Free trap rentals
Traps for TNR projects can be borrowed at no cost by TNR-certified individuals in New York City. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance of your trapping dates and after you've scheduled your spay/neuter appointments. Remember to borrow a couple of trap dividers, too. When you're done, return the traps on time and clean, so they'll be ready to go for the next caretaker (see cleaning instructions at the bottom of this page). Cages, feral cat dens and other equipment may also be picked up at the Neighborhood Cats trap banks.
Bronx
Who: Bronx Tails
Where: Exact location provided upon reservation
When: By appointment
How: Call Jamie at (917) 499-2985 (preferred) or email tnrjamie@gmail.com
Brooklyn
Who: Neighborhood Cats
Where: Public Storage, 30 Prince St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 (near Manhattan Bridge)
When: Pickup/drop-off on Saturdays, 11:00 am - noon
How: Reserve online
Queens
Who: ASPCA
Where: Glendale, NY (exact location provided upon reservation)
When: By appointment Monday & Tuesday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
How: schedule online or email tnrtrapbank@aspca.org
Who: Friendly Ferals
Where: Exact location provided upon reservation
When: By appointment
How: Email friendlyferals@msn.com or call Mary at (917) 579-5718
Who: NYC Feral Cat Initiative
Where: 43-55 11th St., Long Island City, NY 11101
When: Tuesdays 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm & Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
How: Email fcitraps.LIC@gmail.com
Who: SaveKitty Foundation
Where: Exact location provided upon reservation
When: By appointment
How: Call Debi at (347) 993-3163
Staten Island
Who: Neighborhood Cats
Where: Staten Island, zip code 10314 (exact location provided upon reservation)
When: Saturdays 10:00am - noon
How: Reserve online
Who: NYC Feral Cat Initiative
Where: 266 Doane Ave., Staten Island, NY 10308
When: By appointment
How: Email sicatman@aol.com
Cleaning Traps & Equipment
At the end of each trapping project, thoroughly clean the traps and any other equipment used, like trap dividers or cages, to prevent the spread of disease. First scrub off any loose materials, then dip in a bleach solution. Scrubbing should be done first to ensure the bleach solution effectively sterilizes all surfaces.
A diluted solution of 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (1: 32) will kill most common feline viruses, including distemper. The bleach must contain at least 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient. Check the label of the container. Most "ultra" bleaches have the required amount. If ringworm may be present, one cleaning with undiluted bleach or several cleanings with a 1: 10 bleach to water solution will kill the spores.
Use a 30 gallon Rubbermaid or similar-sized trash can to dip the traps. Fill the can with water to within a few inches of the top, then carefully pour in a gallon of bleach. This will be slightly stronger than a 1: 32 bleach solution. Use rubber gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury from splashing and wear pants and a long-sleeve shirt for added protection. If you do accidentally get bleach solution on your skin, wash it off immediately and apply Aloe Vera gel to mitigate any burns.
Dip one end of the trap all the way into the trash can, then lift up, turn it over and dip the other end as well. Allow to air dry then rinse with a hose.