Why Bait Choice Matters

A humane trap is only as good as the bait inside it. The wrong bait won't attract your cat — or worse, it'll attract raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife instead. After analysing hundreds of successful trap recoveries, here's what actually works.

The Top 5 Cat Trap Baits (Ranked)

1. Tuna in Oil (The Champion)

Effectiveness: ★★★★★

Tuna packed in oil is the single most effective cat trap bait. The oil carries the scent much further than water-packed tuna, and the strong fish smell is irresistible to cats. Place a tablespoon of tuna (with a little oil) on a small plate or piece of cardboard at the very back of the trap.

Tip: Warm the tuna slightly — warm food smells stronger.

2. Sardines (Strong Runner-Up)

Effectiveness: ★★★★★

Sardines are pungent and oily — almost as effective as tuna. Their strong smell cuts through wind and distance. Use one or two sardines, mashed slightly to release more scent.

3. KFC / Fried Chicken (Surprisingly Effective)

Effectiveness: ★★★★☆

This sounds odd, but fried chicken — especially KFC — is a legendary cat trap bait among rescue volunteers. The strong smell of fried chicken travels far, and many cats find it irresistible. Use a small piece of meat (no bones).

4. Warm Wet Cat Food

Effectiveness: ★★★★☆

Your cat's own favourite wet food, warmed slightly in the microwave (10 seconds), releases a much stronger scent than cold food. This is especially effective because your cat recognises the smell.

5. Catnip (For Catnip-Sensitive Cats)

Effectiveness: ★★★☆☆

If your cat loves catnip, a small amount of fresh catnip rubbed on the trap or placed near the bait can draw them in. However, not all cats respond to catnip (about 30% don't), and it's less reliable than food baits.

Baits to Avoid

  • Dry kibble — too weak a scent, cats won't detect it from a distance.
  • Milk — most cats are lactose intolerant and the smell doesn't carry.
  • Raw meat — attracts wildlife more than cats.
  • Dog food — weaker scent than cat food, less appealing.

How to Bait the Trap Correctly

  1. Place bait at the very back of the trap, behind the trigger plate. The cat must step fully onto the plate to reach the bait.
  2. Use a small amount — a tablespoon is enough. Too much bait lets the cat eat without triggering the trap.
  3. Use a shallow dish or cardboard — don't put bait directly on the trap floor (it's harder to clean and the cat may avoid stepping on it).
  4. Create a scent trail — place tiny bits of bait leading up to the trap entrance. This guides the cat in.
  5. Cover the trap with a towel or blanket — this makes the trap feel like a safe, enclosed hiding spot. Cats are more likely to enter a covered trap.

Trap Placement

Where you place the trap matters as much as the bait:

  • Near the escape point — for indoor cats, place the trap within 10 metres of where they got out.
  • Near known hiding spots — if you've seen your cat under a shed, place the trap nearby.
  • Along travel routes — along fences, walls, and paths cats use.
  • In a sheltered spot — out of wind and rain. Cats won't enter a trap in a downpour.
  • Away from human traffic — cats avoid busy areas.

When to Check the Trap

  • Every 2-4 hours — don't leave a cat trapped overnight in extreme weather.
  • At dawn — the most productive trapping time.
  • At dusk — the second-best time.

Never leave a trap unattended for more than 8 hours. A trapped cat is stressed and vulnerable to predators and weather.

What If You Catch the Wrong Animal?

If you catch a raccoon, skunk, or opossum:

  1. Stay calm — don't open the trap near your face.
  2. Cover the trap with a towel to calm the animal.
  3. Walk the trap to a quiet area away from houses.
  4. Point the trap door away from you and open it.
  5. Step back and let the animal leave on its own.
  6. For skunks: move very slowly and speak softly to avoid being sprayed.

Borrowing a Trap

Most animal shelters and rescue organisations lend humane traps for free or a small deposit. Call your local shelter, humane society, or animal control. Some vet clinics also have traps to lend.

Combine Trapping with Online Outreach

While you trap, make sure your lost cat report is online so neighbours can also watch for your cat. Trapping is most effective when combined with active searching and community awareness. Read our complete guide: How to Find a Lost Cat: 7 Proven Steps.