Animal advocates are hard at work in Merced, California, ensuring that the community cats in the area receive the care they need. Several cats were in desperate need of medical treatment, so In Defense of Animals purchased a drop trap to help catch a few of these more elusive cats. 

Drop traps are a humane and effective tool used in the compassionate management of community cat populations. Unlike traditional live traps where a door closes on the side of a metal box trap, a drop trap is designed with a hinged mechanism that allows it to be triggered remotely by the person operating the trap. This hands-free approach to dealing with cats who won’t enter regular live traps reduces stress on the cats, providing safer and more comfortable experiences than being cornered and netted, and ensures the cat is safely captured without causing harm. Drop traps are particularly useful in situations where wary cats may avoid conventional trapping methods, making them an invaluable tool for trap-neuter-return (TNR) and community cat care.

Community cats are undomesticated or partially domesticated free-roaming cats who live in groups in cities and neighborhoods. Providing care for these animals is essential to ensure their well-being. This care includes offering regular food, water, shelter, and medical attention when needed. Also, TNR helps to prevent cat overpopulation. By actively engaging with and showing compassion toward these cats, community members contribute to creating harmonious and healthier environments for both these unhoused feline residents, cats with homes who are allowed outside, wild animals, and their human neighbors.

Because of the drop trap purchased for Merced activists, injured and limping cats received medical care, cats were spayed and neutered, and others received basic routine vaccines. Thanks to these dedicated cat caregivers and the new drop trap, many more animals will be helped in the future. 

Read more about the work that In Defense of Animals does for Community Cats, and consider making a donation to help us provide drop traps and other resources to community cats in need.