How to Use a Cat Trap Divider and Why You Need One
A cat trap divider may not be a tool many use, but for those actively involved in cat rescue or caretaking, it’s a game-changer. This simple tool can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a chaotic one when handling trapped cats. In this How-To, we will delve into what a trap divider is, why you need one, and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use a cat trap divider effectively.
Why I Use A Trap Divider Every Time.
I got her! I got her! I whispered to myself in muddled excitement so I wouldn’t startle the other cats. After six months of socializing, Messy Bottom Boy finally came close enough for me to scruff him and slide him into a trap. The little guy has tail damage and, thus, a very messy bottom. I manage a colony of 25 fixed cats, so trapping a single cat is challenging. But grabbing him and placing him in a tomahawk live trap was easier than I expected. I set him on my porch in the trap as I waited for the Humane Society to open.
Messy Bottom Boy was lying calmly in the trap, and since I interrupted his breakfast, I figured I would slide in a little bowl of food. BIG mistake! I very carefully slide the trap door open, just enough to slide a small food dish into it.
It was also, apparently, wide enough for a cat to get out because he came through that cracked door like a missile. We were both shocked when I managed to catch him mid-escape, as we both locked eyes in a moment of slow motion. I pushed him back into the trap and closed the door. Phew!
I then noticed several puncture wounds on my arms. Also, in slow motion, the blood began to flow. The most filthy cat in my colony just scratched me up good. I knew a trip to the antibiotic store was coming soon. I learned my lesson about using a trap divider that day. Even a calm cat can spring into action in the blink of an eye. I am thankful that I caught him because an animal escaping in a strange location would be worse than a few cuts on my arm.
What Is a Feral Cat Trap Divider?
A cat trap divider is a specialized device designed to compartmentalize a cat trap, creating separate sections within the trap itself. This handy tool is typically made of sturdy, powder-coated, or steel rods and fits seamlessly into the trap’s structure. The primary function of a cat trap divider is to facilitate the safe and efficient handling of trapped cats—especially when dealing with multiple felines or when needing to perform specific tasks such as feeding, cleaning, or medicating.
Why You Should Use A Trap Divider
A trap divider significantly increases safety when handling feral cats. Wild cats can be unpredictable and potentially aggressive when cornered or scared, making it risky to reach into a trap without precaution. Using a divider allows you to create a barrier between yourself and the cat, minimizing the chance of injury. It’s an effective tool that ensures both your safety and the cat’s comfort during interactions.
You should use a divider to isolate the animal or confine the animal while the trap door is open. You’ll use one to replace food and water, clean waste, or transition into a transfer cage.
How to Use A Trap Divider
Trap dividers are pretty simple to use, but you do need to use them correctly otherwise, you or the cat could get hurt, like I did. Here’s how to use a trap divider with a traditional live trap. To use a trap divider, slide the divider fork through one side of the trap and make sure it goes all the way through the other side. Do not go top-down, which could allow the cat to get underneath the divider.
Several dividers can also be used with a drop trap to help isolate the animal by sliding them into place to steer the kitty into a transfer cage. Using multiple dividers will allow you to confine and separate two cats who are in the same trap.
The Best Cat Trap Dividers
The best feral cat trap dividers are sturdy and fit the trap size properly. The most popular cat trap brands offer their own divider forks that fit their traps. However, you can definitely use different brands as long as they fit. Here are some great cat trap dividers that work for most common traps.
The Tomahawk model, Neighborhood Cats 36LTD is the most popular trap, and this divider will work well for it, or smaller traps.
TruCatch is a popular trap with a powder-coated finish. This TruCatch divider will work well with the popular 30LTD, FatCat, or smaller models.
DIY Cat Trap Dividers
While the idea of a DIY trap divider might seem appealing from a cost-saving perspective, it has its own set of drawbacks. The primary concern is that homemade dividers may lack structural integrity or be the wrong size to fit the trap properly. A poorly made divider can break or malfunction during use, leading to potential injury for you or the cat.
With safety in mind, there are ways to go about it. For standard live traps, you can fashion together several poles or sturdy sticks into a fork shape connected to a steel rod or strong support structure. Make sure it’s constructed well and has enough weight to it for strength and durability.
Conclusion
If you are rescuing cats or working with multiple trapped animals, then you’ll probably need to confine animals at some point during feeding and cleaning. Even in smaller traps, it’s important to be able to separate the cat from the trap door. Simply sliding the divider into the trap cage is a very handy way to separate the animal so you can tend to their cage. While DIY trap dividers are tempting, it’s advised to use a commercial one that is designed for your trap’s size. Whether you are using a collapsible trap, drop trap, or live trap, having a trap divider is crucial.
About the Author: Justin Ruffier
My journey with TNR began in the canyon behind my house. A few kittens were playing in the dandelions, and I began to name them. Then, one day, they showed up with ear tips. I wasn’t sure what to think, so I began researching. I learned that TNR was about helping community cats, and I began to find ways to help others in my community. I’m a cat advocate, marketer, and fundraising specialist, and I want to help all outdoor cats find safe indoor homes or have safe outdoor communities.
