Before You Trap: Plan Ahead

Before you begin trapping, the most important step is to secure a veterinary appointment.
Please email shelter@forsythpets.org to confirm our clinic’s days of operation, drop-off times, and availability.
Do not trap cats first and then request an emergency appointment.
While last-minute cases occasionally work out, our clinic may be closed or at capacity. This can leave a cat stuck in a trap, stressed and at risk, which is not ideal for the cat—or for you.

Establish a Feeding Routine

Start by feeding the cat(s) at the same time and place daily for at least one week. This builds trust and familiarity, making it easier to trap.
The day before trapping, withhold food for 24 hours.
This is a standard, humane practice and does not harm the cat. Hunger increases the chances of entering the trap.
We recommend trapping at night so the cat is ready for surgery the following morning.
Always clean traps between each use to prevent disease transmission.

Supplies Checklist

• One humane feral trap per cat
• Thick newspaper or cardboard to line the bottom of the trap
• A sheet or large towel to cover the trap completely
• High-value bait (tuna, jack mackerel, or fried chicken like KFC, CFA, or Bojangles)

Setting the Trap

1. Line the trap with cardboard or newspaper.
2. Create a bait trail that leads to the back of the trap near the trip plate.
3. Optional tip: Place two traps side by side, facing opposite directions, to increase success.
4. Step away: Cats are less likely to enter if you’re nearby. Go indoors if trapping at home, and never leave traps unattended in public spaces.
Note: Be patient—trapping may take several hours. Once a cat is trapped, cover the trap completely with a towel and move it away from sight of other cats. This helps reduce stress and encourages additional cats to enter the trap.

After Trapping

• Always check for an ear tip, which indicates the cat has already been sterilized. If you see one, release the cat and reset the trap.
• Keep the trap fully covered when moving the cat to keep them calm and reduce risk of injury or cross-contamination.

Housing & Transport Before Surgery

• Keep cats indoors in the trap overnight, somewhere quiet, warm, and secure—such as a garage, basement, spare room, or enclosed porch.
• Avoid exposing cats to extreme weather. Use a fan for ventilation in hot weather.
• Keep the trap on a layer of cardboard and newspaper to absorb urine.
• No food should be given within 8 hours of surgery.
• Line your car with newspaper or cardboard when transporting.

Post-Surgery Recovery

• Feed the cat once awake by slipping food and water in non-breakable dishes under the trap door. A trap divider makes this easier and safer.
• Allow the cat to recover overnight, keeping the trap covered.
• Release timeline:
o Males: 24 hours post-surgery
o Females: 48 hours post-surgery
• Do not house cats longer than 24–48 hours unless instructed by the veterinarian.

Important: Do Not Relocate Cats

Relocating cats puts their lives at risk—less than 50% survive in new locations.
Relocating also constitutes animal abandonment, which is illegal under Georgia law.
Always release the cat where it was trapped.
Uncover the trap for a few minutes to help the cat reorient, then open the trap to release.

Let us know if you need help or have questions. We’re here to support your lifesaving efforts!
Contact: shelter@forsythpets.org