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View Full Version : Is there a way to deter Cats from my yard?



prncsbabs1
09-21-2009, 08:19 PM
Hi guys, I am hoping someone can give me a few ideas or a remedy for this problem. I have several squirrels and their babies that live and eat (I put out food in a safe location) in my yard along with chipmunks, doves and other assorted birds. My problem is I have an inconsiderate neighbor who allows their cat to roam the neighborhood. The last two days I have caught it twice about to pounce on a bird but today it almost got one of my Mamma squirrels. I have two dogs that I have trained NOT to chase the squirrels or the birds but they will go after this cat. I love all animals but dislike this cat, it is the same one that got my chipmunk a few months back and has gotten several of my doves. Unfortunately this cat is smart enough and quick enough to stay away of my dogs. As for talking to this neighbor...I already tried....he just said it's nature. So....short of doing something illegal (like trapping and bringing it to a shelter) I need ideas. I am really worried because I have three baby squirrels that are just learning to climb and be squirrels in this area and this cat is just waiting for the chance. Can anyone give me some ideas? Thanks. Barbara

Legomom
09-21-2009, 08:33 PM
I don't believe that trapping it & dropping it at a shelter is illegal, AS LONG AS IT IS TRAPPED ON YOUR PROPERTY. Maybe a fellow NYer can chime in.

In the meantime, get out your house or a super soaker...cats hate water.

Pointy Tale
09-21-2009, 08:50 PM
prncsbabs1—tricky problem, Act Fast. Suggestions:

1. Find out your towns laws about cats roaming around (go to their website and look up ordinaces tonight along with consequences), if they can’t roam—report it.
2. Trap and turn in to animal control (anonymously), if the owner loved their cat they wouldn’t let it roam free
3. Squirt it with hose water (hard force) each and every time it comes near your property.
4. If you have time, be outside, watch the cats pattern and deter
5. Stop feeding the squirrels—eliminate the cats “prey drive” by not encouraging squirrels on your property.
These are just my opinions based upon my own misfortune recently with a family of wild foxes (I have a thread about it)—it has been brutal—Act Fast To Deter, Better Yet—Remove. One of the foxes attacked this morning—right in front of me, they just grabbed and took one—it is horrifing (sorry don’t mean to scare you).

A waste of time talking to neighbors, they just laugh anyway, it’s a joke to them.

I wish you well and if there is anything I can do, please let me know, I truly understand.

Fireweed
09-21-2009, 09:41 PM
Frustrating! And what timing, too, because I had just bookmarked a page last night in A Northwoodsman's Guide to Everyday Compassion by Kenneth Damro which reads:

"...It pounces on unsuspecting birds and clobbers chipmunks and rabbits. It is not wild; it is not welcome here; it is my neighbour's cat. I see this as no different than a person walking through my yard with a BB gun shooting anything that moves. Domestic cats are not part of the natural predator/prey relationship. They do not starve or seek out new territories when prey is scarce, they do not need wild food to stay alive, and in many areas they have no predators. Because of this, they are responsible for the decline of many bird and mammalian species worldwide.

...Worldwide, cats are responsible for more bird extinctions than any other factor other than habitat loss. Cats also compete with local native predators such as fox, coyote, weasel or ermine, bobcat, fisher, hawks, and owls. In some areas, domestic cats exist in much higher densities than they would if they were truly wild. Cats kill out of instinct, not necessity. If it is your pet or farm cat, it is your responsibility. Please, if you own a cat, consider getting it spayed or neutered and keeping it indoors (and if your cat goes outside, build) some kind of humane pen."

So your neighbour said it's "nature"? :shakehead You could copy a page such as this and leave it on your neighbour's door, if your neighbour won't listen to you.
Unfortunately, if you deter the cat from your yard, s/he's just going to find another yard to terrorize the little animals in. :( And if your neighbour doesn't care to get educated about the damage cats do to wildlife, I hope you can find a way to help your yard critters and the cat. :grouphug Very frustrating...and I feel for you, your yard buddies, and the kitty.

If you do trap him/her, please take the cat to a No-Kill shelter where s/he will be given a chance and not killed just for being a cat, or find a good home for him/her yourself. :D

Good luck!

mindy65
09-21-2009, 10:09 PM
I would try the water first. In my opinion, I wouldn't trap the cat and take it to a shelter. I know your frustrated but you could be ending the cats life by taking it to a shelter. JUST because it says its a NO kill shelter, they still kill, they just give it to another shelter. You will be taking a family pet away. I have 12 cats, all neutered. If someone trapped one of my cats, there would be hell to pay, and I don't think you need an angry neighbor. This is just my opinion and I'm sure I will hear about it. Cats really hate water, it won't take much time to convenience it that there is water on this side of the house. min

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo
09-22-2009, 06:54 AM
I have the same problem with cats wandering around my yard. I have tried to get them with water, but they see me and run (they know I hate them). I trapped one, but the shelter charges $20 per cat! Plus, if they are feral, the humane society euthanizes them.

Pointy Tale
09-22-2009, 09:51 AM
Fireweed—You are very compassionate, more compassionate than I could be about this topic in particular. I am grateful for your insight and this compassion you express.

prncsbabs1—I just want to add that Acting Quickly is the key to resolve. I would personally, if legally allowed—trap for a variety of reasons some are: 1) the owner doesn’t care enough to take care/love their animal, it deserves better 2) it is killing wildlife unnecessarily. Whatever you do, Please Do Not Feel Bad—that slows the process and more wildlife may perish—that feeling, that experience is far worse, I can assure you, you do not wish to go through what I have gone through. Just yesterday morning, a fox grabbed another one—in front of me, this does not include how many I have already lost or had to bury because the foxes would leave behind their dead prey—sometimes they left the animal insides at my front door, other times, never mind it does not matter—Trust Me—Act Fast! Make a decision that you can live with and stick to it.

In case you feel bad about the trapping—I Google’d —Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center (http://www.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=Cat&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=NY53&sort=pet.Identifier&preview=): call them and see what their policy is on feral cats!

Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
410 East Main St.
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: (631) 360-7575
Email: sasac@tosgov.com

You have a hard choice to make—appease neighbors and other people, help your wildlife or let nature take it course (an no I do not believe a neighbor’s cat is nature)

There is no right or wrong choice, there is only the choice that you can live with.

Fireweed
09-22-2009, 01:56 PM
Hi again. :tilt

I would be devastated if my cat was trapped and taken to a shelter, too. :( (I have seven and love cats deeply). But this is one of the reasons I keep mine indoors and let them play outside in a huge enclosed cat-safe area with supervision. I don't want them to roam and get trapped or killed by a neighbour, by a hawk, by a dog, by a car etc.

I hate what cats do to wildlife (and gardens, lawns, etc.) and no person should have to witness the death of their yard squirrels or chipmunks or birds or mice because cat owners refuse to take responsibility. If a dog is roaming and is killing neighbour's cats, scaring kids, pooping on lawns, you can bet he'd be trapped and taken to a shelter. It should be the same for cats. And if a cat owner loves their cat (and/or is given a chance to fix the situation) they would keep the cat in their house/yard, I would think---especially knowing some people actually do kill cats who roam into their yards.
Bells, and neoprene collars don't do anything as cats are masters at sitting still and waiting for their prey to come within inches before they pounce. Much smarter than most dogs. :D

I do understand that some no-kill shelters aren't exactly no-kill. That's why, prprncsbabs1, if nothing else works and you do decide to trap, I'd suggest you make sure of the policies and what the shelter/rescue organization does with the cats, and if cats are allowed to live comfortably at the shelter until a good home is found, no matter how long that takes.
Personally, I'd make sure that the rescue would contact the neighbour and give him a choice and/or I'd tell the neighbour where the cat is. The neighbour will have to pay to get his cat back, but will, if he cares, and might think twice about letting the cat roam. And if he doesn't care about the cat he'll give the cat up.

Anyhoo...since this cat is not feral, and might not even be considered a stray if you tell them why you've trapped him, he won't be killed for being feral. :) But, looking for a rescue that kills NO animal (unless severely injured or sick) is a good thing to do before anyone has to make a decision like this. Some rescues will even come pick the cat up themselves.
Our local shelter doesn't kill...not even ferals...so they're out there...and are getting more popular, because euthanizing healthy animals is being frowned upon more and more.

One more thing: you might have to pay to drop off the cat. That's so the rescue can cover the cost of care, comfort, and food for the cat's life, as long as he is at the shelter (sometimes, it's a long time). Make sure you've seen where the cats are kept so that you know you're money is going to a good place and not a place overwhelmed, understaffed, dirty, and/or uncomfortable. The money is worth it for a cat to be safe, loved, cared for, and comfy while waiting for a really good person who has to apply to adopt. :thumbsup

Thanks for caring about your yard wildlife and the cat (and even the neighbour---as hard as that can be sometimes. :tilt ) Hopefully you can come up with something to deter the cat first before trapping, and maybe educate your neighbour in the meantime. :dono

JLM27
09-22-2009, 08:34 PM
Hosing does not work. The cats just learn to not be there when you are and when you are not they come back and kill and maim to their hearts content. And believe me, it does content their hearts to kill squirrels and chipmunks.

psychobird
09-22-2009, 09:00 PM
they aint cheap, but i have heard they work, not sure if this one has a sensitivity setting or not, but check it out
http://www.nixalite.com/scarecrow.aspx
i was considering buying several because an inconsiderate neighbor allowed her cats to roam free to kill everything they could, and i'm a bird rehabber, it's unacceptable and irresponsible to allow cats to roam free in america, our wildlife has not had the chance to evolve to stand a chance with this non native predator and we are losing our native birds to them, cats kill billions a year, and 100% of veterinarians recommend to keep cats indoors for their health and protection.
i ended moving to an area where it's not a wise idea to let your cat out, they will be eaten by fisher cats or coyotes, but if a cat goes on your property i don't see why you wouldn't have the right to do something about it, it may start a war with the neighbor and you should check you local leash laws, they sometimes apply to cats also.

i would have no problem raising and releasing a predator like a fisher or a coyote, they do not come close to the devastation that cats do to wildlife and they are doing it to survive not for fun
please visit
http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/index.html

prncsbabs1
09-22-2009, 10:27 PM
Thanks guys..... I do not want to stop feeding my backyard babies because of this cat. I have a nest box with babies in this area....and alot of other squirrels & friends that come to visit. I am determined to CORRECT this problem....and rather quickly I might add!!

Psycobird: [B]You and I think alike...lol. I just heard about the scarecrow....I am not sure what the weight is for it to activate but I am going to look into it. I know this cat comes in from only one side....so it is worth a shot.

I have been constantly checking my yard when my squirrels come down and when I am not there I let my Dogs patrol for this cat. Trust me, I don't scare easily and I am a VERY determined person to "right" a situation. I don't feel bad for this cat...it is just plain mean.

[B]Fireweed: Rest asure, if I ever did trap it I would return it to the owner and explain, the next time I trap it I will not be returning it...I will be relocating it.

Pointy Tail....thanks for the shelter info.....I am going to give them a call and find out what they have to say. I have taken it upon myself to protect my yard critters...I don't believe in "Nature" taking it's course...once I am aware of what "Nature" is doing I have the need to try to correct or help...in whatever way I possibly can. Thanks guys....I will keep you posted.

psychobird
09-22-2009, 10:34 PM
there is nothing natural about cats in america, you go girl!

psychobird
09-22-2009, 10:37 PM
or boy, lol i don't know which

prncsbabs1
09-22-2009, 10:48 PM
Girl....a tough NY girl....lol

psychobird
09-22-2009, 11:03 PM
awesome

Pointy Tale
09-23-2009, 04:34 PM
Thanks guys..... I do not want to stop feeding my backyard babies because of this cat. I have a nest box with babies in this area....and alot of other squirrels & friends that come to visit. I am determined to CORRECT this problem....and rather quickly I might add!!

Psycobird: You and I think alike...lol. I just heard about the scarecrow....I am not sure what the weight is for it to activate but I am going to look into it. I know this cat comes in from only one side....so it is worth a shot.

I have been constantly checking my yard when my squirrels come down and when I am not there I let my Dogs patrol for this cat. Trust me, I don't scare easily and I am a VERY determined person to "right" a situation. I don't feel bad for this cat...it is just plain mean.

Fireweed: Rest asure, if I ever did trap it I would return it to the owner and explain, the next time I trap it I will not be returning it...I will be relocating it.

Pointy Tail....thanks for the shelter info.....I am going to give them a call and find out what they have to say. I have taken it upon myself to protect my yard critters...I don't believe in "Nature" taking it's course...once I am aware of what "Nature" is doing I have the need to try to correct or help...in whatever way I possibly can. Thanks guys....I will keep you posted.
Psychobird—yes you can deter predators from your property given time, money and patience, however it is my opinion that it does not solve the problem. The predator will learn to bypass your property but can you teach your squirrels not to go into the neighbor’s yard, where the predator will now be? Just something to think about.

I agree “it's unacceptable and irresponsible to allow cats to roam free in America.”

prncsbabs1—I have been in your shoes with patrolling, trying to find a solution for the wild foxes—I have patrolled too, it can become very tiring after awhile and when you see repeated killing, taking its prey, and prey left behind it is unthinkable. If you have time, please consider reading my thread about foxes—there were helpful suggestions to me from wondering caring members, I am not the best linker, but I hope it works.

The Squirrel Board > Help Needed! > Emergency (Life Threatening) Help Needed > Three Foxes—Killing Spree During Daytime—Graphic (http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17584)
Look at post 43, page 3 or post 113 on page 6 and you will know I understand.

I would never tell the neighbor, I would just do it, it’s not like your neighbor tells you when then let their cat outside.

I so totally agree with you about protecting your yard buddies, I unfortunately have lost many, so many that I do not see anyone on a regular basis and there have been days when I see no one, it is beyond heartbreaking.

If there is any way in which I can help, please let me know. I wish you well and I do truly understand.

nnmaru1
08-06-2010, 10:12 AM
I think scarecrow is a great idea, and supersoaker when you are actually there!

please don't hurt kitty. it's not his fault the owner is a moron.
if you spray the cat a few times, he will learn to avoid your yard.
soak him good, it's summer :D

he has done nothing wrong in his book... just being a cat.
in the shelter, any shelter, he may be put down. and then maybe some other cat comes along instead.

you know lots of people don't like squirrels because they chew through insullation, etc... you don't want them to be harmed, right?

For the record, I like chips/squirrels AND cats. My (indoor) cat likes squirrels, either that or he is afaraid of them. he watches them but never shows agression.

I'm actually dealing with same problem sort of... Every other day at 5 am or so my cat yowls like mad because the roaming neighboor's kitty taunts him through the deck glass.

CritterMom
08-06-2010, 11:09 AM
Well. My town has a leash law that doesn't apply to cats because a member of the city council likes to let his cats run.:shakehead

Because I have bird feeders, plus the squirrels and chippies, these damned things spend all their time in my yard. Perhaps I should park my horse in THEIR yard. Every neighbor I have gently and rationally requested keep their cat in has blown me off. And I live in an area overrun with fishers and coyotes and foxes, all of which, particularly the fishers, will happily dine on cat if given a chance.

I tried throwing rocks (my aim stinks, don't worry). They come when I'm gone. Hosing them down - useless unless I stand on the porch with the hose 24/7. I even trapped one and hosed it down while it was inside the hav-a-hart, hoping the sheer trauma would keep it away. Saw it the next day.

So I trap them and turn them over to a friend who is involved with a feral cat rescue group. They don't turn them over to anyone else, and the friendly ones go fast. They are not local - they go well out of the area, and no, nobody calls any owners. They would pick them up and let them run again. The rescue requires that new owners keep the cats inside. As far as I am concerned, it is a win/win - they are removed from homes that care so little they allow them to run in an area where they are highly likely to be killed and eaten and go to a place where they will not be.

squillgurl
08-06-2010, 01:25 PM
Maybe you could suggest to your neighbor that if they MUST let the cat go outdoors, they might buy some kind of containment system to keep kitty in their own yard...
There are many available if you google "cat fences". They aren't cheap, but if I chose to let my cat outside, it would be a wise investment. Not only that, but how many hundreds of dollars do we spend taking care of our wild babies? And they BELONG outside :)

SqrlyGirly
08-18-2010, 01:12 PM
I've linked to a PDF brochure from Alley Cat Allies titled "How to Live with Cats in your Neighborhood" and it focuses on humane deterrents.

http://acaweb.alleycat.org/large_docs/deterbrochure-rev3.pdf


I also strongly advise NOT to trap the cat- it is somebody's family member, and bringing it to a shelter could quite possible be its death sentence. Perhaps suggest to your neighbors that they make him/her wear a bell while outdoors?

hope this helps.

crazysquirrels
08-18-2010, 03:53 PM
Water hose and pressure nossel. A couple of shots of water and he will think twice about your yard. Its harmless to all things and works great on 99% of cats.

Squirrelis
08-18-2010, 11:20 PM
I've heard of using a BB gun with the soft plastic pellets to scare the cat away-anyone have any info on this or experience?
I also have a wondering cat in my yard-don't know if its feral or not-could use some cat ridding tips to make all safe for the squirrelys and birds:)

Jackie in Tampa
08-18-2010, 11:46 PM
water guns everywhere...water ballons too and the garden hose will help!

crazysquirrels
08-21-2010, 02:15 PM
Plastic BB's are not to good. They don't travel ewal steight and getting a hit where you want it is hard. If you hit the cat in the eye you will hurt them. My cat was shot and had 3 legs. So shoting at them is out for me. No matter what. Water is your best choice as they hate water like it was a plauge. Also if they have a usual route to get in the yard put a sprinker by it. When you see them turn it on.

JLM27
08-21-2010, 08:16 PM
The rotten cats in my neighborhood run away from water, but come right back when I'm not there. I threw an old book out the fourth story window at one of them and it landed right behind him with a sound like a shot. He leaped four feet in the air and took off and never came back. Now his owners moved away. Hooray! The marmalade-colored cat named MIA just killed a baby blue jay the other week. I especially do not like her. I am still looking for a solution. Her owner is a jerk who won't keep her under control no matter what anyone says to him.

Anne
08-25-2010, 08:18 AM
For our Koi ponds, we use motion activated water jets. It may however get the occasional squirrel!
This one is from Foster and Smith!


Havahart Spray Away
Motion-activated water repellent chases away unwanted pests & varmints
Havahart Spray Away

Havahart Spray Away

grinn75
08-25-2010, 11:41 AM
I use Simple Solution dog and cat repellant from Petsmart. I had a feral cat that decided to spray my house and front door. Needless to say this upset my cats, plus who wants their house to smell like cat urine. I tried the Simple Solution and it seemed to work. I did have to retreat the area often but the cat stopped spraying and I haven't had to treat in several months. There are also electronic devices which are pricey but have heard they work wonderfully. However, I'd be concerned they would annoy and deter other animals besides cats, like birds and squirrels.