USE OF PERSONAL TRAPS
Operation Catnip accepts the use of personal traps for our clinics, and ask that all personal traps be approved by Operation Catnip staff before use. View our trap requirements below to see if your trap qualifies.
Trap Requirements
This is an approved, humane, live trap. It is sized for a medium-sized animal, has a bite plate under the handle, allows for full visibility of the cat, is secure, and in good condition. It does not have a handle that opens the door, and it does not collapse.
MUST:
Have a bite plate
Have a manufacturer-installed handle over the bite plate for carrying the trap
Be in working order, easily set, easily opened (by a human), and secure when tripped
We accept Tru-Catch traps, but do require that caregivers use Carabiners on the rings, as this will keep the trap secure!
MUST NOT:
Be collapsible of any kind
Be rusted, damaged, or missing pieces
Be held together at any point with zip ties, carabiners, wire, string, etc.
Have a handle that also acts as a mechanism to open the trap door.
Be smaller than 9” x 9” x 26” or larger than 10” x 12” x 30”
These traps are too small, and too big.
Neither of these are traps. Crates and carriers do not allow for safe handling, visualization of the cats for anesthesia monitoring & recovery, and are not sanitary for post-surgical care. Carriers are only accepted for friendly kittens in our Kitten Shelter Diversion Program.
We do not allow collapsible traps of any kind at our clinics. They pose a high escape risk.
Handles that also open doors present a high escape risk. We do not allow this style of trap at our clinics.
Solid faceplates on both ends restrict our ability to easily see the cat inside, inject it with anesthesia, and monitor it following surgery. We prefer caregivers did not use this style of trap at our clinics.
If your trap meets the above requirements, please submit a clear photo for approval from our staff.
You may also visit us during office hours and allow us to inspect your trap in person.