Tru Catch Cat Traps

Tru Catch has several of the best all around cat traps.  Their unique design includes a quiet gravity door, an extra-large trip plate, and a variable trigger. I prefer models 30FCD and 36D.  These traps have a larger (12" x 14") entrance that cats usually enter more readily.  

All models include a large trip plate, which increases capture rates.  Typical small trip plates may allow the cat to eat the bait and not set off the trap.  The variable trigger mechanism can be set for either light or heavy cats.  However, I have found that cats under 10 lbs may not reliably set off the 36D.  

The sliding rear door makes adding bait easy and allows easy release of wildlife.  Wildlife can also be released using the front door using the automatic door release mechanism; if you roll the trap upside down with your foot, the front door will automatically open.  (This method is not recommended for releasing skunks!)

Where to Buy Tru Catch Cat Traps

Tru Catch traps are available on TruCatch.com as well as some wildlife control stores like ACES and Wildlife Control Supplies. Unfortunately, Tru Catch traps are sometimes sold out or on back order due to their high demand so you may need to shop around. My favorites are the 36D Classic Deluxe and the 30FCD Fat Cat, which is similar to the 36D but only 30" long.

Tru Catch traps are sometimes available on Amazon.com. The 30LTD is good for small cats since it has a small entrance at only 9" x 11". The Tuffy 24 is a kitten trap and doesn't have a rear release door.

Tomahawk Cat Traps

Tomahawk has partnered with several Trap-Neuter-Return feral cat groups to design humane traps that maximize capture of cats.  The primary feature that sets these traps apart from similar humane traps is the large trip plate.  With the smaller, more traditional, trip plates, a trap savvy cat can easily step over the trip plate, eat all the bait, and then exit the trap without getting caught.

Tomahawk offers traps in multiple sizes including some with gravity doors, which are quieter.  In general, cats are more likely to enter traps with larger entrances.  Likewise, longer traps decrease the chance of escape since the cat has to be farther inside before the trap is triggered.  These latter features are most important with larger cats over 12 lbs.

Where to Buy Tomahawk Cat Traps

Tomahawk traps are available on their website: Livetrap.com as well as some wildlife control stores like ACES and Wildlife Control Supplies. I would recommend either GT608 or 608NC, especially for larger cats over 12 lbs.  You can also find some models available on Amazon.com.

Havahart Traps

If you need to locate a trap quickly, Havahart is one of the most popular brands available at many large hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.  These are decent quality traps and many cats have been successfully caught with them.  I recommend their large one-door traps such as the 1079 Model.  

Where to Buy a Havahart Trap

Havahart traps are often available at hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.  They are also often available on Amazon.com.  If you don't get the 1079 model I would recommend one that is rated for raccoons or at least 32L x 10W x 12H.  

The Easy Set Havahart Trap is another option, but I have seen more cats escape from this model.  The door doesn't always fully close, especially if it catches on bedding placed in the trap.  It is also more difficult to cover or camouflage since the trigger mechanism is on the top.  I've seen many people cover the trap with a towel and inadvertently prevent the trap from closing.   

In general, I do not recommend the 2-door style Havahart traps.   Cats can often enter these traps and eat the food without triggering the trap.  The distance between the trip-plate and trap door is also very short.  This increases the chances of the cat being injured or escaping.