How To Get Rid Of Feral Cats Permanently

How do you get rid of stray cats around your house? How do you repel them from pooping in your yard? Will mothballs keep such cats away?

These and many other questions have been answered in this guide.

How To Get Rid Of Feral Cats Permanently

Stray cats, also known as feral cats are a nuisance to have around. These are not like domestic cats which are kept as pets.

Stray cats are considered pests because they pose a health challenge to other pets. These can be found in large numbers in public spaces as well as the odor they spread by territorial spraying.

If you are faced with this problem, we will show you how to get rid of unwanted cats.

Stray and Feral Cats

These two types of cats are generally problematic.

Stray cats had owners at some points. However, they got separated and roamed unhinged. Feral cats were born and raised in the wild. These two carry diseases and parasites which can be spread to humans.

One of the ways this happens is when they mingle with our pets.

Identifying a Stray Cat Infestation

Just as there are just as many feral cat varieties as there are domestic cats. These come in different colors and fur patterns.

However, they typically have unkempt/rough furs; they weigh between 7 to 9 pounds and 2 feet long. They look leaner due to the absence of care.

Male feral cats have more fat padding around their faces.

Stray Cat Habitat and Feeding

Stray cats are mostly urban dwellers. Being close to humans affords them a level of security from the wild. Stray cat problems are more common in urban centers. Some of their best habitats include empty homes or buildings, attics, drainage pipes, sewers, and any other favorable locations.

Stray or feral cats are mostly carnivorous. They feed mostly by hunting prey consisting of rodents, reptiles, birds among more.

Stray cats will feed on cooked food as well.

How often do Stray Cats Reproduce?

A large population of stray cats might make you interested in knowing how often they reproduce. Stray cats can have litter all year round. They reproduce kittens every 4 months. Kittens are heavily dependent on their mothers for care during their early years.

They need to be hidden in a safe zone until when they can venture out.

Nuisance Caused by Stray Cats

There are lots of uncomfortable situations you are likely to experience if you live in an area with stray cats. This is even truer for areas with a large number of stray cats.

If you love cats, then you need to get rid of stray cats. This is because your domestic cat pet is in danger of being injured or infected with a disease.

Common nuisance posed by stray cats include;

Can Stray Cats Be Domesticated?

Having been without human contact for a significant time, there are few cases, if any of successful domestication. It will be a long process until they are successfully tamed and adopted.

However, it is easier to get rid of stray cats safely than domesticating them.

Disease Transmission

This is most common among feral cats. Some of the diseases carried by them can be spread to humans too. However, domestic cats are the most vulnerable to these disease attacks.

Such diseases include feline leukemia, scabies, cat scratch fever, rabies, and feline AIDS. Exposing your cat to these can lead to serious health risks.

Having Several Around

The more the number of stray cats around, the more unbearable it becomes. Some of the common reasons include the loud noise made when fighting. This is more often among a large stray cat population. The strong odor from liquid discharged by male members adds to the problem.

This is used as a form of territorial marking.

One of the reasons a large stray cat population will stick around a neighborhood is the presence of an adequate source of food. The presence of a good shelter is also responsible for such.

To save yourself the risks, there are several ways to get rid of them.

How to Get Rid of Stray Cats Permanently and Keep Them Off Your Property

Having mentioned some of the problems caused by stray cats, we need to focus on the "how" of ridding your surroundings.

So, what are these control strategies? There are several of these. They include the following;

Water Sprinkler

Cats are known to dislike being sprayed with water. You can exploit this by installing motion sensor water sprays around your home.

Of course, these will be installed in a way that you or any other person do not set the trigger off.

Once cats get wet the first time, they will stay away from such areas in the future. You can install water sprinklers around your home to keep them off.

This is one fast way to get rid of neighbors' cats in your yard.

Using Cat Repellents

The use of repellents is also known to be effective in keeping stray cats away. Most of these repellents have strong odors disliked by feral cats.

Such include ground coffee, fresh lemon/orange peels, commercial cat repellents, and lavender.

Other repellents include eucalyptus, citronella, and also citrus-scented sprays. All of these work effectively to keep stray cats at bay.

Stop Feeding Them

You may be moved by your love for cats to feed them. But experience has shown that this isn't the best solution.

Stray or feral cats will bring in their relatives to join in the feast. This, in turn, compounds the problem. There's also the heightened risk of contracting diseases. So, your best bet will be to avoid feeding them altogether.

By eliminating all sources of food, you are removing all incentives for cats to hang around. They need to feed and when there is no food, they go elsewhere in search of it.

i. All Pet Food Should Be Kept Indoors

It isn't enough to stop feeding cats. You may be feeding them unknowingly.

How? By leaving pet food in dishes outdoors. Hence the need to stop keeping such outdoors. Everything food (whether for pets or not) should be kept indoors.

ii. Use Well-Sealed Trashcans

Talking about food, trash offers an alternative source of food for cats. To prevent this, your trash should be emptied as frequently as possible. Also, ensure that such cans are tightly sealed at all times.

This strategy should be used in combination with others for the best results.

iii. Removing Bird Feeders

This is yet another source of food for cats. By removing bird feeders. You are actively tackling the problem. This should be kept away for as long as necessary. Until the situation improves. Only after this should you resume feeding the birds.

Make your Home and Property Uninhabitable

Another way to get rid of stray cats is by closing all openings they can use to gain access. Your porch may serve as a perfect hiding place for stray cats.

By sealing all such openings, you will have succeeded in making your home or property less attractive to them.

Contacting the Local Humane Society or Animal Control

Are cats becoming too unbearable? You can start by calling for assistance. Animal control or your local humane society are those you should reach out to. They offer a range of solutions. What is most important here is that you don't have to sweat on how the job will be done. The use of humane traps as well as preventive advice is usually adopted by them.

Pest control services have technicians who are well trained to remove animals causing a nuisance to you. They will assess the situation to use the most appropriate control strategies.

This is your best bet if you prefer not to sweat it out yourself. Plus, the job gets handled professionally. But you must know that this comes with removal fees in most cases.

This is one of the easiest methods to use especially when faced with a difficult situation.

Using Dogs as a Deterrent

For this method to be effective, you will need to get a big dog. This scares away stray cats and allows you to have a defined territory that is out of bounds.

While considering this option, you need to note that your dogs may get into a fight with these cats occasionally. This can result in bits or scratches.

You should observe your dog(s) regularly and seek the help of a veterinarian whenever a bite or scratch is noticed.

Using Predator Urine

Predators like foxes and coyotes prey on cats. One way to register their presence is through the use of their urine. Cats can smell such urine from a distance. Once your yard or garden emits such a smell, cats will hardly hang around. You will need to reapply after some time. Especially after the rains might have washed it away.

Help Reconnect Stray Cats to Their Owners

You may be lucky enough to identify a stray cat as belonging to someone close by. In such situations, contact their owners. This is the best step to take as cats are more receptive to their owners. In some situations, owners may inquire from neighbors. This is another way you can find relief from stray cats.

Notice that we didn't mention feral cats here. This is because such cats have no owners. They were born and raised in the wild. Consequently, this approach won't apply to them.

Setting up Traps

This too is an effective way to get rid of stray cats. However, it is only best to use when you have no pets around. Your pets may end up getting trapped in the process.

When using traps for stray cats, you need to use protective gear when releasing them to avoid bites or scratches. These cats may be infected and will spread diseases when not properly handled.

Stray cats are either euthanized by pest control services or taken to no-kill zones where they are released into the wild. No-kill zones are usually locally away from residential areas.

You can choose any of these methods depending on your choice.

Using Plants as Repellents

Some types of plants are known to release scents that are disliked by cats. To take advantage of this, simply have such plants around. They include rue, coleus Canina, and lavender among others.

Other repellents that can be used with these include orange and lemon peels.

Cats have a much more superior sense of smell than humans. They detest the smell of these plants and citrus peelings.

As long as the scent remains, cats will avoid such areas. This is a cost-effective way of keeping stray cats away. The only problem here is if you keep cats as pets.

Under such circumstances, this method will not be effective as it will also affect your pets.

Ammonia

The use of ammonia is highly effective for repelling pets like cats. Cats will usually dig up soft earth in your garden or around your home to pass off the waste.

Mixing one part of ammonia with an equal amount of water will give off an unpleasant smell. This is much disliked by cats and can be used against stray cats. Placing this solution in such areas will keep them at bay.

If you are using this method while having cats as pets, it will affect them too. It is best used when you have no cats.

Are you desperate to get rid of stray cats pooping in your yard? Then, try this repellent. Stray cats will keep away from your property due to the strong odor released.

Home Remedies to Keep Cats Away

Home remedies have proven to be equally as effective. These are mostly nontoxic as well as cost-effective ways to tackle the problem. They include the following;

Vinegar

Whenever stray cats visit your home, they leave their scents behind. This is a sort of welcoming sign for other cats. You need to act fast to get rid of the problem. One of the best home remedies to use is vinegar.

Vinegar also has a strong smell disliked by cats.

To keep stray cats away, you need to either dilute white vinegar with water or use full strength. These should be sprayed around your home. Stray cats will keep off from areas that give off this smell.

Peppermint or Lemon Solution

You can make a peppermint or lavender solution. These should be mixed with water and emptied into a spray bottle.

Note that both of these (lavender and peppermint oils) can be combined in a water solution. This should be sprayed around areas most visited by stray cats. Do this as frequently as necessary. Cats dislike the smell and will keep off your property.

Use Orange or Lemon Peels

Orange or lemon peels are great deterrents for cats.

If you have an open yard, these should be scattered around. If fenced, find the entry points used by stray cats. These should be placed at such entry points. It works well by keeping them at bay.

Get Rid of Cats Pooing in your Yard

It can be very annoying when stray cats use your yard as litter. One way to get the job done is by buying a cat scarer.

This is an electronic product that releases a high-pitch sound. Are you scared and confused about this? Don't be. The sound it emits is inaudible to human ears.

So, while you go about your daily business, stray cats are distressed by the noise whenever they are around your home.

To Keep Stray Cats Off Your Yard…

Consider mounting spikes on your walls. Cats are great climbers. But will be deterred by spikes. This is a great way to fend them off. You also keep out other pests as well.

Consider scattering pinecones around your garden. Why? Because cats hate pointy objects. They prefer sandy or smooth ground surfaces. This is a creative way you can make your home surroundings unwelcoming to them.

Installing electric fencing will also get the job done. But isn't this cruel? It isn't because it won't kill them. It only acts by scaring them away. This should be installed around the perimeter of your home.

Knowing how to get rid of stray cats involves a whole lot of processes. Some of the most effective ways have been listed above.

Whether you have a single case of stray cat disturbance or are overwhelmed with a difficult mass invasion, the above measures will help you take back control of your property.

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