I think putting a tote over them makes them feel at ease and they calm down. It did not fight or even move when it was under the tote and i just slid the tote to expose the trap and paw. It worked out very well. I had a really deep pad catch on it too. I think a catch pole stresses them out too much and it is difficult to even get the noose around their neck cause they will take their other paw and try to grab it.