Most homeowners don’t want stray cats living in their yards or on their property, especially if they have pets of their own. Stray cats can bring a lot of problems, from fighting with your own pets to leaving messes on your lawn. Not to mention, cats are known to carry a variety of diseases and parasites.
If you’re dealing with stray cats on your property, there are a few ways to get rid of them without having to resort to trapping and euthanizing. Here are some tips on how to get rid of stray cats.
1. Make your space unattractive to the cats. Cats are very territorial animals, so if they feel unwelcome in your yard, they’re more likely to stay away. Make your yard less inviting by removing food sources, such as pet food, birdseed, and garbage. You can also make the area less comfortable by covering grassy areas with large stones and trimming back thick shrubbery.
2. Use scent to your advantage. Cats are very sensitive to smell, so you can use this to your advantage. Try spraying the area with a strong-smelling citrus scent or applying a commercial feline repellent. If the smell is strong enough, it will discourage the cats from coming back.
3. Use sound to your advantage. Loud noises can be just as effective as smells when it comes to scaring off cats. Try setting up a motion-activated sprinkler system or a sound machine that plays loud noises such as clanging metal or a barking dog. These devices will startle the cats and make them feel unwelcome.
4. Install a fence. If all else fails, the best way to keep cats out of your yard is to install a fence. Make sure it’s at least five feet tall and has a lid or netting on top so the cats can’t get over it.
Getting rid of stray cats can be a difficult task, but it’s possible with the right techniques. Start by making your yard less attractive to cats, then use smell and sound to your advantage. If all else fails, a fence is the best solution for keeping cats out of your yard. With a little effort, you can keep your property free of unwanted cats.