Where to Find a Humane Cat Trap

You may be able to borrow a trap, but if you can’t find one quickly, then don’t hesitate to buy one.  The sooner that you get a trap out, the more likely you are to catch your cat.  One trap is often sufficient, but a second may be very helpful.  I don’t recommend filling your yard with traps though this is a method used by some pet detectives.

If Possible, Borrow or Rent a Trap

Where to Buy a Cat Trap

If you can’t find a trap to borrow, then you may need to purchase one.  Hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s or local feed and grain stores often sell humane traps.  Most sell Havahart traps, which usually work fine but aren’t the best design. 

The best quality traps include TruCatch, Tomahawk, and Safeguard.  You might try contacting these companies directly to see if they sell them at any location near you. 

I do NOT recommend some of the really cheap traps available at Harbor Freight Tools or Tractor Supply Company.  I have seen and heard of too many animals escaping from these poorly made traps. 

Important Tips on Selecting a Trap

Make sure that the trap you select is big enough!  Your cat’s entire body should fit inside the trap before they step on the trip plate (i.e. the trigger that closes the door).  If the trap is too small, the trap door may close on your cat’s back end and allow them to escape.  

An average size cat (around 10 lbs) will fit into a trap as small as 30” L x 9” W x 11” H, but they will often enter a larger trap sooner.  My favorite cat traps are 36” L x 12” W x 14” H.  In general, cats are more comfortable entering traps with larger entrances.  This is especially true if the cat is larger (more than 12 lbs).  Not a necessity, but a sliding rear door makes baiting the trap and releasing wildlife so much easier.

Pick a cat trap made of quality materials.  It may be tempting to buy a cheap trap, but these are more likely to bend or break.  Cats can squeeze out of very small spaces and raccoons can bend cheap metal in attempts to escape.  Expect to pay $50-$100 for a decent trap.  I do not recommend some of the really cheap traps on Amazon.com or those often sold at discount hardware stores like Tractor Supply Co or Harbor Freight Tools.

I generally do not recommend a trap with two trap doors (e.g. some Havahart traps).  Cats can often enter these traps and eat the food without triggering the trap.  The distance between the trip-plate and trap door is also very short.  This increases the chances of the cat being injured or escaping.