When to Trap

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
If possible, establish a feeding routine so that the cats get used to being fed at the same time and in the same place each day.

ENSURE THEY ARE HUNGRY
Do not feed cats the day before trapping so that they will be hungry enough to go into the trap. Be sure to let any neighbors know to do the same.

MAKE A PLAN (through Animal Control)
Decide if you are going to work with your local animal control or take your cats directly to Animal Allies or another vet clinic. If working with Animal Control, call them first to ask for their help and which days they do trapping and pickups. If they have traps available, they will bring it out and set for you. Otherwise, let them know you can borrow a trap from Cat Trap Depot.

Spartanburg CITY Animal Control: 864-582-1558
Spartanburg COUNTY Animal Control: 864-596-3582

MAKE A PLAN (Animal Allies)
If you decide to work directly with Animal Allies, check their Facebook page to make sure their hours or policies have not changed. As of January 2021, their current dropoff hours are 8-8:30am Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (pickup at 4pm).

MAKE A PLAN (other)
If taking a cat to your personal veterinarian, make sure to set an appointment with them first before trapping. Even walk-in clinics require appointments for surgeries.

You want the cat to be in the trap a minimal amount of time before spay/neuter surgery, so trapping the night before is usually the best approach. Pay attention to weather so the trap is not out in extreme cold or heat.

Important: You may only get one chance as cats learn quickly. Make sure you have a plan in place before trapping a cat, as you may not be able to trap them a second time.

POST SURGERY
A garage or other sheltered, temperature-controlled, protected area is best. Leave cat in trap overnight so that it can fully recover from the anesthesia before releasing the following morning. Be sure to release the cat in the same area it was trapped!