How do you make a trap for feral kittens? - briefly
To capture feral kittens, use a humane trap designed for small animals. Place a familiar blanket or towel inside to make the environment less stressful, and bait it with strong-smelling, wet cat food.
How do you make a trap for feral kittens? - in detail
Creating an effective trap for feral kittens requires a combination of humane considerations and practical design. The primary goal is to ensure the safety and comfort of the kittens while facilitating their capture for relocation or rehabilitation. The trap should be designed to minimize stress and prevent injury.
The most common and recommended type of trap for feral kittens is a humane box trap. These traps are typically made of sturdy materials such as plastic or metal and are designed to be durable and easy to clean. The trap should have a one-way door that allows the kittens to enter but prevents them from exiting. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring that the kittens remain inside the trap once they have been lured in.
The size of the trap is an important consideration. It should be large enough to accommodate the kittens comfortably but not so large that it becomes difficult to handle. A trap that is approximately 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches high is generally suitable for feral kittens. The interior should be smooth and free of sharp edges to prevent injury.
Baiting the trap is essential for attracting the kittens. Food is the most effective bait, and canned tuna or wet cat food are popular choices. The bait should be placed at the back of the trap to encourage the kittens to enter fully. It is also advisable to place a small amount of the same bait outside the trap to create a scent trail leading to the entrance.
Once the trap is set, it should be placed in an area where the kittens are known to frequent. This could be near a food source, a shelter, or a location where the kittens have been observed. The trap should be camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings, reducing the likelihood that the kittens will be frightened away. Leaves, branches, or a tarp can be used to cover the trap and make it less visible.
Checking the trap regularly is important to ensure the kittens are not left inside for extended periods. If kittens are captured, they should be handled gently and with care. Covering the trap with a towel or blanket can help to calm the kittens and reduce their stress. It is also advisable to have a carrier or a secure box ready to transport the kittens to a safe location.
In summary, constructing and using a humane box trap for feral kittens involves selecting the right materials, ensuring the trap is the appropriate size, using effective bait, placing the trap in a strategic location, and checking it regularly. By following these steps, you can successfully and humanely capture feral kittens for relocation or rehabilitation.