We recommend also buying a trap divider which allows you to safely isolate the cat inside the trap when you need to open the door to clean or change food/water. This eliminates the risk of the cat escaping. It can also be used to safely move the cat into a transfer cage for holding.

Item TD10 10" trap divider for the Raccoon/Feral size trap. 1lb. $13.00.

Most Home Depots sell Have-a-Heart traps too but remember, do yourself a favor and pay the extra for the sliding rear door. It makes transfer and recovery care possible which is very difficult without the second door.

Handling Gloves

Our preferred handling gloves are excellent for handling difficult kittens and feral cats. They are less bulky than the kind of gloves necessary to protect from the crushing bite of a dog so you have much more dexterity for scruffing a small kitten.

Available through: www.animal-care.com
email to request a hard copy catalogue which has hundreds of handy items aces@animal-care.com

Item CWG in small, medium, or large. $68.00
The gloves are lined with bullet-proof Kevlar and have extended sleeves which cover the arm past the elbow.

All Weather Shelters

Cats in "Managed Feral Colonies" need warm shelters close by in Winter to keep them healthy and dry. Click here to find Shelter info and ideas here for all situations plus other Winter-Caretaking tips.

Pens

Large dog pens that are large enough for a person to get inside are excellent for socializing kittens. They can be bought at any pet supply store but can be pricey when bought retail. If you have time to wait for shipping, it's cheaper from one of the mail order houses.

www.petedge.com has one that's not too expensive. 1-800-738-3343 (800-PET-EDGE)

They sell the sides and roof separately, so don't forget to order the roof too! It has no floor it just sits on the floor. You can put down a shower curtain, blanket or piece of linoleum underneath for easy clean up.

1. The Sides come in two choices of height:
Item ZW12842 42" high 27lbs. $49.99
or:
Item ZW12848 48" high 30lbs. 59.99

2. The Square Roof fits either height you choose:
Item ZW13148 48" $24.99


The higher the pen (42" or 48"), the easier it is to crawl in and out for socializing sessions. Depending on your agility, stooping down to get in and out can get very tiresome over time. Go with the larger if you have any doubts! It can be set up in any room where the kittens will get exposure to general household activity and noises even when you aren't working directly with them. Good luck!!!.