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10 Best Cat Traps 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Tru Catch 30LTD Humane Live Animal Trap - Easy & Safe Catch & Release for Cats, Rabbits, & Other Small Animals - Durable Light Duty TNR - (30" L x 11" H x 9" W)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,398
Material
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup

Most important from
932 reviews

Material
The trap is sturdy and powder-coated, promising long-lasting durability.
Door Mechanism
The trap door comes down quickly but gently and quietly, ensuring the safety of smaller cats and kittens.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the trap is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

The Tru Catch 30LTD Humane Live Animal Trap is designed for catching cats and other small animals like rabbits and skunks with an emphasis on safety and ease of use. One of its key strengths is its size; measuring 30 inches long, it provides ample space for animals, which can help reduce stress during the trapping process. The alloy steel material contributes to its durability, ensuring it holds up well over time, even with regular use. Users appreciate its lightweight design at 8.4 pounds, making it relatively easy to transport and set up in various locations. Additionally, the trap's door mechanism is designed for a straightforward operation, enhancing user-friendliness for those who may not be very tech-savvy.

On the flip side, some potential drawbacks should be noted. While it is suitable for small animals, its size might not accommodate larger animals comfortably. There may also be a learning curve for first-time users to understand the best practices for baiting and placement. Furthermore, although the trap is portable, the design may not be as compact as some users would prefer for storage. Lastly, while the humane aspect is a significant selling point, it’s essential for users to ensure they are following local regulations regarding animal trapping and release.

The Tru Catch 30LTD Trap is a solid choice for pet owners or animal control enthusiasts looking for a humane and effective solution for capturing small animals, although potential users should be aware of its size limitations and operational nuances.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,398
Material
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup

Most important from
932 reviews

Material
The trap is sturdy and powder-coated, promising long-lasting durability.
Door Mechanism
The trap door comes down quickly but gently and quietly, ensuring the safety of smaller cats and kittens.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the trap is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
#2

HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage - Live Raccoon Trap, for Bobcats, Beavers, Dogs, & More

Rating
10.0
Material
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup

Most important from
17952 reviews

Material
The sturdy construction ensures animals remain securely contained until release, providing confidence in its durability and effectiveness.
Door Mechanism
Its simple one-door design combined with a sensitive trigger system delivers quick, humane captures without complicated setup.
Ease of Setup
Its simple one-door design combined with a sensitive trigger system delivers quick, humane captures without complicated setup.
Safety Features
Smooth edges and thoughtful safety features protect both the trapped animals and the user during handling and transport.
Portability
The handle design makes it easy to carry trapped animals to release locations, enhancing convenience and safety.

The HAVAHART 1079SR is a large, humane live animal trap designed to safely catch a range of animals including cats, raccoons, and skunks. It’s made from durable alloy steel that resists rust and corrosion, which means it should last well even with outdoor use. The trap measures 32 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 12 inches high, providing enough room for bigger animals like raccoons or bobcats. It uses a single-door mechanism, which helps animals fully enter the trap, increasing the chances of a successful catch while reducing escape risks.

Setting up the trap is straightforward thanks to its professional design with a refined trip system that handles heavier animals and minimizes false triggers. Safety-wise, it features smooth edges to prevent injuries to captured animals and handle guards for your protection while moving the trap. Weighing about 10 pounds, it’s portable enough to carry around but might feel a bit heavy for some users. This trap is great if you need a reliable, humane solution for catching larger animals safely, though its size and weight may be more than needed if you’re only targeting smaller animals like cats. It’s not electric, so it works quietly without batteries or power.

The trap combines strong construction and safety features with easy use, making it a solid choice for those who want an effective and humane trapping tool.

Rating
10.0
Material
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup

Most important from
17952 reviews

Material
The sturdy construction ensures animals remain securely contained until release, providing confidence in its durability and effectiveness.
Door Mechanism
Its simple one-door design combined with a sensitive trigger system delivers quick, humane captures without complicated setup.
Ease of Setup
Its simple one-door design combined with a sensitive trigger system delivers quick, humane captures without complicated setup.
Safety Features
Smooth edges and thoughtful safety features protect both the trapped animals and the user during handling and transport.
Portability
The handle design makes it easy to carry trapped animals to release locations, enhancing convenience and safety.
#3

Tomahawk Live Trap - Model DT1 - Tomahawk TNR Series Neighborhood Cats Drop Trap - 36x36x14 Collapsible

Rating
9.1
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup
Safety Features

Most important from
349 reviews

Door Mechanism
The side door with springs is a great feature for attaching a secondary transport cage or trap.
Ease of Setup
It's sturdy and easy to assemble without any tools, thanks to the connected parts and helpful video instructions.
Safety Features
Users appreciate the ability to catch and release cats without unnecessary stress, making the process smoother for both the cat and the handler.
Portability
The trap folds up like a suitcase, making it incredibly easy to store and transport.

The Tomahawk Live Trap - Model DT1 is designed for catching neighborhood cats, making it an ideal choice for animal control, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, or even for pet owners needing to capture their felines. One of its standout features is the ease of setup; you can quickly get it ready for use which is helpful for those unfamiliar with traps. Its collapsible design, shrinking down to a compact 36" x 18" x 4", enhances portability, making it convenient to store and transport, especially if you need to move it frequently or take it to different locations.

The drop trap mechanism aims to catch wary or trap-shy cats effectively, which is a significant strength as many cats can be elusive. Once a cat is in, the easy-release door ensures that you can let the cat out without unnecessary stress. The use of alloy steel for construction adds durability, so the trap can withstand various outdoor conditions.

There are some drawbacks. For instance, the trap's size (36" x 36" x 14") may be too large for smaller spaces, potentially limiting where it can be set up. Also, while the weight of 14 pounds is manageable, it could be cumbersome for some users to handle, especially when transporting it over longer distances. Additionally, the fact that it is electric might imply that it requires a power source, which can limit use in remote areas without electricity.

Rating
9.1
Door Mechanism
Ease of Setup
Safety Features

Most important from
349 reviews

Door Mechanism
The side door with springs is a great feature for attaching a secondary transport cage or trap.
Ease of Setup
It's sturdy and easy to assemble without any tools, thanks to the connected parts and helpful video instructions.
Safety Features
Users appreciate the ability to catch and release cats without unnecessary stress, making the process smoother for both the cat and the handler.
Portability
The trap folds up like a suitcase, making it incredibly easy to store and transport.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Traps

Choosing the right cat trap is essential for safely and humanely capturing stray or feral cats. Whether you're looking to help a lost pet, manage a feral cat colony, or address a nuisance, selecting the right trap can make a significant difference. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a cat trap, along with explanations to help you make the best choice for your needs.
SizeThe size of the cat trap is crucial because it needs to be large enough to comfortably accommodate the cat without causing injury. Traps generally come in small, medium, and large sizes. Small traps are suitable for kittens or very small cats, medium traps are ideal for average-sized adult cats, and large traps are best for bigger cats or if you want to ensure extra space for the cat to move around. Consider the typical size of the cats you are targeting to choose the right trap size.
MaterialThe material of the cat trap affects its durability and ease of use. Most traps are made from metal, such as galvanized steel, which is strong and resistant to rust. Some traps may have a coating to prevent corrosion. A sturdy material ensures the trap can withstand the elements and repeated use. If you plan to use the trap frequently or in various weather conditions, opt for a high-quality metal trap.
Door MechanismThe door mechanism is important for ensuring the cat is securely trapped once it enters. Common mechanisms include gravity doors, spring-loaded doors, and sliding doors. Gravity doors are simple and reliable, spring-loaded doors are quick and secure, and sliding doors offer easy access for releasing the cat. Choose a mechanism that you find easy to operate and that ensures the cat cannot escape once trapped.
Ease of SetupEase of setup refers to how simple it is to assemble and set the trap. Some traps come pre-assembled, while others require some setup. Look for traps with clear instructions and minimal assembly to save time and effort. If you are not very handy or need to set up multiple traps quickly, opt for a trap that is easy to set up and use.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are designed to protect both the cat and the person handling the trap. These may include smooth edges to prevent injury, a solid handle for safe carrying, and a mechanism to prevent accidental release. Safety features are particularly important if you are new to trapping or if you will be handling the trap frequently. Ensure the trap you choose has adequate safety features to minimize the risk of harm.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport the trap. Lightweight traps with handles or collapsible designs are easier to carry and store. If you need to move the trap frequently or transport it to different locations, consider a portable design. Portability is also important if you have limited storage space or need to set traps in hard-to-reach areas.

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