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• Directions for use by Laura Burns<br />
The <strong>Neighborhood</strong> <strong>Cats</strong> <strong>TNR</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />
Materials needed<br />
The drop trap and a cover for it, such as a large sheet or blanket<br />
The paddle-and-string and an anchor weight for the flap (e.g., bucket with bricks)<br />
Bait food and a large dish (also, can opener, fork, etc.)<br />
One or more box traps with rear guillotine doors or a transfer cage with guillotine<br />
door<br />
WARNING!!<br />
The drop trap isn't foolproof. <strong>Cats</strong> can escape at various points in the process, but<br />
careful technique can avoid most disasters. Practice this procedure several times and<br />
don't use the drop trap for the first time on a cat you've been trying to get for three years.<br />
You'll make mistakes at first, you'll lose a few and you don't want it to be THAT one.<br />
Once you think you've got the hang of it, you might trap a few eartipped cats for practice<br />
(you can update their rabies vaccines or just thank and release them).<br />
Quickie directions (Note: these quick directions provide an overview of how to use<br />
the drop trap, but please also review the detailed directions that follow.)<br />
1. Set up in a good location where the ground is level and you’ll be able to observe<br />
the trap clearly from a distance. Position the trap so the door will be facing you as<br />
you watch.<br />
2. Place a plentiful amount of food in the center-back of the trap.<br />
3. Leave some box traps and covers within arm’s reach of the drop trap.<br />
4. Stand back a good distance (depends on the cats) with an unfolded blanket or<br />
sheet, holding the cord. Ask observers to stay back unless you call them.<br />
5. When cat or cats **have settled down** to eat at the back of the trap, give the<br />
cord a good yank.<br />
6. Run or walk up to the trap and COVER COMPLETELY. This is important if<br />
they're very wild! If you're alone, hold the trap down firmly and wait for the cats<br />
to settle before you attempt the transfer.<br />
7. You want to get the cat(s) out as quickly and quietly as possible and reset the trap.<br />
8. Line up the box trap to receive the cat, cover it with a towel or sheet. DON'T<br />
cover the far end of the box trap - you want it to look like an exit. CAREFULLY<br />
arrange towel and blanket to cover gaps between the two traps, place your foot on<br />
the box trap to keep it from shifting -- and open both doors. Stand very still.<br />
9. If the cat doesn't move into the box trap in 15 seconds, twitch the cover over the<br />
drop trap or call a helper to motivate the cat to enter the box trap. Keep the cover<br />
on between you and the cat so he can’t see you standing by the door.<br />
10. Close BOTH doors when the cat has entered the box trap. If there are other cats<br />
remaining in the drop trap, you'll usually transfer them one at a time.<br />
11. Cover the box trap fully and remove the cat to some distance if he's the only one.<br />
If there are others, just put him aside while you transfer the others. Then reset the<br />
trap and move the cats away.<br />
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