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This Online Group Exists To Show All The Hilariously Adorable Ways Kitties Can Get “Cat Trapped” And Here Are 40 Of Their Newest Catches
Ah, cats. The neverending source for internet memes and entertainment for their owners. The adorable critters never cease to amaze humans with their behavior, especially when it comes to making themselves comfortable in the most random of places. Whether it’s a box, a sink, or a spot way more unexpected than that, they often leave their owners with no other choice but to document them curled up in places around the house.
That’s why the gallery of arguably every cat owner is typically filled with ‘If I fits, I sits’ kind of moments and other gems depicting life with a feline. An abundance of such adorable pictures can be found on ‘The Cat Trap Is Working’ subreddit. Owners establish “traps” the kitties can’t resist—everyone knows that no box is left unoccupied when there’s a cat around—and watch them fall for the set up. We have gathered some of their best examples of cats being “trapped”, which you will find on the list below. Scroll down and enjoy the images of these derpy lovable creatures.
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#1
Prison Overcrowding Is Ridiculous
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Clowns in a Volkswagen. Ouch! Someone just scratched me for that, and called me a ridiculous soft can-opener.
My O My 2 years ago
Why aint they scratching each others eyes out? I have two and they don't even go on the couch at the same time
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
I used to have two littermate sisters, and they got along just fine for years. Then when they were about seven, they turned into mortal enemies. I eventually had to re-home one.
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#2
He Used The Full Power Of His One Brain Cell To Sit In The Special Box
Barbra E. Nyberg 2 years ago
There are studies proving this is all you need to do. What is the attraction?
martymcmatrix 2 years ago
Sucessfully trapped the braincell. The picture in the lower right says...(in a thinking bubble), "You know, my ancestors already made the ancient Egyptians believe that they domesticated us cats. In this process, we easily made them worship the cats and it went as far as they eventually started to build a giant human-cat hybrid, known until today as the Sphinx."
#3
Been Working On A Puzzle And Just Finished The Border…. Guess It Also Functions As A Cat Trap 🤷🏼♂️
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I have a tortie who looks similar to this cat! They are little stinkers. :)
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
The best part is that if any of those pieces misbehave, the cat can kill them quite easily from where she is.
Cats are known for doing all sorts of odd things, one of the main ones of which is chilling in random places. They can be spotted everywhere, from backpacks to cupboards, but for some of them, there is nothing more appealing than an empty box. It makes a lot of people wonder what is so special about that piece of cardboard that they just can’t leave behind.
Well, according to Live Science, being somewhat trapped feels comforting to our feline friends. They cram their little bodies into enclosed spaces as the walls provide cover, which makes them feel safe. Research has shown that they find boxes especially comforting when they’re stressed; however, that in no way means that they would enjoy one any less when they are just fine.
#4
The Power Of The Sun
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Don't laugh until you've slept in a sunbeam. It's so lovely and warm.
Nicola Roberts 2 years ago
I was on Clapham Common a couple of years back, on one of the hottest days of the year. Those that could were sat in a slither of shade in the mirror image of this!
Rick Seiden 2 years ago
In truth, their body temp is higher than ours, so they are always cold in our places. They sit in the light like this to warm up. It would be like your place always being 60F/16C, and there being one space heater you all gather round to stay warm.
#5
Mochi Loves To Trap Herself In The Wastebin And Will Happily Stay Put
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
I have a cat that does this! I found her in a dumpster when she was 4 weeks old...I joke that trash cans remind her of being a baby. I absolutely adore her but I do sometimes call her my silly little trash cat whenever I have to retrieve her from one.
Devil'sAdvocate 2 years ago
' ' Silly human, doesn't see me through this box. Hehe.... I will hide forever. ' '
Live Science also suggested that cats’ love for boxes is likely related to the instinct of ambushing their prey, whether it’s a mouse—a real or a toy one—or their beloved human. Anyone with a cat at home must have seen their critter just about ready to launch at whatever it is that they’re hunting. Using a box or a similar container allows them to hide from the prey until they’re ready for the sudden attack.
#6
Back Off Sharon! This Is Gary's Cat Trap!
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Here's my ding-dong doing her best to shove her fat behind inside the toy box. :) It was full of toys, so I guess she was trying to flatten them? She literally spent 30 minutes trying to figure it out. stella-644...8e3d1c.jpg 
#7
Hmmm, It Appears That Rectangular Traps Lure Standard Issue Cats, And Square Traps Lure Tuxedos! You're Welcome! :d
SynthaCybe 2 years ago
Fur-ther research required - what shapes are best for Orange/Gingers & Torties/Calicos - This is important research and we need to know!
#8
Appropriately Labeled Trap
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Any time I put something on the floor my cat will immediately sit on it. She especially likes Amazon envelopes for some reason. :)
Ciara Ann Stone 2 years ago
Am i the only one that thinks the tuxedo is pissed at falling for the trap and now its plotting revenge? Just me?
Research into illusory contour susceptibility in domestic cats revealed that the box doesn’t even have to be real to be appealing to them. An experiment on felines’ visual cognition and perception of borders showed that they would rather sit in a square marked on the floor instead of anywhere else on the same flooring. That proves that cats find “boxes” equally fascinating even if they’re two-dimensional.
#9
I Bought Some Snacks And I Found This
#10
Kitty, This Is Not A Good Idea
Sinnsyk Jakte 2 years ago
On par for when I left the dryer door open for two minutes and my cat crawled in. I started it. All I heard for a few seconds was 'WHABOOMF WHABOOMF'... Opened the door to see what the bleep was happening and my cat ran out. He wasn't an idiot. He just smelled half-dry warm laundry with my scent in a little dark cell and thought 'Perfect!'
#11
Caught A Floof Using Only A Standard Clothes Hanger
the redqueen 2 years ago
Is this a main c**n cat? If not, can u tell me what kind? Beautiful cat!
Their love for boxes and outlines is likely the reason their owners can trick their cats and “trap” them this easily. A few of the pictures on this list show that for some cats, even the reflection of sunshine in the shape of a square has a strong enough draw. Not to mention all sorts of bags and crates. All of them seem to be good enough to start the operation ‘if I fits, I sits’.
#12
There's No Keeping This One Off The Counter So We Placed A Decoy Box To Lure Him In
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
And he's right where he wanted to be in the first place. Plus, the soft can-opener thinks it won't.
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Autowrong again. The soft can-opener thinks it won.
Load More Replies... #13
16 Weeks Old And Trapped Already!
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
You display your apples, nuts, biscuits, bananas, and junk mail in these things. Why not display your ruler?
#14
The Face Says It All
Molly Mitchell 2 years ago
"hooman u better have not written idiot box on this... i will srach u.
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
There will be a bleeding soft can-opener very soon. Do not mock the cat!
Sitting in random places is far from the only peculiar thing cats do. People who have ever owned one have likely been presented with a “gift” from their beloved pet at one point or another. Whether it’s something that’s alive and still moving (a mouse, for instance) or a less lively object brought from outside, cats often bring whatever it is they find on their adventures. You might find it disgusting, but in reality, it’s a sign of love and affection; it’s them sharing their prize with the rest of the pack, which, in the case of domesticated cats, are their owners.
#15
Box-Ception
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Awww look at the soft can-opener's little black feet! Aren't they just so cute!
#16
Missy's Very Favorite Box
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
SOOOO PRETTY! Those eyes, that floofiness ... Missy should be a super model. I can just see her walking down the cat walk! Lol
#17
Caught A Void In About 5 Minutes!
Great Pet Care revealed that pets view us as family—as one of their own—which is why they share things with us, whether it’s the prey itself or knowledge of how to hunt it. That is another reason they often bring dead animals to us, as in their minds, they’re teaching us skills necessary for survival. It can also be their way of storing the “food” for later consumption.
#18
Please Do Not
#19
I'm Out Of Ideas
Unnamed Hooman 2 years ago (edited)
Okay… but the cat is only allowed just this once!
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Cathelijne Van 2 years ago
None of my cats ever came on the counter top. But you have to be more persistent than your cat. My cats learned they could be on the table but not when we were eating.
#20
New Year’s Eve Party In A Box
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
You're lucky the cat is willing to accept a torn box. You need to get a better one immediately.
Great Pet Care emphasized that hunting is a natural instinct, which, even if to a smaller extent, is present in domesticated cats as well. However, they are usually leading a Garfield-like lifestyle and don’t really need to worry about hunting down their dinner, while a wild feline typically hunts 10 to 20 times a day.
#21
Trap Queen
BlueEyesWhiteDragon 2 years ago
As you can see from my avatar, I too am trapped in an Amazon box.
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Those Amazon boxes are particularly tempting, with all the foamy stuff or crinkle paper that come in them.
Load More Replies... #22
Where Does The Rest Of My 18lb Maine Coone Fit In This Box???
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
MCs are great proof that cats are liquid. They really do find ways to squish themselves into the smallest spaces. My not-so-little guy still tries to sleep in a cat tree spot he grew out of years ago! (He is also 18 lbs... and still growing. Freaked me out until the vet reassured me that he's a happy healthy normal 3 year old)
#23
Opened A Drawer... Guess I Can Never Shut It Again!
Jods 2 years ago
Mine open them on purpose. As if I don’t have enough cat hairs on the clothes I’m wearing!
Laura Mortensen 2 years ago
Our cat Rocket loves to open the storage drawers under our bed and get behind them. My partner didn't realize he was in there and shut the draw the fourth day we had him. He texteds me saying "I think the cat got out." I was pretty sure he was under the bed, having lived with a drawer cat. I got another text a few minutes later confirming my suspicians. Now Rocket is obssessed with wanting to hang out in the fridge.
Kneading is another example of typical cat behavior, that might catch someone who’s never owned a feline quite off guard. They might be thinking that the kitty’s there for cuddles, when all of the sudden, the little animal starts working those paws and kneading the person as if they were a lump of cookie dough.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), kneading is also an instinctive trait. One of the possible explanations for it is the fact that kittens would develop the habit of kneading while nursing, which would continue into adulthood.
#24
More Old Pics Of My Old Gentleman Isaac Politely Allowing Himself To Be Trapped
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 2 years ago
Is anyone going to agree with me that this is a very distinguished gentleman?!
#25
Dr. Carl Mangerman Is Ready To Listen
Epsilon 2 years ago
"I wanted to spend time with you, doctor" answered Bob
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Epona 2 years ago (edited)
What's going on with Carl's eye? I hope it is all better now. Poor little girl. Very cute though!
Epona 2 years ago
For anyone curious: I just checked the Reddit link underneath the bottom left of the pic. Carl is a female orange tabby (not common) and the owners have been to the vet about it and the eye will always be like that. It is, fortunately, not bothersome for her.
Load More Replies... Nadine Khazaka 2 years ago
So, you don't like tuna? When do you think your life started to go this horribly wrong?
#26
This Meal Prepping Stuff Is Easy
Other possible explanations when it comes to kneading, according to AAHA, are conveying comfort, creating a place for rest, or marking their territory. The latter is done with the help of scent glands in the critter’s paws, which they also often use to mark their territory on, you guessed it right, cardboard boxes.
#27
Coat Was On The Floor For Less Than A Minute
Cerise Hood 2 years ago
Cat: I have successfully trapped you human! Now you have to spend the entire day with me and there is nothing you can do about it! Mwah ha ha!
Deery Lou 2 years ago
my bebe Cleo always must warm my coat in the mornings! sometimes she kindly deposits her fluff to help keep me cozy on cold days lol
#28
Trapped?! Moi? You Must Mousetaken!
Meep-Meep 2 years ago
But of course not! This royal highness can leave the "trap" any time he wants.
memyselfandI 2 years ago
But he’s not going to, in order to deceive his hoomans into thinking they have power over him. That’s why he’s still there, honest.
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#29
Chairs/Stools Work As A Combo Trap & Jail
Theresa Stephenson 2 years ago
I have a stool similar to this one and I have seen my cat do this or sit in middle under neath
Cheryl Ramsay 2 years ago
When I was a teenager, we had a mama cat who had four kittens. The kittens used to swing on the kitchen chair stretchers.
#30
There's An Obstacle On The Green
#31
Poe Tato Enjoying The Crinkley Cat Trap On The Stairs
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Crinkly traps are the best. This is a paper lunch bag that fell on the floor. :) tess-644c3...d59c3b.jpg 
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Shyla gave me a whole box of crinkly paper! I ripped it all up and left bits throughout the house so she could play, too. She didn't appreciate my sacrifice.
#32
Do Heating Pads Count?
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I can't even plug in the heating pad without the cat suddenly popping up in the room like "did I hear a heating pad being plugged in?" :)
#33
Cat In A Basket
sweetrottenpeaches 2 years ago
This cat is especially beautiful :3 I think all of them are beautiful beings but I like him/her a lot. Fluffy fur and the color of those eyes ❤️
Illustrious G 2 years ago (edited)
They are similar to my newest kitty’s eyes! His are so pretty too! I call them light sea-glass green! 😻
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#34
Raspberry Ripple Couldn't Resist The Box
Sally Signup 2 years ago
Looks like a black version of one of my kitties. Mine is gray with green eyes and a round face like this one.
#35
Laundry Baskets Are The Greatest Cat Trap!
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
If I'd washed and dried a big batch of towels/linens, I'd sometimes dump the basket onto the floor and join my old gray lady on the warm pile <3
Load More Replies... Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
Shyla says "bad cat" when I have to dig in the laundry for sock. She obviously isn't smart enough to know how evil socks are. I'm doing a public service by killing them!
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Mine used to help me unload the dryer! :) (Yes, I made sure she was out before I shut the door.) kitty-644c...c9c3e3.jpg 
#36
I Think My Cat Is Broken. Must He The Mysterious Workings Of The Sink Trap
Epona 2 years ago
It would be better to get a pet fountain, so you aren't wasting water. Some of them are pretty inexpensive (the pet fountains). Cats usually like moving water and might be inclined to drink more water if the owners have a fountain for them.
Load More Replies... Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
He's just showing off his butt. Every cat has an awesome butt, see? *shows off her butt*
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Yes. That's definitely a neutered male. You would... REALLY be able to tell if he was intact.
Load More Replies... #37
My Cats Upgraded Their Traps Since We Got A Baby, The Usual Traps Remain Empty
A B C the Third 2 years ago
Guess that means the baby has to sleep in the cardboard box then, right?
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Torties are the best! We had 2 but one recently passed away at age 20. They are so funny.
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Two Cats One Box
#39
Pretty Effective Trap
#40
She Prefers The Box To The Sword
fair_weather_rose (she/they) 2 years ago
You ever read the redwall book series?
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#41
A Simple Trap For A Simple Cat
#42
It Never Fails
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Amazon Prime is responsible for trapping more floofs than anyone, even Acme!
#43
Textbook Trapping I Found From 2016. My Old Man Isaac Could Never Resist
#45
And Here I Was Thinking I’d Finished The Laundry…
#46
I Told My Wife There Was No Point Buying An Expensive Trap
#47
Ruby Truly Believes She's A Pan Of Brownies
#48
The Most Effective Trap. Got Them All At Once
#49
Walked Into The Bathroom To This
#50
Mommy Cat Hunting Tiny Screw Driver
fair_weather_rose (she/they) 2 years ago (edited)
Ever since the collapse of human society, life had been hard for Esmerelda. She had resorted to hunting tools to feed her kittens. While she herself had difficulty consuming these metal objects, her kittens, altered by the radioactivity left behind by humanity's fall, loved them. Luckily, Esmerelda had happened upon this baby screwdriver all by itself, the rest of its herd nowhere to be found. But she would have to act quickly before its notoriously protective mother returned...
#51
Pookie Fell For The Trap
#52
Attempted To Start Organizing My Desk… It Is No Longer **my** Desk
Nadine Khazaka 2 years ago
But it does look well organized, all the cats are neatly separated and stored by pattern
#53
Professional Portrait Trap
#55
I Was Hoping This Toy Would Be A Hit But, All He Does Is This
#56
Caught This One While Putting Away Decorations A While Back
#57
This Is Ms. Ni’s Favorite Bag. I Removed The Handle From Her Neck, Only To Come Back And Find She’s Stuck Her Head There Again. Double Cat Trap!
#58
Khajiit Has Wares
#59
Got Him!
#61
A Blanket Can Be An Excellent Trap. They Said We Look Alike. Lol. I Don’t See It
#62
Best Way To Catch A Cat: Put Your Freshly Dry Cleaned Clothes Down. Guaranteed Catch Within 30 Seconds!
#63
I'm Sorry, It's The Only Size We Have In Stock
#65
Cat-Trappuccino - Compliments Of Starbucks
#67
Meet Cricket, My Family’s 19 Year Old Cat! Parents Went Into The Basement To Wrap Gifts And Sent This Pic In The Family Chat
#68
I'm Not Sure What's Going On Here But I'm Fairly Certain Fizzgig Is Breaking The Laws Of Physics
#72
He Likes To Sit On The Laundry Basket, As Soon As I Open The Bathroom Door 😂 100% Effective Cattrap!
#73
He Doesn’t Know Why He Sat In The Box Either…
#74
Astrid, I Just Want To Draw
#75
I’d Really Prefer He Didn’t Get Trapped In My Clean Pot
Dawn Marie 2 years ago
I threatened my the other day with fried kitty for dinner!! And before anyone says anything, NO I would NEVER, EVER do this, it was just a joke!!!
#76
Alfons And Bertil Is Trapped In My Pants…
Persephone 2 years ago
My daughter just named them "Butt and Pants". Sorry, you must now change their names. 🤦🏻♀️
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
They climbed on in while on the pot??? These felines have absolutely NO boundaries
Transylvalleygirl 2 years ago
My cat does this to me nearly every day. It's both hilarious and humiliating.
#77
Not Sure If Charlie Is Trapped Or Is The Trap
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
My dog does this when he sees a mouse. He walks into his box and sits stock still waiting to pounce. Oh yes he thinks he is a cat for sure.
#78
Cat, Prepared Fresh Everyday
#79
We Caught An Orange One
#80
Shoe???
fair_weather_rose (she/they) 2 years ago
Idk why this post is here, I don't see any cats, just a row of shoes
#81
The Surest Trap For This Calico Is Making The Bed
Shark Lady 2 years ago
My cat waits until I get up to go to the bathroom and then she jumps into my warm spot. She refuses to move so I get in the other side and get cold! I'm very well trained.
Dawn Marie 2 years ago
I am mostly bed bound with bathroom privileges. I work from home and every stinking time I get up to go, I come back to Sweet Pea laying exactly where I was sitting and have to move her to get back to work. Of course she thinks we are playing her favorite game, bite the mommy. She is my year old tabby Sweet Heart.
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#82
Cecil Is The Most Interesting Cat Alive
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
He seems it!! I can imagine the conversation I could have with him
#83
Coming Over From R/Quilting To Show Boris Demonstrating The Quilted Cat Coaster
#84
The Cat Trap Is… Not Working?
#85
Magnus Thinks He's Laundry
#86
Got Myself A Real Cutie
#87
Got A New Office Chair. Trap Worked Within Seconds Of Emptying The Box
#88
Got A Cuffing Spot, Some Coffee. Time For Animal Crossing…….never Mind
#90
What Trap!? I Sits Because I Fits
#91
Trapped The Deaf Boss And His Minions
#94
I Don't Think He Realizes He's Just One Turn Of A Faucet Handle Away From A Big Surprise
#95
This Is Bingus. He's My Sister's Housemate's Cat
#96
On Top Of My Xbox Is Her Favorite Spot In The House
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Please clean up that mess of cords and connections before you have an electrical fire!
#97
We Only Leave One Radiator On Before Exiting The House. This Is What We Always Return Home To
#99
Beauty In A Box 📦
#101
Cat Acquired Now Angrily Staring Down Birds
#104
I Left My New Jeans Out While I Went Out, Came Back To This Trap Situation
#105
Works Every Time
BlueEyesWhiteDragon 2 years ago
On a side note, I have that round little air purifier, and it is great!!!
#106
I Made Him A Bed Out Of Recycled Material. It's Working
#107
We Were Surprised That Cleffa Wasn’t Trying To Join Our Thanksgiving Feast—turns Out It’s Because My Sister Trapped Him!
#109
IKEA Bagged A Lilli
#110
Snorkels Has Been Contained (And Given Pets)
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
I love the cat content on BP, it always makes my day a little brighter when I see lists like this one.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
My tuxedo kitten Chadwick loves to run out of my room when I open my door. Fortunately, he's easy to catch: Put some kibble in his bowl and rattle it around, and he comes rushing back in.
Robin DJW 2 years ago
I feel so cheated. We have two lovely cats. Neither one of them is remotely interested in boxes.
memyselfandI 2 years ago
I feel your pain. One of mine used to like boxes, but now doesn’t care unless I put her in, in which case she will sit for about a minute and then promptly leave.
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Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 years ago
I haven't been able to sit in a box for yrs. So rude these traps would work on me if I was small enough
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
I love the cat content on BP, it always makes my day a little brighter when I see lists like this one.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
My tuxedo kitten Chadwick loves to run out of my room when I open my door. Fortunately, he's easy to catch: Put some kibble in his bowl and rattle it around, and he comes rushing back in.
Robin DJW 2 years ago
I feel so cheated. We have two lovely cats. Neither one of them is remotely interested in boxes.
memyselfandI 2 years ago
I feel your pain. One of mine used to like boxes, but now doesn’t care unless I put her in, in which case she will sit for about a minute and then promptly leave.
Load More Replies... Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 years ago
I haven't been able to sit in a box for yrs. So rude these traps would work on me if I was small enough
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