Need to build trap to get rid of pooping cats

I've had cats defecating in my yard for years now. I'm fed up with this, and the only humane way to stop this is to trap and release in a rural area. Nothing else works.

Yes, I know this is a very common complaint that has been discussed ad nauseam on the Internet. Does anyone know how to build a cat trap, or where can I get plans to build one? Thanks

 

You buy them. At places like Tractor Supply or any farm store. They aren't very expensive. There may even be a rescue/spay and neuter place that will loan them to you. We have several in my little town up north.

I have to tell you, trapping and releasing elsewhere won't work if you have a high feral population. Others will just move in to the area. Better to trap a few,have them fixed, then release them and let them be the dominants. You have to cut down the re-production, it's the only thing that works.

This is a big issue in our area as well. I deal with the poops and leave them a sandy area and just rake it out once in a while.

If you want, I'll send you a link to our local place (not that they could help directly) for information. They can probably hook you up with places/people in your area.

 

How's it going Vic?

I was looking into building one because the ones I saw were expensive. Wouldn't I have to pay a fee for that spay/neuter program? I might already have the dominant cats pooping in my yard. I see the same two usual suspects over and over. How does the 'dominant' cat concept work?

 

Call animal control, they should lend you the traps for free, and even bait and take care of what ever get's trapped.

 

Animal control will normally loan traps if you put a deposit down then get it back when returned. They may even come set and bait them for free. All depends on how it works in your area.

I guess when buying, it's what you consider expensive. I think TSC has them from around $25-50 depending on size and quality.

Up here we have a few people that run a program that provides free spay and neuter (esp for ferals)...I help out and contribute to them when I can. You may have something similar down there. I'll ask my friend if she knows of a program. Heck, they may already be fixed if you haven't seen kittens. Could just be irresponsible owners letting their cats roam free,

If you are seeing the same 2 over and over...it's because your yard is their territory. I have 2 ferals that I feed ( a momma and her daughter) that have been coming here for several years. Trapped 'em both along with 2 litters, got 'em fixed and the kittens adopted out. I used to see several others, but very rarely anymore. Since the 2 now own me, they keep others away. Daughter is almost completely domestic and climbs all over me when I go out, momma is still shy and wary, but will come within a few feet and knows I won't hurt her

It's just the way it is.

You'll see people that talk about shooting or poisoning, but it just won't work if you have an attractive place. By that I mean, sheltered areas, shrubs, bird feeders, bird baths and similar.

As you can tell, I'm a cat person. Had them all my life. Siamese, Persian, mixed, whatever. Had a few dogs as well, but just never connected as well with them somehow. Horses, pony, even took care of a mule for a time. I like animals, but cats and me just seem to get along best.

I'll shoot my friend a note and see if she knows of any resources in Tucson.

 

Just heard back from the lady up here. No info for down there but they do have a good Humane Society and that should probably be your first resource.

 

Last time I checked several years ago, animal control wasn't very helpful. And there were fees involved too. I'll check again. If they didn't dig holes and poop, I wouldn't mind them in the yard. Sometimes it's fun to watch these little characters. And I like pets anyway. I guess this is why I've tolerated them for so long. But there is a potential health risk with the cat feces.

 

I would suggest looking into Motion activated sprinklers they are a little pricy but work really well. They can be found at big box stores online.
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Sprinklers do work as a deterrent; they also startle the bug guy when he walks around the rear of the house...