Feral colony cats may be outsmarted by the new Tomahawk live trap. Those involved in trap-neuter-return (TNR) know what I’m talking about as we often deal with the frustration of colony cats being trap shy.
Back when I was active in TNR I had several cats who wouldn’t get within 30 feet of a regular humane trap.
Dubbed The Roundhouse Trap, according to the website, this unique trap is patent pending and was designed by inventor Randy Jack. The unique circle frame of this trap eliminates straight walls and corners for the animal to push against after being trapped.
This trap features a removable bait dish, internal plastic cover to keep trapped animals calm and an easy release door for easy baiting, transfer and release. The trap measures 12″ tall and has a 19″ diameter. Inventor Randy Jack is a freelance pet product designer and former Portage County Humane Officer. He currently designs products for several companies around the world.
I really like this design. Most of the colony cats I trapped were captured using a standard drop trap. Even then It was difficult to catch the most trap savvy cats. I’d have to place food in the middle of the trap rather than near the back. In the beginning, the cats were afraid to get all the way under it and some escaped before the trap came all the way down.
I like that the roundhouse has the covered walls. A cat will enter it judging on smell more than sight of the food. Plus there shouldn’t be as great a chance for injury and panic should be be reduced.
Have any of you used the new trap? It’s available on the Tomahawk website for $99.50 (discounts available for six or more). Don’t fall for the trap (excuse the pun) on the Amazon website. It’s $120 there and is sold through Tomahawk. The cost is much more than a standard humane trap but comparable to a drop trap. If it takes some of the hassle out of trapping then it’s worth every penny.
How does this outsmart a feral cat? I need to see how it works.
The cat is not standing in the way of the door closing? I’d like to see a video of it working.
Would this be to hold cats pre/post surgery? Or do you recommend transferring to another type of trap?
How do you clean and sanitize inside and out with the the green plastic inside. Also concerned with retention of heat with the green plastic inside cover during hot weather.
Hi Elisa: Being a Former Humane Officer I had a lot of experience trapping all types of animals and many many cats. I was asked by a person my wife knows that is heavy into TNR to design a trap that would reduce the stress and possible injury from other traps that may be used. Her main concern was damage to the face area. I think I have the most Humane Cat Trap made at this time, I’m hoping and thinking it will solve some issues and assist in this amazing program.
I don’t use FB but feel free to post this on your page if you wish.
Best
Randy Jack
randyjack.com
Love this trap. Cats are not stressed and I cover it with a trash can lid as protection from rain. I often catch squirrels in it and relocate them to a big wooded park.
Can you design something similar in a small size for catching squirrels and rats? Thanks so much