Drop Traps, Stubborn Cats & DIY Hacks: Level Up Your TNR Game Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

Drop Traps, Stubborn Cats & DIY Hacks: Level Up Your TNR Game Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

Author: The Community Cats Podcast November 4, 2025 Duration: 37:48

"If they won't go hungry, feed them into the trap. We don't just wait—we adapt."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In Part 2 of our Drop Trap Workshop, we move beyond the basics into the advanced strategies and inventive solutions that make drop trapping even more powerful. Brian Cordes returns to unpack real-world tactics for high-stakes trapping scenarios—from uneven terrain and stubborn caretakers to high-volume colony projects and post-disaster recovery.

This episode showcases smart hacks like drop trap pads for unstable ground, audio lures using kitten cries, how to use kittens or queens as live bait, and managing nighttime trapping with minimal stress. Brian also reveals how drop traps played a pivotal role in Neighborhood Cats' mission to rescue over 600 cats from the Maui wildfire burn zone, including the creation of an "auto drop trap" that works without a human present.

With crystal-clear instruction and field-tested examples, this workshop gives seasoned trappers the tools to scale their efforts, adapt to tricky environments, and stay one step ahead of even the savviest felines.

Press Play Now For:

  • Using flour or chalk to gauge cat positioning under the trap
  • How to safely use kittens or audio as live bait
  • Tips for dealing with determined but untrained feeders
  • Building drop trap pads for rough terrain
  • How auto drop traps and remote triggers expand your reach
  • Mass trapping with drop traps for entire colonies

Mentioned Resources:

Sponsor Links:

  • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies637)

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Tuning into The Community Cats Podcast feels like joining a thoughtful conversation with neighbors who share a deep concern for the feline lives intertwined with our own. This isn't just about admiration from afar; it's a practical, compassionate resource for anyone who has ever wondered how to help the unowned cat in their backyard or navigate the complexities of local animal welfare. Each episode builds a supportive environment through genuine dialogue, bringing together voices from the front lines-including caregivers, veterinarians, non-profit founders, and community organizers. You'll hear real stories and actionable strategies that blend the heart of family and pets with the necessary mechanics of business and non-profit work, making it accessible for listeners of all ages, including kids involved in community care. The education provided here demystifies everything from Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to colony management and public policy, empowering you with the information to make a tangible difference. This podcast recognizes that helping community cats is a multifaceted endeavor, and its discussions reflect that holistic view, fostering a sense of shared purpose and practical knowledge you can apply right where you live.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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