These are the items you need for your TNR project. All
are necessary. Please let
us know in advance if you can't get anything on this list.
1)
Traps and
dividers. When possible, get one or two more traps than the
number of cats you plan to trap, because it's easier to get the
last cat or two if you have more traps to place in the territory.
You will need two dividers for cleaning and feeding.
2)
Sheets (or fabric
pieces) cut to 3.5' x 5.5'. One per trap, plus a few extras in case
they get soiled. These are for covering the trapped cats. You can
get sheets inexpensively at a thrift store or dollar store.
3)
Cardboard pieces,
cut to 6" x 9". One per trap. Used to extend the width
of the trip-plate.
4)
Roll of duct or electrical
tape for taping cardboard to metal trip-plate.
5)
Lots and lots of newspapers!
Trapped cats should be tended to (dirty papers changed and fresh
food/water provided) twice a day.
6)
Bait. Cheap people-grade
tuna (in oil) works best. Also Fancy Feast cat food (fish flavor)
is good, and/or people-grade sardines or mackerel.
7)
Regular cat food.
Whatever you're feeding them now, to feed while in the traps.
8)
Plastic tarp
or plastic sheeting, such as a drop cloth used in painting,
available at any hardware store. This is to line the floor or tables
in the holding space, and/or the back seat of your car.
9)
Plates or bowls
for feeding in the traps and shallow bowls or plates for bait.
10)
If the ASPCA mobile clinic is coming
to your address, you will need parking permits
to clear parking space on the street for the van (37 feet, or approximately
3 car lengths), available from your local police precinct.
Things to Do
1)
Canvass the
neighborhood to see if anyone else is feeding. If there are
other feeders, they need to be alerted as to when you intend to
stop feeding. Withholding food at least 36 hours prior to trapping
is imperative!
2)
If you live in a neighborhood where you know
there are "indoor/outdoor owned cats," post
signs before you begin trapping asking people to keep their
cats indoors during the time you're trapping.
Tips for Success
1)
Allow 2–3 days to trap the
entire colony.
2)
If a cat escapes in your holding space, do not
attempt to grab him/her! Set the trap with bait and cover it, leaving
the rear end uncovered. Place the trap in a corner or dark space
and wait for him/her to be retrapped. Until the cat is back in the
trap, use caution when entering and exiting the room.
TNR Help
For hands-on TNR assistance at TNR projects, contact Meredith
Weiss at TNRCoach@NYCFeralCat.org.
