Talk to Neighbors

Ask your neighbors if any of the cats are owned.  If not, let them know what you are doing.  Many times cats are being fed by other people as well.  Reach out to neighbors, post flyers, etc. to see if anyone else is feeding the cats.  It is very important that all feeders are on the same plan so the cats aren’t fed prior to trapping.  Cats that are not hungry will not go into traps.

If you are trapping on someone else’s property, make sure you have permission.

Get on a Feeding Schedule and Count the Cats

As much as possible, feed the cats at the same time in the same place every day.  Pick up food after 30 minutes.  Do not leave food out for extended periods of time or leave food out overnight.  Cats will learn the feeding schedule and will show up at the expected time each day.  

While you are feeding, count the number of cats and determine if there are any kittens that may be eligible for foster (2-4 months).

Identify a Holding Place

You will need a place to hold the cats in their traps prior to and after their appointments.  The designated area should not be too hot or too cold.  Some good options include a spare bathroom or bedroom, shed, garage or basement.  

DO NOT LEAVE CATS OUTSIDE IN A TRAP OVERNIGHT - they are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves.

Make Appointments and Find Transportation

Once you know how many cats will need to be spay/neutered, contact clinics to schedule appointments.  See our Community Cat Resources by County page for TNVR clinics. In Mecklenburg County, our volunteers can also assist in connecting you with available TNVR appointments.

DO NOT TRAP WITHOUT HAVING APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED - unless you are using a clinic that offers walk-in services.

Borrow Traps

Borrow traps from local TNVR organizations, animal shelters, or humane societies.  In Mecklenburg County, please submit the Mecklenburg County TNVR Assistance Request Form.  Outside of Mecklenburg County, please see our TNVR Resources by County page.

Friends of Feral Felines uses Tru Catch Traps and Tomahawk Traps.

Trap

At least a week prior to your appointment, feed the cat in the trap, unset.  You can lay the trap on its side and open the front and back doors.  Start with the food at the front of the trap and slowly move it towards the middle and then the back.  This ensures the cat gets used to eating in the trap.

Consider withholding food the day before trapping.  If the cats are eating out of the trap regularly, you may not need to withhold food.  

On the night before (or the morning of - depending on your feeding schedule), set the trap with food on a paper plate or bowl (no cans, metal or glass).  If you are unsure whether the cat will go in or not, consider using sardines or tuna in water or roasted chicken as your ‘bait’.
NEVER LEAVE A TRAP UNATTENDED

As soon as the cat goes in, quickly cover the trap with a sheet or a towel. The cat may be thrashing around, but should calm down once covered.  Alternatively, you can cover the trap while it’s set.

Take the cat to the designated holding place until the appointment.  Transport to the appointment when scheduled.

Recover

After the appointment, bring the cat back to the holding place.  Keep the cat covered.  You can give food and water (use paper and plastic, no glass or metal), by lifting the back door a crack and sliding the food and water in.  

The cat should remain in the trap for 24-48 hours.  The cat will be groggy after the appointment from the sedative and should not be released until its eyes are clear.

Return and Caretaking

After the cat has recovered, take the trap back to where the cat was trapped and gently open the back door of the trap and slide the cover off.  The cat should exit the trap once it realizes it’s free to go.

Continue to provide food, water and shelter and pat yourself on the back for doing good work and ensuring that no more kittens are born in that area.

Repeat until all cats in the colony have been TNVR’d.