Set a lot of traps. Flags are not that important. If you catch more than one its not a problem to release a few.

Why did you have to give away the secret bcat set....DANG!

I've never used sifted dirt for cats, they aren't trap shy. Just used whatever is light and dry in tge vicinity of the set, just to break up the outline of the trap, of course make sure it is bedded well and not wobbly.

If you’re in a wet freezing area I’d go with a well waxed dirt with the powder and fine dirt removed to allow drainage or you could have frozen sets in low temps. Just the other day a wet snow impacted about every set I had out crusting them over. Above ground sets would take less dirt I’m kind of between above and below ground levels.

I didn’t see it mentioned, if I overlooked it my apologies.
A protrusion set will nab them,,, I’ve had to release a number of cats when I’ve used them for coyotes.
The way I make mine is to find an arm sized log about 3 feet long… and prop it up 9-10 inches..bed your trap , and have your pan roughly 9 inches from center.
Cover with grass clippings ( I guess leaves would work too if using a bigger trap) I spread the clippings in a wider area…. I put some droppings ( housecat, beagle, coyote if I can find them) and place them on the opposite side of the protrusion… I put some lure and urine on the on the side sticking up.
Pretty simple actually…. I’ve seen several guys who use it.
One variation is by Matt Jones’s.
Good luck.

Released this one today

Supposed to get about foot of snow the first day we get there. Are good suggestions on trapping in some deeper snow and keeping them working?

This sounds pretty interesting! Do you have any pictures of this? Is the trap directly underneath the log propped up?

Cubbys for snow. Face them so the snow doesn't blow in on your trap.

I’m just now seeing this reply,,, I’ll snap a picture tomorrow.

Are you placing foot holds in the cubby or outside of it gaurding the chubby?

Just outside