A trap deposit is $75 per trap and must be made with cash or check. When the trap is returned to WCHS undamaged, WCHS will return the deposit. There is no daily fee for trap rentals.

• Use a separate trap for each cat. You will be more successful if you trap as many cats as possible in your first trapping session. 
• Be sure to withhold food from the cats you intend to trap for 24 hours prior to trapping, as this will ensure the cats are hungry enough to enter the traps.
• Enticing baits include tuna, sardines in oil or mackerel. If using a moist cat food, use a brand such as Fancy Feast which is highly desirable to a cat.
• Use lids or very small containers as needed to hold the bait. Never keep wet food in the can.
• To set the trap, pull the bottom door upward and attach it to the hook. This holds the door open and raises the trip plate, which will close the trap when the cat steps on it.
• Make sure to have the trap covered with a sheet or towel to help the cat feel safer about entering the trap and to help keep the cat calm.
• Check the trap every 2 hours if possible.
• DO NOT attempt to remove the cat from the trap. Keep the covering on the trap and bring the cat into the clinic in the live trap. It’s normal for cats to thrash about inside the trap initially.

*If you inadvertently trap a wild animal, release the animal immediately.

• Keep Community Cats Comfortable

• Provide all cats with water.
• Food should be withheld after 9 p.m. the evening prior to surgery, if possible.
• On the day of surgery, cats should be brought in a carrier if friendly or a live trap if not able to be handled.

Full recovery from anesthesia may take up to 24 hours. During this time, it is important to follow these recovery recommendations:

• Keep the cat in the trap in a safe, warm, quiet place away from other animals allowing them to rest. Limit interruptions to allow them to recover with minimal additional stress.
• You can use a garage, basement, bathroom, or extra room, as long as it is safe and warm.
• Elevate the trap on something like bricks with a sheet of plastic underneath, which will keep the cage and your space clean and dry.  
• Do not put additional items, such as blankets or litterboxes, in the trap.  Only food and water dishes should be in the trap with the cat.  
• Keep the trap covered loosely with a towel or sheet to help the cat relax and regulate body temperature.
• Day of surgery offer small amounts of food and water after 6 pm, however if your cat becomes
  sick to his stomach, discontinue food until the next morning. As long as they are able to keep
  food in and don’t exhibit signs of illness, you can resume normal diet the day following
  surgery.

Cats do not require suture removal after surgery.

WCHS is not a full service clinic. We are not staffed to do any follow up care needed by your cat, this must be done at your
regular veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian if needed.

Do not release unless the cat is eating and fully alert.

• Cats need to be returned to their original outdoor location and not relocated to another area.  Relocating them can put them in danger because they are not familiar with the area.

Do not release the cat while they are showing any of these concerning behaviors:

• Excessive bleeding from the incision
• Inability to lift head by evening
• Difficulty breathing
• Any abnormalities of the surgical site
• Lethargy beyond the first day of recovery