Easy Cat Trap

I've had it happen to me twice in my life: animals that aren't mine, running into my house, right when I open the door to go out. The first time, it was a dog. I was able to easily catch it and put it back outside. The second time, it was a stray cat, and it wasn't having any part of me catching it. He acted wild; he was running up the curtains, and hissing when I got close to him. I have to admit, I was scared. I certainly didn't want to get bit or clawed but I absolutely wanted him out of my house. I called a friend, whose dad was an old farmer, and he told me exactly what to do. Should you ever need to catch a small animal you can build a safe trap in a matter of minutes.

Although a cardboard box will work for capturing the cat or other animal a much better choice is a milk crate. With it, you can see into it, so you'll know if you caught the cat, or if your trap was sprung and contains no animal.

Decide on the bait for the animal; it doesn't necessarily have to be food. For example, a cat might be attracted to a dangling toy, rather than food. No matter what the bait is, tie a string around it. Do your best to tie it in a manner where the bait hides the string.

Put the bait in the middle of the inside bottom of the milk crate. Thread the end that doesn't have the bait up through one hole, and down through another. If you're using a cardboard box just make a couple of holes in the bottom for threading the string.

Turn the crate upside-down and pull the string over to the side of the crate. Now, stack two objects, like magic markers, to create the "spring" for the trap. Place one marker on the floor and another on top of it. Prop the crate up with the markers and position the string between the top marker and the milk crate. Make sure the bait is dangling a couple of inches into the box.

When the cat goes to explore the toy or food inside the crate he won't be able to resist. He'll swat at the toy, or grab the food, and the crate will fall down over him.

To get the animal out of the house, slide a piece of cardboard under the crate. Carry the whole thing outside and lift the crate to release the cat. If you're dealing with a wild animal, tie a long string to the crate, step back, and pull the string. This same trap can be used to catch other small animals, too, like squirrels or rabbits.