OcuTrap + TNR Case Study: Faster, Humane Trapping for Community Cats

August 2025 — Gainesville, Florida

OcuTrap is a smart, humane, remotely operated trap with an inside camera and live telemetry. In this case study with Operation Catnip (Gainesville, FL), the team armed and baited an OcuTrap and recorded a successful capture within a few hours. The cat—Rubeus—was safely contained for spay/neuter and returned to his clowder as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

What is TNR and why it matters


Trap-Neuter-Return is the proven, humane way to stabilize and care for community cat populations. Cats are trapped, spayed/neutered and vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and returned to their outdoor homes. The results: fewer kittens, less fighting and yowling, healthier colonies, and better outcomes for shelters and neighborhoods.

Why add OcuTrap to TNR

  • See before you act: The internal camera lets teams confirm species and occupancy before closing the door, reducing non-target captures.
  • Remote door control: Arm, disarm, and close the trap from the mobile app—no need to sit on-site.
  • Real-time data: Connectivity, battery voltage, and trap orientation alerts help prevent false alarms and wasted trips.
  • Faster response, less stress: Notifications shorten time in the trap and support animal welfare.
  • GPS awareness: Know where traps are deployed and coordinate pickups efficiently.

Case study: Operation Catnip, Gainesville, FL


Operation Catnip received an OcuTrap for testing with a local clowder. After placing the trap along a known travel path, the team baited and armed it. A few hours later they confirmed a cat in the trap using the built-in camera and closed the door remotely. The cat—nicknamed Rubeus—was queued for spay/neuter, ear-tipped, and returned to his feline family. The team highlighted how remote control and inside-trap visibility made the process quicker and more confident, especially without a full-time trapper available.

Deployment timeline (at a glance)

  1. Site prep: Identify feeding zones and paths used by the clowder.
  2. Setup: Level ground, check cellular signal, confirm the camera view in the app.
  3. Bait & arm: Add attractant; arm the trap and verify door status.
  4. Monitor remotely: Watch for activity; confirm species with the camera.
  5. Humane capture: Wait for capture and notification via the app; cover trap to calm the cat.
  6. Transport & care: Move to surgery; vaccinate, ear-tip, and return after recovery.
  7. Log outcomes: Record date, location, and notes to track colony progress.

Measurable benefits for TNR teams


• Fewer drive-bys: App alerts and the camera reduce on-site checks.
• Lower non-target rate: Visual confirmation avoids pets or wildlife.
• More timely closes: Remote operation means you don’t miss opportunities.
• Better welfare: Faster confirmation shortens time in the trap.
• Team coordination: GPS and status data streamline volunteer workflows.

How OcuTrap works


• Integrated camera (day/night) for visibility inside the trap.
• Remote door control via iOS/Android app.
• Sensors: orientation, temperature, and distance; telemetry includes battery and connectivity.
• GNSS location to track deployments.
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates so the system keeps improving.

Best practices for smart TNR trapping


• Pre-bait for 24–48 hours to build routine.
• Place traps along travel lanes; avoid wobble and glare in the camera view.
• Confirm species and count with the camera before closing.
• Cover the trap immediately after capture to reduce stress.
• Schedule transports tightly to minimize holding time.
• Keep simple records for each capture to measure impact over time.

FAQ


Q: Will OcuTrap work without Wi-Fi?
A: Yes. Cellular connectivity supports remote control and notifications.


Q: Is this humane?
A: OcuTrap is designed for humane capture and faster response times, aligning with TNR best practices.


Q: What about battery life?
A: The app tracks battery level so you can plan charging between deployments.

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If you run a rescue, manage a colony, or coordinate municipal TNR, OcuTrap can help you help more cat with fewer trips. Reach out!

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