The use of camera traps as research tools for the study of black‐footed cats at refuge entrances is detailed. This provided information on interspecific relationships with aardwolves. When operated with care they served to obtain ecological information on black‐footed cats, including behavioural and reproductive data. Camera traps were also used to monitor the behaviour and welfare of recently anesthetised and recovered study individuals to keep further disturbances to a minimum. Keywords: camera trap use, black-footed cat, Felis nigripes, species identity, aardwolf, Proteles cristatus, den emergence.