The number of stray and feral cats that populate areas such as alley ways and open areas not regularly tended to, such as backyards and lots, is tens of millions. The difference between stray and feral cats is that the former are cats that used to have an owner but have become separated for some reason, while the latter were born and raised in the wild.
Both of these types of cats ruin gardens with their fecal matter, eat food intended for other pets, urinate on street posts, sit around and on cars and other vehicles, and cause disturbances with their continuous moaning and fights. Furthermore, they spread diseases and parasites while roaming around to other pets and children, which makes it even more important to know how to get rid of cats.
Below are 6 humane ways you can keep unwanted cats out of your property:
This action will condition them to stay in your garden as it’s easy for them to obtain food. Eventually, this could lead to even more cats appearing. Don’t leave pet food out in open areas that cats can reach. Don’t feed their natural food source such as birds or mice, as these will also attract hungry cats. When putting the rubbish out, put it in proper disposable bins with lids to ensure that cats cannot rummage through the bags.
Cats love to shelter in warm and dry places, so if they’re unable to find any such places on your property, they’ll move on pretty quickly. So what can you do? You can put a fence on your deck or porch, and make sure to keep any openings closed and sealed off. Furthermore, cats usually like to dig in the soil before they use the litter box. You can discourage this by lining your garden with chicken wire.
Devices such as motion sensing lights, can detect stimuli when the signal between the source and the receptor of light is interrupted. Cats don’t like being surprised with water so they will avoid passing through that place a second time. Place the device in areas where it won’t be accidentally set off by passers-by.
Cats use gardens or soft dirt as litter boxes so apply a solution made up of one-part Parsons Ammonia and one-part water. Place this solution in shallow dish in any areas you have seen cats defecating. The smell will keep the cats away as they hate the smell so much. You can also spray this in areas where cats frequent.
You can even consider getting a pet dog, or you could simply place some rubber snakes in your garden where cats will see it. The presence of their natural enemies will help keep them away.
Although cats like strong odors, such as that which is emitted by fish, they dislike others. For example, cats have a particular dislike for citrus scented things, so you can use orange and lemon peels to keep them away. Other common household wastes such as coffee grounds and essential oils that contain lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus are also known to repel cats. Simply spray or scatter these on the perimeter of your house and backyard.
You can make a friendly and effective cat repellent spray by following the instructions in the video below.
Source: enkiverywell
Images: depositphotos
