Trapping FAQs

Should I trap the mom first, or her kittens?

We usually don't have a choice in who goes into the trap first.   Obviously, if the kittens are 5-6 weeks old, they're not going to be wandering into a trap.  Older feral kittens will.  

Don't trap a nursing mom cat if she has kittens that are under 5-6 weeks old unless you are prepared to:

• set up the mom cat & kittens in a large crate in your home until she weans her kittens (this is a very stressful situation for a feral cat and a potentially dangerous one for you)

• bottle-feed the kittens as frequently as every 2 hours, around the clock -- and possibly have kittens die, despite your best efforts

If the kittens are old enough to walk into a trap by themselves in search of food, they no longer need to be with their mother.