Humane Trap Photo Guide
This photo guide is based on the Safeguard double-door humane trap (available for about $40 online). Some traps work slightly differently, or have only one door.
This guide only shows how to prepare and use a humane trap. For a complete introduction to safe and humane TNR, please refer to the Alley Cat Allies website.
Trap Diagram
Here you can see the three basic parts of the trap. The front door is where the cat enters. The back door (if your trap has one) can be useful to slip food or water in and out as necessary. The back door has a locking mechanism, which should remain locked anytime the trap is in use. The trigger causes the front door to snap shut when the cat steps down. When you bait the trap, you should put the food between the back door and the trigger.
Preparing & Baiting the Trap
Disinfect and clean the trap between uses with a diluted bleach solution. Lift the back door and line the trap with a generous amount of newspaper. You can also use puppy pee pads with or without the newspaper. Keep in mind that the cat will be in this trap overnight and may urinate/defecate inside. You want enough lining to absorb this, as well as to protect the cat's paws from the metal cage. Place the bait (stinkiest wet food you can find--fish flavors work well) inside the back door. If using canned food, be careful the edges of the can aren't too sharp. A small plastic bowl works well. You can also trail a small amount of food going from the front to the back of the trap.
Setting the Trap
Pull up the large hook just above the slanted front door of the cage.
Using your other hand, push the rectangular metal band back against the slanted door.
Pull the door upwards, continuing to hold down the metal band. There is a small metal hook that sets the trigger--push it forward until it hooks through the door.
Make sure the back door is locked. Fold the handle down and push it under the bar to lock it. Cover the trap fully with a towel or blanket so that only the front entrance is left open, and the trap looks like a "tunnel." Once the cat is in the trap, cover the front door as well to reduce stress.
This is what the trap looks like when it's set without the newspaper inside. You can see how the small hook on the front door sets the trigger. When the trigger is stepped on by an adult cat, the door will fall.
Remember, this is not a complete guide, and there are many steps to take before and after trapping a feral cat. If you are trapping for the first time, please continue reading about safe, humane TNR on the Alley Cat Allies website.