Feral or Stray Cat Problem?
Should you use an ultrasonic cat deterrent or a feral cat trap?
Need a feral cat repellent or clever stray-cat-deterrent for cat control?
'Feral Cat Repellent and Stray Cat Deterrent Strategies: How Do I Keep Cats Out of My Yard?'
by Mary Johnson
Yes, you’re looking for a feral cat repellent or stray cat deterrent or maybe you just want to keep your neighbor's cats out of your yard!
And why?
You need a feral cat repellent or deterrent because...
Maybe you’re worried about the health dangers of their using your child’s sandbox or your flower garden as a "litter box."
Maybe you’re pregnant and know that cat feces can contain toxoplasmosis which can cause birth defects.
Maybe you enjoy having birds and other wildlife in your yard, unmolested by uninvited cats.
Or, maybe you just don’t like cats. It doesn't matter if they're feral, stray, or pets.
Whatever your reasons, you don’t need to justify them to anyone.
You have a right not to have other people’s animals on your property.
Our yard has a small, ornamental pond with fish and frogs and for years we’ve have had trouble with neighborhood cats. Also, there are lots of stray and feral cats in our neighborhood and, unfortunately, our county no longer has a cat shelter. My fish population dwindles. What to do? I knew I needed a cat repellent or some sort of deterrent. (CONTINUED BELOW...)
And why?
You need a feral cat repellent or deterrent because...
Maybe you’re worried about the health dangers of their using your child’s sandbox or your flower garden as a "litter box."
Maybe you’re pregnant and know that cat feces can contain toxoplasmosis which can cause birth defects.
Maybe you enjoy having birds and other wildlife in your yard, unmolested by uninvited cats.
Or, maybe you just don’t like cats. It doesn't matter if they're feral, stray, or pets.
Whatever your reasons, you don’t need to justify them to anyone.
You have a right not to have other people’s animals on your property.
Our yard has a small, ornamental pond with fish and frogs and for years we’ve have had trouble with neighborhood cats. Also, there are lots of stray and feral cats in our neighborhood and, unfortunately, our county no longer has a cat shelter. My fish population dwindles. What to do? I knew I needed a cat repellent or some sort of deterrent. (CONTINUED BELOW...)
The problem? How to keep cats out of my yard
and away from my flower beds.
and away from my flower beds.
Like you, I’ve asked myself: "How do I keep cats out of my yard and garden?"
Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of things. Some worked. Some didn't. Some worked temporarily. Some worked with some cats but not with others.
Somewhere in this long list you should find something that works for you. Try them.
OK. Here we go:
Somewhere in this long list you should find something that works for you. Try them.
OK. Here we go:
Part I - Cat-Repellent Strategies - DIPLOMACY
First, if you know who they are... Talk with the cat's owners.
Yes, yes, I know! This rarely works and is hardly any more effective that talking directly to the cat. And I won’t go into the ethical issues of rude and inconsiderate cat owners who allow their un-neutered cats to roam the neighborhood. But I think it’s always best to start with diplomacy.
See if you can get the owners to agree that you have a right not to have their animals in your yard.
NOTE: It helps to plan your language ahead of time: "I feel certain you’re a responsible pet owner, a good neighbor, and a reasonable person, so certainly you agree that I have a right not to have your animals in my yard."
If they do agree (and their answer will give you an idea of whether or not you should spend any more time dealing with them or just resorting to your own tactics) then ask them exactly what plans they have for keeping their animals inside, or on their own property.
Finally, ask them to agree that because stray cats can be dangerous, you have the right to take steps to remove trespassing animals from your property.
If the conversation isn’t going well, then somewhere in the discussion you may want to mention that your hobby is taxidermy.
Even if they seem agreeable, you’re probably still going to have to take ...
See if you can get the owners to agree that you have a right not to have their animals in your yard.
NOTE: It helps to plan your language ahead of time: "I feel certain you’re a responsible pet owner, a good neighbor, and a reasonable person, so certainly you agree that I have a right not to have your animals in my yard."
If they do agree (and their answer will give you an idea of whether or not you should spend any more time dealing with them or just resorting to your own tactics) then ask them exactly what plans they have for keeping their animals inside, or on their own property.
Finally, ask them to agree that because stray cats can be dangerous, you have the right to take steps to remove trespassing animals from your property.
If the conversation isn’t going well, then somewhere in the discussion you may want to mention that your hobby is taxidermy.
Even if they seem agreeable, you’re probably still going to have to take ...
Defensive measures to keep cats out of your yard and garden:
Signs: No, most cats can’t read, but signage is an indirect way to talk to the owners. Hopefully, those concerned with the safety of their pets will action to keep their cats away from your lawn.
Post some "Pesticide Hazard Warning" signs like professional lawn services use to warn of sprayed areas. You can make your own with your computer printer. Laminate them. Mount them on wire stakes and place around the perimeter of your yard. Whether you actually apply dangerous pesticides around your yard is up to you.
Post some "Pesticide Hazard Warning" signs like professional lawn services use to warn of sprayed areas. You can make your own with your computer printer. Laminate them. Mount them on wire stakes and place around the perimeter of your yard. Whether you actually apply dangerous pesticides around your yard is up to you.
Use your computer printer to
make your own cat deterrent signs.
make your own cat deterrent signs.
Others have put out more aggressive or threatening signs stating:
"If your cat has been in my yard 3 times,
it won’t be coming home
(so don’t wait up for it!)"
Because I’m assuming your conversations with the owners will not resolve the issue, I’ve done some research and compiled a list of suggested deterrents for cats (many of which are also supposed to work with other small, nuisance animals.)
In general, to keep cats out of your garden...
You must make your yard and flower beds a hostile environment.
I’ve divided the basic tactics roughly into two categories...
Scents and Mechanical Devices.
Let's move on to PART II - Cat-Repellent Strategies - SCENTS
"If your cat has been in my yard 3 times,
it won’t be coming home
(so don’t wait up for it!)"
Because I’m assuming your conversations with the owners will not resolve the issue, I’ve done some research and compiled a list of suggested deterrents for cats (many of which are also supposed to work with other small, nuisance animals.)
In general, to keep cats out of your garden...
You must make your yard and flower beds a hostile environment.
I’ve divided the basic tactics roughly into two categories...
Scents and Mechanical Devices.
Let's move on to PART II - Cat-Repellent Strategies - SCENTS
