Recent studies have shown that as a prey species, cats need hiding places to feel safe and relaxed and to be able to retreat from people. Our feral kitties are particularly prone to stress because they just don’t understand that we are trying to help them.
Keep Traps Covered Generously
To keep our feral kitties safe and calm, Operation Catnip is committed to taking every step possible to reduce the stress levels of cats entering our clinics. In order to reduce their fear, we have upgraded our procedures to meet the national standard of care for high-quality clinics.
We join other nationally respected TNR programs to REQUIRE that all cats be brought to the clinic with their traps generously covered. Covers reduce fear and stress making anesthesia and surgery safer.
- Traps should have large sheets covering them to provide ample hiding space for the cats inside.
- The sheets should drape several feet below the trap when it is carried so the cats cannot see anything except what is
directly below.
Properly covered traps look like ghost costumes! So pick up an old sheet and cover those trapped kitties from the time the traps snap shut to the time they are released to the field. The kitties would thank you if they could.
Want to learn more about trap covers and humane cat trapping?
Check out the brand new TNR Handbook from our friends at Neighborhood Cats. It’s 168 pages of free fun-lovin’ TNR!
Want to help Operation Catnip?
With hundreds of cats coming to each clinic, Operation Catnip needs A LOT of sheets and supplies.
- Your donations of old sheets are much appreciated.
- Laundry volunteers are always needed to tackle the mountain of laundry that we create each month.
Reservations Required
2015