Like you said, cats aren't dumb. There's something called trap happy - when an animal comes to associate the trap with good things and willingly triggers it multiple times in response.

Just like in the wild, this is probably due to getting a free zero-effort meal out of it. It probably also helps that a domestic cat already associates human smells with food and safety, whereas a feral cat will be wary and prone to extreme panic when caught.

[–] Sagan_Wept@lemmynsfw.com 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I've had this experience with non target species before, specifically with skunks. I must have trapped two dozen skunks over the years, I had to elevate my traps due to that. I have yet to experience that with a cat, but it makes sense and I believe you.

[–] Quetzalcutlass@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Ha! Skunks are one step away from domesticating themselves, the fearless furry little bastards. Though I'd be fearless too if I carried around a chemical weapon everywhere I went.