Trapping FAQs
What is a "transfer cage"?
A transfer cage is a small wire mesh carrier-like container used to transfer a cat to/from a humane box trap. For example, if you have to move a feral cat from a humane box trap to a large crate so she can nurse all of her kittens, or if you have to transfer a feral cat from a crate to a humane box trap for veterinary care, a transfer cage is indispensable.
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A transfer cage has been placed to the rear of a humane box trap that has a removable flat rear panel. The transfer cage is just large enough for an adult cat to be contained inside for a short period of time. If you are using a trap without a removable flat rear panel, very slowly turn the trap containing the cat upside down. You will find that a transfer cage usually fits easily into an upside-down open trap. Of course, it's best to test the equipment before experimenting with a live, stressed feral cat. |
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Open the rear door of the trap and the door to the transfer cage to allow the cat to walk into the transfer cage. For best results, remove the covering from the trap and place it on the transfer cage as shown below. The cat will usually move from the trap to the transfer cage very quickly once they are exposed in the trap and the covered transfer cage awaits them a foot or so away. |
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Be sure to hold the transfer cage securely against the trap, and to do this indoors with all building windows & doors closed. |
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Our "demo cat" (stuffed toy cat) is now inside the transfer cage. We have kept the cover off the transfer cage to illustrate the size of the transfer cage. The demo cat is the size of a large cat. |
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This photo shows the transfer cage's door in an open position. In an actual transfer, the feral cat would be huddled against the far end of the transfer cage, trying to stay as far away from humans as possible. Again, the photo is to illustrate the transfer cage's dimensions & mechanics. |
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Close the door and lock the transfer cage. Be sure to keep the trap or transfer cage covered at all times to provide the cats a feeling of security. Remember to never look a feral cat directly in the eyes -- it's a sign of aggression. Always move very slowly and remain calm. |
Most veterinarians will accept a feral cat in a transfer cage instead of a humane box trap. If you opt to use a transfer cage, transfer the cat immediately before transporting him/her to the veterinarian to reduce the amount of time they have to spend in the small, cramped space.
Veterinarians need feral cats to be in humane box traps or transfer cages because feral cats are wild and unhandleable, and therefore need to be injected with a sedative before the staff opens the door to remove the cat. If the cats are brought into the veterinary facility in a humane box trap instead of a transfer cage, veterinarians can use many devices, including a "catacomb", to isolate the cat to small area of the trap to safely administer the sedative through the wire mesh.
