It is not strange that, as part of the volunteering of feline protection associations, at some point we come across a stray cat in poor condition that we need to pick up to move to the vet or with a he althy cat that we simply want to take to be sterilized. In these cases, it is very important to help the feline, however, it is not always easy to catch it because its past experiences can lead it to distrust humans.
In this article on our site we are going to explain how to catch a cat in the mentioned circumstances, so that we can pick it up as soon as possible and with minimal stress for him.
When to catch a cat?
Before explaining how to catch a street cat, it is very important to make it clear in what circumstances we should try to pick it up. You have to know that in some cities there are controlled colonies of cats. This means that they are groups of cats supervised by volunteers from different associations or even coordinated from the town halls. They are cats that are sterilized, fed and treated if they suffer from any ailment. You should never catch a cat from a controlled colony If we appreciate, for example, that one is sick, unless it is an emergency in which it is essential Act now, we must look for the person in charge of the colony to transfer the notice.
On the other hand, keep in mind that some keepers allow their cats access to the outdoors, especially if they live in rural areas. That is why it is also necessary to inform yourself before thinking about catching the cat, except, as we have said, that it is in a life or death situation. Otherwise, you could have a home.
Once we are clear that the cat we want to catch doesn't have anyone who is responsible or cares about him, that's when we can intervene, always with the aim of helping you. Finally, if for any reason a cat bothers you, contact the authorities or animal protection associations.
Materials needed to catch a cat
Some street cats are in such poor condition that they can be picked up easily. In these cases, it is enough to have a carrier and a towel or blanket to wrap it and handle it more safely. Smaller kittens are also easily picked up.
But, cats that are used to living without contact with people or those that have suffered abuse and feel panic, are not going to be easy to catch, for example, when we want to sterilize them or move them to a safer. These are the tools we can count on to achieve it. In the following sections we explain how to catch a cat with them:
- Carrier.
- Can of wet food for cats or, in general, especially appetizing food.
- Gloves for handling animals.
- Net.
- Sedative pills.
- Cage trap.
Also keep in mind that, in addition to preparing several capture plans, it is important that as few people as possible come. You should not make excessive noise, you should speak calmly and in a low tone and move without sudden gestures.
How to catch a cat with food?
Sometimes it is relatively easy to get hold of the cat. Many, unfortunately, are hungry and hunger is stronger than fear. To catch a cat with food we can simply insert a can of wet food or similar in the bottom of a carrier with the door open. It is important that the food that acts as bait has to be eaten on the spot. Otherwise, we run the risk that the cat will grab it and take it away to eat it in a safe place.
The idea is for the cat to enter the carrier completely and, once inside, close the door We must be sufficiently close enough to get to the carrier before the cat leaves and be prepared to hold the door firmly as she is likely to scramble to get out. It's a good idea to wear animal handling gloves, just in case. Cats can do serious scratching and biting when they panic and just want to get away. Not any glove will do, since only these specific ones guarantee that the teeth do not go through them. Of course, any wound it causes us must be disinfected and, if it is deep, seek medical attention.
You can tie a string to the door to try to close it as you approach, but you have to be careful because it is possible that, when you hear it, the cat will try to run away and it will succeed if you haven't managed to hold the door yet. carrier. You have to have a certain skill and large doses of patience to be successful. If there is no urgency, some cats can get used to and tolerate our closeness if we bring them something to eat every day.
How to catch a cat with a net?
The process of capturing a cat can be done gradually, that is, starting with less invasive to more invasive measures. The softest thing would be for the cat to enter the carrier to eat and nothing else is needed, but it is not always that simple. For complicated cases it is possible to use a network. In this case, we're talking about the one attached to a stick, so we don't have to get as close to the cat. You have to see that its size is adjusted to that of the feline.
Also, we can put food on it to catch it with the net while it eats. You may struggle vigorously to try to free yourself. You have to have patience and skill to manage to hold it with the net and, from it, introduce it into a carrier. For this movement it is recommended that there be at least one other person. It is advisable for both to wear protective gloves.
How to catch a cat with pills?
If nothing works, there is the option to sedate the catTo do this, we will go to a veterinary clinic. Only veterinarians can prescribe drugs, as well as the amount necessary for the cat in question. The idea is that the cat ingests the pills with its food and, in a matter of minutes, begins to fall asleep, so that, equally with precautions, we can catch it and put it in the carrier. It is better that this is arranged vertically to put the cat from above, because it is better controlled than horizontally. There are several problems with this option:
- Don't let the cat swallow the pills.
- That the prescribed dose has no effect or is very mild.
- Let him go, so that, even sedated, we don't have access to him to catch him. Falling asleep anywhere is dangerous.
In conclusion, this method has chances of success, but you have to expect that the probability of failure is high. Therefore, must be reserved for specific cases or highly controlled areas.
How to catch a cat with a cage trap?
When nothing works, there is still the possibility of resorting to so-called cage traps. These are structures of greater or lesser size that are placed in sheltered places with food inside. They contain a mechanism that closes the door as soon as the cat steps on it, so that it is trapped inside.
The main problem is that it cannot be selective, so the first cat that enters will be captured, which does not have to be the one you want to pick up. In addition, the cage must be checked frequently so that no animal stays there for too long. Therefore, it is an option that also requires patience. The trip to the vet or to a safe place can be done in the trap cage itself.
If we are not confident in our abilities to catch the sick cat or cat that needs to be sterilized, we recommend asking professionals for help. The most important thing, always, is to ensure the welfare and safety of the animal.
