In case the cat has an accident during transport, lay down a plastic liner with a layer of newspaper on top of that under the trap. It's acceptable to place cat in the trunk of your car - it will get plenty of air - as long as you quickly transport the cat to Vet/shelter.
If transporting to the vet for spaying/neutering & re-releasing - instruct the Vet to tip the right ear. This is a universal code amongst rescue groups/Vets that the cat has been altered. It will also assist you in determining if you have caught the cat before - especially when working in a colony where the cats have the same colorings/markings. REMEMBER TO HANDLE TRAPPED CATS CAREFULLY. THESE CATS ARE FRIGHTENED, SO CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN THAT THE ANIMAL REMAINS CALM AND COMFORTABLE.
It is preferable not to trap a lactating female unless you know her kittens are eating and can be left on their own for two days. If you trap a lactating female for spaying, please inform the Vet. Keep in mind that a lactating (nursing) cat can be spayed and will continue to produce milk and nurse her kittens. The cat can be released the next day, kittens can survive overnight. Please spay female cats even if pregnant; there are too many homeless kittens already. How will you handle catching and socializing feral kittens? Often, young kittens succumb to illness and death in an outdoor environment. Kittens born in the wild were born to die; the survival rate is extremely low.
<<<IMPORTANT RULES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED>>>
NEVER leave a set trap unattended. Monitor it at all times. If you must leave it overnight, drape with towel and
check throughout night and again at dawn only if the area is safe and quiet. Trapped cats can fall prey to predators - of the human kind. If left unattended, an unknowing individual could release the cat not realizing your efforts or take the cat to harm it.
NEVER attempt to transfer a trapped cat into a carrier. The slightest opening can be an avenue of freedom for them.
They are powerful and fast. Once a cat has been trapped, be assured it will rarely allow itself to be trapped again. Leave the cat in the trap; it's no more comfortable in a carrier vs. a trap.
ALWAYS start off with clean equipment. All equipment should be disinfected and scrubbed down after each use with a mild bleach and soap solution. Cats depend on smell and if a cat has been in the trap and smells like it, the cat(s) will steer clear of it.
ALWAYS use clean towels, sheets or blankets to cover traps.
ALWAYS notch or tip the right ear (universal code that the cat been altered).
NEVER attempt to touch or transfer the cat.
SPAY/NEUTERING FOR FERALS:
(Also visit the Resources page at our web site for more info: www.icraeastbay.org
ST. LOUIS VET CLINIC
Dr. Tan
3545 Fruitvale Avenue
Oakland: 510/530-1004
Reasonable prices and familiar with ferals. Call ahead to advise of trapping and possible drop-offs. No appt. necessary, but call ahead, limited hours Monday - Saturday.)
EAST BAY SPCA - Spay/Neuter Clinic
410 Hegenberger Rd.
Oakland: 510/639-7387 (PETS)
www.eastbayspca.org
Call for appt. and fees or see if they have any cancellations. Call ICRA for referral to obtain FREE spay/neuter for ferals in Oakland or Dublin.
FIX OUR FERALS
510/433-9446
www.fixourferals.org
Call first, they have a once a month spay-neuter clinic and they also have trap depots.
* Spay surgery may be slightly more expensive if the cat is in heat or pregnant.
SERVICES TO REQUEST:
Last updated June 2005