How To Get Mousetrap Glue Off A Cat: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Mousetrap Glue Off a Cat PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Removing the Glue
  • |
  • Cleaning Your Cat’s Fur
  • |
  • Video
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This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 302,332 times.

Oh, no! Your cat found a mousetrap and now glue is stuck to its fur. If your cat is still stuck to the mousetrap, you will need to cut the hair that is stuck to the trap to free your cat. Massage cooking oil into your cat’s fur to remove the glue. Once all of the glue is removed, clean your cat’s fur.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Removing the Glue

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  1. Step 1 Cut your cat free from the trap. 1 Cut your cat free from the trap. If your cat is still stuck to the trap, use scissors to cut off the hair stuck to the trap. Only cut the hair that is stuck to the trap. Be careful not to cut too close to your cat’s skin.
    • If the trap is too close to your cat’s skin, then take your cat to the veterinarian to have the trap and glue removed.
  2. Step 2 Wrap a towel around your cat. 2 Wrap a towel around your cat. Pick up your cat and place it on your lap or a level area such as a table or bed. Some mousetrap glues have toxins that may be poisonous to cats. A towel will prevent your cat from licking the affected area and becoming accidentally poisoned. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Apply a dime-sized amount of cooking oil to the affected area. 3 Apply a dime-sized amount of cooking oil to the affected area. You can use vegetable, canola, olive, sunflower, or corn oil to remove the glue. Use your fingers to massage the oil into your cat’s fur. Make sure the glue is completely covered with oil.[1]
    • Alternatively, massage peanut butter into your cat’s fur to remove the glue.
    • Avoid using eucalyptus, tea tree, or citrus oil to remove the glue since these are toxic to cats.
    • Also avoid using solvents such as paint thinner or acetone to remove the glue from your cat’s fur.
  4. Step 4 Let the oil set for five minutes. 4 Let the oil set for five minutes. The oil will soften the glue as it sets. The longer you let the oil set, the easier it will be to remove the glue.[2]
  5. Step 5 Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the glue away. 5 Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the glue away. Gently wipe the affected area with the cloth. Wipe until all of the glue is removed.[3]
    • If glue still remains on your cat’s fur, then repeat steps three through five until the glue is totally removed.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Your Cat’s Fur

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  1. Step 1 Fill your bathtub with 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of lukewarm water. 1 Fill your bathtub with 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of lukewarm water. Run the bathtub water on your wrist. If the water feels slightly warmer than your body temperature, but not too hot, then it is lukewarm.[4]
    • Lukewarm water is typically 95 to 100 °F (35 to 38 °C).
    • Alternatively, use the sink to bathe your cat.
  2. Step 2 Place a towel on the bottom of the tub. 2 Place a towel on the bottom of the tub. The towel will prevent your cat from slipping in the bathtub. Alternatively, use a bath mat.[5]
  3. Step 3 Use both hands to place your cat in the bathtub. 3 Use both hands to place your cat in the bathtub. Hold your cat firmly but gently as you place it in the tub. If your cat becomes anxious, remain calm. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice and pet it to calm it down.[6]
  4. Step 4 Use a cup to pour water over the affected area. 4 Use a cup to pour water over the affected area. Wet the affected area thoroughly with water. You can also use a handheld shower spray to wet the affected area.[7]
    • Avoid getting water in your cat’s eyes, ears, and nose.
  5. Step 5 Apply a dime-sized amount of shampoo to the affected area. 5 Apply a dime-sized amount of shampoo to the affected area. Gently rub the shampoo into your cat’s fur until a thick lather forms. Wash the area until all of the oil is removed.[8]
    • Avoid using human shampoo to bathe your cat. Use shampoo specifically designed for cats.
    • Also avoid using insecticide shampoo to bathe your cat, since the insecticide may react with the mousetrap glue.
  6. Step 6 Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water. 6 Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water. Use a cup to pour lukewarm water over the soapy area. Rinse your cat’s fur until all of the soap is removed.[9]
    • Make sure all of the soap is gone before removing your cat from the tub.
  7. Step 7 Remove your cat from the tub and wrap a towel around it. 7 Remove your cat from the tub and wrap a towel around it. Use a clean, dry towel. Gently rub the wet area with the towel to dry it. Place your cat in a warm room or near a heat source, like a sunny window or a space heater, to dry off completely. Reward your cat with a treat and praise for good behavior.
    • If your cat has long hair, you may want to comb its hair with a wide-toothed comb as well.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question I followed the steps, but there's a little bit left on the cat. If she licks it, will she die? Community Answer Community Answer It's best to get it all off. Pour vegetable oil on her fur. Leave it there for 2 minutes, then wash and dry her and comb the glue out with corn starch. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 40 Helpful 37
  • Question How do I get rat glue traps off the paws of my kitten? Community Answer Community Answer You can use an oily cream -- rub it in, then wash it off with gentle soap. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 27
  • Question What if my kitten got the trap off but she still has the glue on her? Community Answer Community Answer Wash the kitten's paws carefully. Try to wash off the glue with shampoo and warm water. It may take a few washes to get all of the glue off. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 23
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Video

Tips

  • Make sure to close the bathroom door to prevent your cat from escaping while you bathe it. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • If your cat hates baths, and there is the possibility of injury to yourself or your cat, then have a professional groomer or your veterinarian bathe your cat. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 7
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References

  1. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-help-animal-caught-glue-trap
  2. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-help-animal-caught-glue-trap
  3. https://proofpest.com/how-to-get-mouse-trap-glue-off/
  4. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
  5. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
  6. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/bathing-your-cat
  7. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
  8. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
  9. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-clean-dirty-cat-fur/

About This Article

Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 302,332 times. 16 votes - 93% Co-authors: 19 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 302,332 Categories: Removing Glue | Grooming Cats Article SummaryX

If your cat has gotten mousetrap glue stuck to its fur, it’s important to wash it out, since mousetrap glue can be toxic for cats. If your cat’s still stuck to the trap, use scissors to carefully cut its hair. Then, apply a dime-sized amount of cooking oil to the area. You can use vegetable, canola, olive, sunflower, or corn oil to remove the glue. Just massage the oil into your cat’s fur until the glue is covered with it. Leave the oil for 5 minutes to soften the glue, then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it out. If there’s any glue left in its fur, repeat the process. Once you’ve gotten the glue out of your cat’s fur, wash it in the bath with cat shampoo to get rid of any residue. For more tips, including how to keep your cat calm in the bathtub, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian Co-authors: 19 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 302,332 93% of readers found this article helpful. 16 votes - 93% Click a star to add your vote Roberta Bahr

Roberta Bahr

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"Very simple and to the point, no long story to read before you get to the help. At this moment I don't want to..." more Rated this article: Randy Seraph

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"This helped me a lot! I was in the bathroom and heard a noise, so I went to investigate it. There was my cat stuck..." more Elizabeth Turnbull

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"We made the mistake of rushing in and using shampoo first. Then I found your article but hadn't read about not..." more Jennifer Gregory

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"I was in a complete panic after finding my already old, sick cat lying on the floor with two paws stuck to a glue..." more Susanna Rose

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