Drop Trap Tips

Drop Traps Can Be Used to Trap “Hard to Catch” Cats or Target
Specific Cats in a Colony

Drop traps provide an alternative for difficult trapping situations. A basic drop trap is a wooden
frame covered in mesh and propped up on one side with a stick attached to a string. The trapper
stands at a distance, waits for the cat to enter, pulls the string, and drops the trap. After trapping
in a drop trap, you will need a box trap with a guillotine-style door for transferring the cat out of
the drop trap.

Setting Up a Drop Trap

Select a location where you can see the trap clearly from a distance and know when to pull the string. Keep the string taught to not allow any lag time between pulling string and the trap dropping. Use on flat ground. If there are any gaps between the trap and the ground, a determined cat can insert a paw and lift the trap enough to escape. Ideally, set trap where the cat is used to eating. Place food in the center of the back of the trap to ensure the cat will have to go as far as possible into the trap before settling in to eat. Leave enough space by the door of the drop trap for transfer to the box trap. Anchor or brace the trap with a heavy object like a brick or stone to help keep the trap in place.

Tips for Using a Drop Trap

Wait until the cat is in the back of the trap and is fully engaged in eating, then give the string a good yank. DO NOT pull as soon as a cat steps under the trap. If the cat is not calm and eating, he may be able to escape after you pull but before the trap reaches the ground or may be injured by the falling trap. After the trap falls, weight the corners with bricks, or have another person stabilize the drop trap during transfer to box trap. If possible, cover the trap with sheet or cover to help calm the cat before transfer.

Transfer Cat from Drop Trap to Box Trap

Align the guillotine door of the box trap with the door of the drop trap, making sure there are no gaps between the traps. Cover the box trap with a towel or sheet but leave the far end
uncovered; the cat will think by going towards the light at the end of the trap, he’s heading for an exit.

If you need to catch a specific cat and a drop trap is not available, use a prop stick or a filled water bottle attached to a string on a box trap, instead of using the pressure plate trigger/mechanism.