The feral cat population can grow unhealthy and dangerous if not controlled. Therefore, animal protection agencies such as the ASPCA in the United States promote "Catch-Sterilize-Release" policies to help control cat populations. This policy can gradually reduce feral cat colonies, as well as reduce the fighting and screaming that can occur in these colonies. If you're an animal owner, or just a caring animal lover, you'll want to help get the wild animals in your neighborhood spayed. Capturing feral cats for care is an important contribution to the community and the animals that live around them.
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Part 1 of 4: Catching the Cat's Attention
Step 1. Give food regularly
If there are a lot of stray cats around your house and you want them to be neutered, start by feeding them regularly and in a controlled manner. Place food at the same time and place every day. Food is usually the easiest way to lure stray cats closer.
Step 2. Get the stray cat used to your presence
Do not try to pick it up or touch it. Feral cats are easily startled and do not like human touch. Instead, stay around and sit quietly on a stool near the cat after placing the food. Stay still and don't move around much while the cat eats.
Let the cat take control of the situation. If a stray cat suddenly approaches you and rubs his body, this is a very good sign! If not, just sit there quietly. He is still getting used to your presence
Part 2 of 4: Preparations for Catching Stray Cats
Step 1. Set up live traps
The best way to catch feral cats, or other wild animals, is to use live traps, such as the Havahart brand. Medium-sized traps are ideal for feral cats and animals the size of a raccoon. Most brands of live traps work essentially the same way, but follow the instructions according to the model of trap you get.
- Live traps have doors on both sides and a main trigger in the center for placing food. If the cat enters the cage and activates the trap, the door will close and the cat will be trapped in it. This trap is easy to carry and convenient for cats.
- In some places in the United States, wild animal sterilization agencies will provide traps for people who want to catch cats. Study your options first if you don't want to buy your own.
Step 2. Make an appointment with a doctor for sterilization
Make an appointment with your vet a few days before trying to catch a stray cat. This will give you enough time to familiarize your cat with the trap and give you a chance to catch it. Make sure the vet uses dissolving stitches, so the cat doesn't have to go back to the vet before you release her back into her colony.
Tell your vet everything you know about the cat, such as its gender, any visible health problems, and the cat's approximate age
Step 3. Feed the cat in the trap for a few days before seeing the doctor
Move the usual food into the trap gradually. You can open the doors of live traps without setting them so the cat can get in and out freely without actually trapping it. You might consider feeding the cat at regular times to get the cat used to its cage and allowing it to release its odors and pheromones in the cage to make it more comfortable.
Part 3 of 4: Setting Traps
Step 1. Prepare the place before setting the trap
You'll need a quiet, sheltered place to place your stray cat before and after visiting the vet for neutering. The place should be warm (because anesthesia causes the cat to not be able to regulate its own body temperature), so it can protect the cat from other animals. Make sure the place is also quiet and free of distractions.
An unused room or shady area in the house is fine. A well-maintained closet or basement is also suitable for use
Step 2. Stop feeding 24 hours before going to the vet
To ensure the cat is enthusiastic about the food placed outside the trap, as well as not to overeat before the operation, avoid feeding. It can be difficult to do this, but resist the urge to put food outside the trap before you get ready to catch the cat.
While you can stop feeding, don't stop drinking water! Be sure to continue giving stray cats water even the night before trying to catch them
Step 3. Set the trap
At the appropriate feeding time (preferably 12-24 hours before seeing the vet), fold a piece of cheesecloth lengthwise and use it to cover the bottom of the wire trap and trap trigger. Place about 2 tablespoons of canned cat food (or substitute tuna, canned mackerel, or other strong-smelling food that is attractive to cats) at the very back of the trap. Set the trap and place it on a flat surface that won't slide or tip over easily.
- You can drip the juice or oil from the food in a zigzag pattern from the back of the trap to the front, for more attention. Alternatively, sprinkle a small amount of dry food towards the back of the trap, but not too much.
- You can also place an empty container or cup in the trap to fill with water later after the cat is trapped. Make sure the container does not have sharp edges that could injure the cat. You can use a dropper to fill water into the container from a safe distance.
Step 4. Wait and watch
Don't leave the trap unattended, but you don't need to rush to close the trap once the cat is trapped. Cats can be soothed by quickly covering the trap with a blanket or tarpaulin once the trap is effectively closed.
- Move the trap into the room as soon as possible after the cat is trapped in it. The cat may be angry and rebellious. So, keep your fingers away from the trap door.
- The cat may whine or make other heart-wrenching noises. However, be strong. Remember, you are doing the right thing.
Part 4 of 4: Sterilizing Stray Cats
Step 1. Always cover the trap with a cloth
Let the cat rest in her room until it's time to go to the vet. Provide adequate water and keep the surrounding environment as calm as possible.
Step 2. Prepare the car
You will need to cover the back seat of the car with a blanket or tarp just in case the cat wants to pee in the car on the way. Remember, this is a very strange experience for a cat, so you should be prepared for the cat to overreact.
Step 3. Carry the cat with care
When it's time to visit the vet, carry the cat carefully, move slowly, and keep your hands away from trap doors and openings. Take the cat to the vet and let the vet take control of the situation. Also tell the vet if this is a stray cat.
Speak softly to the cat and keep the situation calm. Do not play loud music or drive a car with the windows open
Step 4. Follow the stray cat's postoperative instructions until it's time to release him
The vet will provide information on basic procedures so that you can keep the cat for a few hours at night in its room before being released or taken to its desired location.
Step 5. Discuss relocation plans with your local animal shelter or ASPCA
Usually, relocating a cat is discouraged unless there is no other option, or its natural habitat is endangering the animal. If relocation is necessary, contact the nearest animal shelter for advice on other options, or find a no-kill shelter in your area.
