping in the evening is best because they should not eat after midnight or once they go in the trap because it can be dangerous to the animal to have a full stomach during the surgery.
Trapping at dusk or at normal feeding times or when you normally see them out and about is best.
Remember once you trap them you will have to hold them in a safe, quiet, temperature controlled place until morning. I keep mine down in my basement. And Keep a sheet or towel over the cage with one part peeled back for air.
The Spay Neuter clinic is open Monday through Thursday for surgeries. M-Th they do intake at 8am. Pick up is at 7:30am the following morning. If you cannot drive them to the clinic directly you can take them to the Lynchburg Humane Society on Wednesday mornings at 8am. This means you would only be able to trap on Tuesday nights. If you can trap but have a difficult time getting them to the clinic call the shelter and ask if someone can come and get the trapped cat from you. Sometimes I lend people my traps and they do the work and I come and pick them up and bring them to the clinic. Like a transport service, or whatever works within your schedule.
When you pick up the cat you must keep the male cats about two days, but the female cats have had abdominal surgery and may require more recovery time. I bring them back to my basement and let them recover and put food/water carefully in the cage without opening the trap all the way! Be careful they can and will escape! I use small paper plates with wet foor and shallow bowls for water.
Another tip is to make yourself identifiable when trapping. Let neighbors know what you are doing. Where a Shirt or get a door magnet made. I recently had door magnets made for my car that say CITY CAT FIX, LYNCHBURG HUMANE SOCIETY, Trapping in Progress..... (these are some ideas)
Also! Check for ear tips when they enter the trap. Make sure they haven't been through this before.
Forms you will need.
Admission Sheet- from the clinic
Coupon for Free spay neuter (if within city limits where you found the cat)
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