Cute cat in a trap

Tru Catch Cat Trap Review

Tru Catch makes animal traps focusing on TNR and feral cats. Tru Catch traps are usually gravity traps, larger in size, and powder coated for durability, making them a favorite of animal traps for over 30 years. Tru Catch is made in America and supports local TNR groups through their Donate A Trap Program. 

About Tru Catch

Since 1987, Tru Catch Traps has provided humane, reliable live animal traps to humane societies, animal shelters, wildlife professionals, and animal control officers worldwide.

Based in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Tru Catch Traps was started by Cy Bidwell, who passed away in January of 2012. Todd Bidwell is now the President of the Tru Catch Traps, and Doug Bidwell is the Vice-President. Both have worked for Tru Catch Traps most of their lives.

Tru Catch Traps is a leading manufacturer of quality humane live animal traps, carriers, and accessories. Tru Catch is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manufacturing Systems Incorporated, an integrated systems manufacturer. The MSI umbrella encompasses several divisions, including the Agricultural Products area, the Automotive and Industrial Equipment division, and the Animal Care and Control department. 

What types of traps does Tru Catch offer?

Tru Catch offers a variety of humane traps for small and large animals, from birds to coyotes. Their largest trap is 6 feet long. They also offer animal carriers and TNR trap accessories, making Tru Catch a good supplier for your TNR needs.  

Tru Catch traps

Cat Traps

Tru Catch has three different types of traps, plus color options with a minimum order of 12. Their kitten trap is 24 inches. The regular 30LTR is 30 inches long, and their popular Fat Cat 30FCD is also 30 inches long but wider and taller. The 30LTR Light Duty Trap is the most versatile and will likely work in most cat-trapping situations, which costs $86.99 on their website. 

Tru Catch traps are gravity lock traps and are relatively quiet. Tru Catch traps also have a sliding rear door, making transfers and care easier. 

The Tru Catch Fat Cat 30FCD is one of the largest feral cat traps on the market. The large size and powder coating make it a very versatile and durable animal trap. The Tru Catch Fat Cat trap is also large enough for a small litter box, making it convenient for a trapped cat post-op recovery. The Fat Cat trap costs $110.99 on their website. 

However, some trappers say the large size is too bulky for frequent trapping as it takes up a lot of space and might be harder to place.

Tru Catch gravity trap

Cat Trap Accessories

Tru Catch offers a full lineup of cat-trapping accessories for more options to improve your trapping toolkit. It’s a good idea to purchase trap dividers, trap mats, and other trap accessories from the same manufacturer so you know everything will be the correct size and fit.  

Animal Carriers

Tru Catch offers a variety of feral cat carriers and recovery cages that are metal and powder-coated. These carriers, cages, and recovery rooms will help you transport animals more effectively due to their rear door’s unique patent door design and unique self-locking feature. If you are planning a large-scale TNR program, these carriers will give you flexibility and hold up to the task.

Trap Strength And Durability

Tru Catch is dedicated to quality and craftsmanship. All traps are hand-made in South Dakota and feature the Tru Catch 5-Year Guarantee against animal damage and defects. Most frames are wire mesh powder coated, 3/16″ steel wire frames with 14 gauge 1/2″ x 1″ and 1″ x 1″ Wire Mesh.

With quality and reliability, Tru Catch live traps offer the best and safest option for trapping small animals. You won’t have to worry about broken or damaged traps often with this brand.

How To Set A Tru Catch Cat Trap

Setting a Tru Catch cat trap is incredibly easy. All you have to do for gravity traps is lift the door and flip the latch that holds the door open.

It’s always a good idea to test the trap before use. Make sure the trip plate activates correctly. Test the front door and back door mechanisms and make sure the trigger is functioning properly.

Here’s a quick video showing how easy it is to set a gravity cat trap.

For additional trap options, check out our lineup of the best cat traps on the market.

tru catch gravity trap with cat inside