Ultimate Cat Drop Trap

Sturdy heavy duty DIY portable/fold-able all metal drop trap with an optional wireless remote trigger.

Great for you local TNR(Trap/Neuter/Release) feral cat program.

Average adult cat is ~9-10lbs, 9-10" tall, 18" in length with a 12" tail. But what about the diameter of their tails? Cat - Wikipedia

Drop Trap Parts List:

• • 2x 6ftx12in shelves, cut at the store into 2 3ft long sections, and 2 1.5ft long sections, have them trim the ends as short as they can. ~$10 https://www.homedepot.com/p/100196402

• • 1x 6ftx20in shelves, cut at store into 2 equal 3ft sections, have them trim the ends as short as they can. ~$22 https://www.homedepot.com/p/100114022

• • 1x pack of hog rings(out by the chain link fencing) ~$8 https://www.homedepot.com/p/204510285 Had the pliers, but you can get them there as well. Or a pack with both pliers and rings ~$17 https://amzn.to/2zpITR6

• • Bolt Snaps, minimum of 8 needed to attach the top of the trap. I used zip ties temporarily as the ones I ordered never arrived. Everbuilt 7/8 swivel eye bolt snap 139904 will work(snug)

  • Key Rings

  • Still needs parts for transfer door

Drop Trap Build:

If you break off the support section of the 6ftx12in shelves before they are cut, you can use the pieces to make an imitation Big Easy unlock tool.

Sides:

The 12in shelf sections get the support removed and are used for the sides of the trap. The 20in sections get used for the top of the trap, attached with the bolt snaps.

Looking from the top down:

Updated: Added an additional hog ring to each joint/corner. That gives us two tight and one kinda loose so it can slide down to the bottom of each joined section.

Tail protection: We don't want an injured cat, so we need a gap between the sides and ground. I used PEX pipe that I had laying around, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, cut to 8 short lengths to fit between the vertical gaps on each corner, split lengthwise so they can slide over the end. This gives just under 5/16" so I think I will add a 1" piece as well, or come up with something else that can last a long time. Anything that can keep the animals tail from getting injured will work. Also be careful when triggering the trap so that they are fully inside.

Top:

The two 20in shelf halves get hog ringed together, so that they can fold, and the 90degree end hangs over the fold-able sides. You could also use a flexible material for the top, but that would require a channel, latch, catch, or something along the side to make the folding sides solid when setup.

Universal Trip Mechanism:

Using scrap pieces from 1.5ft side folding shelf supports that we removed earlier, we are going to make a universal trip mechanism. This is made so that it will work with a string from the front or either side of the trap and also with the wireless remote trigger shown below. That way you don't have to be directly in front of the trap to trigger it which allows for more versatility in trap placement and your hiding spot.

Drop Trap Wireless Remote Parts List:

• • Vehicle remote keyless entry kit - I ordered https://amzn.to/2RubCeD but am using only one of the actuators from it as I'm going to install the rest of the kit in one of my vehicles.

  • You can buy the actuators by themselves: https://amzn.to/2JkNmIj

  • $5 Momentary Remote Control setup for above activator https://www.ebay.com/itm/191870362251

  • In my original testing setup I used screw in electrical connectors as I had them laying around - Terminal barrier blocks https://amzn.to/2Rt4wqJ or other wire connection method. I like these as they only require a screwdriver.

  • Power source/battery - I'm using my portable jump starter with a cigarette lighter adapter that I had laying around. Could use 15ft https://amzn.to/2zUKQ8u or 13ft https://amzn.to/2zU52Yb and or 12ft https://amzn.to/2pDNd9D to use the power from your vehicle or jump starter.

Drop Trap Wireless Remote Trigger Build:

Coming soon