I bought a Havahart trap to catch some feral cats in my neighborhood. They were using my frontyard and backyard as a litterbox and the smell would be unbearable. My little sisters, which are not-so-little anymore, would fall in it. One of my little sisters fell face-first into a pile of cat crap once.

So far, I have caught over 27 cats. I think... I lost count. 

I also caught 3 Opossums.

Here are some tips that I know will be of use to you:

Make sure that when you set the trap, the metal plate that the animal steps on to activate the trap door, make sure the plate is correctly set up.This will make the trap set on the slightest of touches.

If the trap does not close when the metal plate is stepped on, you might have to bend some wires. I had to do this twice. Just try and figure out what needs to be fixed and do it, these traps don't break easily.

I like to use Tuna in water in my traps. The cats seem to smell that right away. (I don't know about raccoons, I have never caught one before.) Put the whole can in the very back of the trap, they will smell it.

Place the Tuna or whatever else you are using as bait as far back in the cage as possible. This will insure that the animal reaches for it and steps on the activation plate.

When picking up the cage while there is a live animal in it, put gloves on. The animals can, and will, reach up and claw your hand. I know, because it's happened to me. Also do this to prevent blood from getting on your hands. The animal might bleed while trying to escape.

After a few catches, wash the cage with boiling water. Boil big pots of it, and just pour the boiling water on the cage, outside of your house. This process will prevent the smells of other animals repeling new animals.

Bring the animals to the shelter. The shelter will know how to care for the animals better than you think you can. What benefit will you get from letting it die in the cage?

PLEASE DONT HURT THE ANIMALS.