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around the house or are stocking a trap bank and need large quantities, this trap is anexcellent choice.Tru-Catch- Large Raccoon Trap with Rear DoorModel 36D (36” L x 12” W x 14” H; 14 lbs.)- Fat Cat Trap with Rear DoorModel 30FCD (30”L x 12”W x 14”H; 13 lbs.)Tru-Catch, www.trucatchtraps.com, 1-800-247-6132; also check:Heart of the Earth Animal Equipment, www.animal-traps.com; 1-800-526-1644Tru-Catch traps are solidly made and durable. They’re strong, not easily damagedand the metal is coated with a brown paint to prevent rust. Some trappers prefer Tru-Catch traps because the front door is not spring-loaded like almost every other box trap.Unlike the front door of a spring-loaded trap, that slams shut when the trip plate isstepped on, a Tru-Catch closes quietly and gently. Some trappers believe this is lessalarming to the cats. In addition, the risk is lower of a cat or kitten being injured if struckby the front door as it closes because the door shuts with less force.Another advantage is the trip plate is large so cats can’t get around it. Both modelsmentioned here are a couple of inches wider andhigher than other traps of similar length. Thismakes for a roomier stay while the cats areconfined.The biggest disadvantage is the triggermechanism, which can be tricky. The trigger is setby resting two bars against each other – one bar isconnected to the trip plate, the other to the frontdoor. For a cat, the bars need to rest against oneanother near their tips, especially with the 36 inchlength model. If the bars rest against each otherfurther up their lengths, a cat could be too light inweight to make the front door shut when steppingon the trip plate. Trappers experienced with Tru-Catch traps learn to avoid this mistake, but it can bean issue for people new to trapping.Another potential negative is that when the trap is set, the front door sticks out itsentire length from the rest of the trap, increasing the potential of a cat knocking into thedoor and accidentally shutting it before going in. The traps are also heavier and moreexpensive than comparable brands.Tru-Catch also manufactures another 30 inch length trap besides the Fat Cat Trapwhich is a favorite of some trappers. The Model 30LTD, at only 9 lbs., is much lighterand costs less. The problem is it’s also much smaller, being only 9 inches in width and59