1)  

Traps and dividers. When possible, get one or two more traps than the number of cats you plan to trap, because it's easier to get the last cat or two if you have more traps to place in the territory. You will need two dividers for cleaning and feeding.

2)  

Sheets (or fabric pieces) cut to 3.5' x 5.5'. One per trap, plus a few extras in case they get soiled. These are for covering the trapped cats. You can get sheets inexpensively at a thrift store or dollar store.

3)  

Cardboard pieces, cut to 6" x 9". One per trap. Used to extend the width of the trip-plate.

4)  

Roll of duct or electrical tape for taping cardboard to metal trip-plate.

5)  

Lots and lots of newspapers! Trapped cats should be tended to (dirty papers changed and fresh food/water provided) twice a day.

6)  

Bait. Cheap people-grade tuna (in oil) works best. Also Fancy Feast cat food (fish flavor) is good, and/or people-grade sardines or mackerel.

7)  

Regular cat food. Whatever you're feeding them now, to feed while in the traps.

8)  

Plastic tarp or plastic sheeting, such as a drop cloth used in painting, available at any hardware store. This is to line the floor or tables in the holding space, and/or the back seat of your car.

9)  

Plates or bowls for feeding in the traps and shallow bowls or plates for bait.

10)  

If the ASPCA mobile clinic is coming to your address, you will need parking permits to clear parking space on the street for the van (37 feet, or approximately 3 car lengths), available from your local police precinct.

1)  

Canvass the neighborhood to see if anyone else is feeding. If there are other feeders, they need to be alerted as to when you intend to stop feeding. Withholding food at least 36 hours prior to trapping is imperative!

2)  

If you live in a neighborhood where you know there are "indoor/outdoor owned cats," post signs before you begin trapping asking people to keep their cats indoors during the time you're trapping.

1)  

Allow 2–3 days to trap the entire colony.

2)  

If a cat escapes in your holding space, do not attempt to grab him/her! Set the trap with bait and cover it, leaving the rear end uncovered. Place the trap in a corner or dark space and wait for him/her to be retrapped. Until the cat is back in the trap, use caution when entering and exiting the room.