Troubleshooting Trapping Problems
Trapping an escaped indoor-only cat can be challenging. There are many possible scenarios that can make trapping more difficult. If you don't see your problem addressed here, please submit a question in the forum.
Bait Problems
Ants Keep Swarming the Trap Bait
If you return to the trap and find your bait covered in ants, there are a few tricks that you can try.
- Try placing the cat food inside a smaller bowl, which is then placed in a larger bowl or saucer filled with water. This "moat" will keep out most ants.
- Try placing the cat food inside a smaller bowl. Then place this bowl on a plate or piece of cardboard. Sprinkle chalk powder or coffee grounds around the bowl. Some more lethal options (for the ants) include baking soda or food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) sprinkled around the bowl.
- Try switching to dry food. This may attract fewer ants.
Bees or Wasps in the Trap Bait
It is not uncommon for bees or wasps to be attracted to wet cat food.
- Use dry food during the day and only put out wet food at night when bees/wasps are not active.
- Place non-toxic bee trap near your trap.
Bait Keeps Freezing in Cold Weather
If your bait keeps freezing, the easiest fix is to just switch to dry food and cat treats. The scent won't travel as far, but the scent of frozen wet food doesn't travel far either. You can also try placing a hand warmer under the food bowl.
Bait Keeps Getting Gross in Hot Weather
There isn't much to be done about this when using moist food. You should expect to have to change the bait out once daily in warm or hot weather. Don't leave old bait in the trap. This is less likely to attract your cat and could make them sick.
Alternatively, use dry cat food or treats. These may stay good for several days or longer in dry weather. Dry food has less odor, but you can add bonito flakes to the food.
Trapping Problems
Cat Won't Enter Trap
If your cat refuses to enter the trap, see Catching Trap-Shy Cats.
Cat Enters Trap and Eats Food BUT Doesn't Set Off Trap
In some cases this may happen when the trap isn't working properly.
- First, test the trap yourself to make sure that it is working correctly. Sometimes things placed in or on the trap can interfere with the trap door closing.
- Try setting the trap so that it will set off with less pressure.
On the other hand, you may have a trap smart cat that is avoiding stepping on the trip plate.
- Buy a trap with a larger trip plate such as a TruCatch or Tomahawk Neighborhood Cat Trap.
- Place a stick through the bars of the trap just before the trip plate and 2-3" off the ground. The cat will need to step over the stick and is more likely to step directly on the trip plate.
- Cut a piece of cardboard the width of the trip plate and the length from the trip plate to the back of the trap. Securely tape the piece of card board to the back of the trip plate. See photo below.
Wildlife Problems
If you are having problems with catching wildlife or other cats, see Trapping Other Cats and Wildlife.