Picture: Ben Searcy
'Weekend Australian' Nov 6-7 2004
Trapping Protocol
When trapping it is important to set the trap in the shade and check it every morning and evening and dispose of unowned cats quickly and humanely. Cat traps will catch a variety of species, some of which are nationally threatened such as the southern brown bandicoot. Goannas and echidnas are also thought to be declining in number and it is important that all animals apart from cats are released as quickly as possible to ensure that the trapping doesn't impact on non-target species. If the weather is hot or if you are unable to check the trap frequently keep the trap closed during day.
Choosing a location and setting the trap
Haystacks, old sheds, car bodies, grain silos, dams, lagoons, fence lines, or an area where you have sighted a cat.
Re-set traps in a previously good area again, after 2-3 months.
Don't let others see you setting the trap or put the trap within eyesight of the road, traps may be lost
Traps can be hard to see so ensure you know how to find it again by using a marker, GPS or by drawing a map.
Ensure the trap is in working order.
Set the trap on steady ground
Use gloves when handling traps to avoid human odour transfer
Bait the trap before leaving home, if possible, as this will reduce time spent at trapping areas and spread of human odour.
Camouflage the trap as well as you can by putting it under small bushes or in a haystack, with a light cover of hay over the trap without obstructing the doorway.
Keep dogs away as it will drive away cats.
Timing
Move the trap every 4-5 days, allow 2-3 days for human smells to fade.
A lot of cats have been caught the day after a possum has been trapped or soon after setting a trap at a reported sighting spot.
Baits
These are a matter of choice and include table scraps, fish, crab shells, road kill but the best bait is tinned cat food.
Change bait every 2-3 days using gloves to keep human smell away.
Moving a cat in a trap
When you have found a cat in your trap:
Cover the entire trap with something dark (blanket, towel, hessian bag or shade-cloth cut to size) and this will help settle the cat.
Transport cat to location for destruction.
Handle cage as little as possible - this is a wild animal.
Assistance with feral cat trapping
A trap is available from the KI Council Depot, Animal Plant Control Board, in Acacia Drive, 8553 2833, for a month. Please return if you can't use it so others can, traps are limited. A returnable deposit of $20 is required.
