Trapping Feral Cats: Using Drop Traps For Effective Capture

Drop traps are an effective way to catch feral cats. They are a useful tool when conducting trap-neuter-return (TNR) or rescuing sick or injured cats. They allow you to selectively trap a specific member of a colony, as you determine when to spring the manually operated trap. This is particularly helpful for trapping shy or trap-savvy cats who are wary of entering a standard box trap. Drop traps are also useful for catching multiple cats at once or for general colony trapping.

Drop traps are ideal for Trap-Neuter-Return and can also be used to rescue sick or injured cats

Drop traps are an effective way to catch trap-shy cats or multiple cats at once. They are ideal for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and can also be used to rescue sick or injured cats.

Drop traps are a manually operated trap, which means you can determine when to spring the trap. This is especially useful when you need to selectively trap a specific member of a colony. They are also helpful for trapping shy or savvy cats who are wary of entering a standard box trap.

The first mass-manufactured drop trap was designed by Neighborhood Cats in collaboration with Tomahawk Live Trap. This trap is made of metal, easy to clean, and folds up flat in a suitcase style. It also features an optional remote control and a sliding door on the side that allows for easy transfer into a box trap or transfer cage.

When purchasing a drop trap, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different designs. For example, metal traps can be noisy when they hit the ground, which may spook cats. DIY designs made from PVC or wood and netting may be more cost-effective, but the netting may rip, and these designs often require more complex instructions and a variety of hardware.

Drop traps are a valuable tool for anyone conducting TNR or rescuing sick or injured cats, as they provide a simple and effective way to trap specific cats or multiple cats at once.

Drop traps are manually operated, allowing you to selectively trap a specific cat from a colony

Drop traps are a highly effective way of trapping cats that are wary of entering a standard live trap. They are also useful for catching several cats at once or for general colony trapping.

The drop trap is operated by a simple pull of a string, which releases the trap. It is important to note that metal traps can make a lot of noise when they hit the ground, which may spook cats. Therefore, it is recommended to practice setting up and using a drop trap before attempting to trap a specific cat.

The Neighborhood Cats Drop Trap, designed in collaboration with Tomahawk Live Trap, is a popular option. It is made of metal, easy to clean, and folds up flat for easy storage and transportation. It also features a sliding door for easy transfer into a box trap or transfer cage.

If you are handy with basic woodworking skills, you can also build your own drop trap using wood and netting or PVC pipes. However, keep in mind that a collapsible and foldable design is more complicated to construct and can be difficult to disinfect.

They are effective for trapping shy or trap-savvy cats that are wary of humane box traps

Drop traps are an effective way to catch trap-shy or trap-savvy cats. They are designed to be easy to set up and allow the trapper to determine when to spring the trap. This is especially useful for cats that are wary of humane box traps.

Drop traps are also useful for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs as they can be used to selectively trap a specific member of a colony. They are also helpful for colony trapping or catching several cats at once.

The first mass-manufactured drop trap was designed by Neighborhood Cats in collaboration with Tomahawk Live Trap. The Model DT-1 trap is made of metal, easy to clean, and folds up flat. It features a sliding door for easy transfer into a box trap or transfer cage and an optional remote control.

When using a drop trap, it is important to practice setting it up and transferring cats to a box trap or cage. This will help ensure that you are comfortable with the process and reduce the risk of mistakes when trapping shy or trap-savvy cats.

Overall, drop traps are a valuable tool for trappers, especially when dealing with cats that are wary of traditional box traps.

The Tomahawk TNR Drop Trap is a popular option as it is collapsible, lightweight, and sturdy

The Tomahawk TNR Drop Trap is a popular option for those looking to trap feral cats. The trap is designed to be collapsible, measuring 36"x18"x3" when folded for easy storage and transportation. When set up, the trap measures 36"x36"x14", offering a spacious 9 square feet of trapping area. Its lightweight and sturdy construction make it convenient to carry and set up, requiring no tools for assembly.

The Tomahawk TNR Drop Trap is an effective solution for trapping wary or trap-shy cats. With a simple pull of a string, the trap is activated, making it ideal for selectively targeting specific cats within a colony. Its collapsible design, transfer door, and solid sides contribute to its popularity. The trap also features an easy-release sliding door that aligns with the Tomahawk transfer cage (model 306NC), ensuring a secure transfer of the trapped cat.

While the metal construction of the trap may create a loud noise when dropped, potentially spooking the cats, the Tomahawk TNR Drop Trap remains a favoured choice due to its portability, ease of use, and effectiveness in trapping hard-to-catch cats. It is a valuable tool for those looking to humanely trap and neuter feral cats or rescue injured or sick cats.

DIY drop trap designs are also available, but they may require complex instructions and a variety of hardware

DIY drop trap designs are also available for those who want to build their own. However, they may require complex instructions and a variety of hardware. For instance, one DIY design involves building a trap out of wood and netting, which requires basic woodworking skills. Another design uses PVC pipes to keep the trap light, but it is important to note that the netting may rip, so it is crucial to use good-quality netting.

The instructions for a DIY drop trap can be quite complex, but they are well-documented. The process typically involves creating a frame, attaching a covering or netting, and installing a door or slide mechanism for transferring the cat into a carrier. It is important to ensure that the materials used are strong enough to withstand attacks by feral cats while also being flexible enough to prevent harm to the animals.

Additionally, when constructing a DIY drop trap, it is recommended to practice setting up and using the trap before attempting to trap a cat for the first time. This allows users to familiarise themselves with the process and make any necessary adjustments to improve the trap's effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions