Living with TNR Cats

Living with Community Cats can be difficult if you don’t know how to deal with issues that may arise. Below is a list of the more common complaints that we hear from individuals. Most of the time, it only takes a few steps to ensure a happy relationship between a homeowner and an outdoor cat. The most important thing you can do is communicate with your neighbors! If you see a stray with or without an eartip, talk with others in the neighborhood. Find out if the cat is being fed by a neighbor, a lost cat or a new stray that desperately needs help. By talking with your neighbors you may be able to find the owner and help get the cat home safely. If not, take steps to make sure the cat has been sterilized and help it to have a better future!

Cats Yowling and Fighting

When you hear loud crying (yowling) from outdoor cats or can hear them fighting outside the windows of your home, this can be frustrating. However; these are all signs of mating that are displayed when cats are not sterilized. The best solution for this behavior is to participate in TNR. This will make males less inclined to fight and females will have no need to yowl. Please keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for the hormones to leave a cat’s system. However; once the hormones are gone, the behavior will usually stop. 

Cats Hanging Out in Yard

At times homeowners may be severely allergic to cats and having them in their yard is really not an option. We also hear complaints from homeowners about cats on their cars or digging in their flower beds. There are a number of different ways to keep cats off you property and out of your yard. Here is a list of ideas that can help you with keeping cats out of the yard.

  • Motion activated sprinklers-most cats hate to get wet so they will avoid areas where that might happen. This is probably the most effective way to keep cats away from areas they are not welcome.
  • Ultrasonic devices-while studies show a small number of cats actually spent an increased amount of time in the range of an ultrasonic deterrent, generally these devices have moderate success and can be implemented as part of a multi-prong approach.
  • Coleus Canina, also called the Scaredy Cat plant, is an aromatic member of the Mint family, traditionally thought to be an animal repellent because it puts out an odor similar to tomcat urine or skunk spray, depending on the smeller, when brushed against. Unfortunately, there is no proof that this smell deters cats from entering the area, but some cats may dislike it enough to avoid your yard.
  • Critter Ridder is a product sprinkled around a perimeter and uses taste and odor to deter animals from entering the area. It is a mixture of oils of pepper and other things. Moderate success has been reported when application is fresh.
  • Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels, coffee grounds, vinegar, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus. All of these are moderately effective because cats dislike their smell.
  • Make sure you remove all the good reasons to be in your yard in the first place! All trash bins should have tightly fitting lids, and pet cats should be spayed and neutered.
  • Cayenne pepper is a potentially dangerous option for deterring animals. Oils in cayenne pepper can burn paw pads, cats can get it in their eyes when they groom themselves, and large quantities can cause digestion issues.

Cats Sleeping on or under Porch, Deck or Shed

When you notice a cat is hanging out under your porch, deck or shed. First make sure the cat has an eartip, if not listen closely for babies. If there are no signs that babies have been born, trap the cat and make sure it has been sterilized. Then, block off any areas with lattice or chicken wire (be sure that you don’t have a cat hiding first) Then provide the cat with a shelter. You can either use a small dog house or build one like in this video.

Cats in My Trash

Cats are born scavengers and when seen in the trash, they are simply looking for food due to hunger. Start by always making sure you have a tight lid on your trashcan. Next, you can feed any stray cats therefore, they won’t need to scavenge for food. When supplying food for outdoor cats, you will want to feed during daylight hours. This will prevent other critters like opossums and raccoons from enjoying the meal and coming back for more. Also provide the food at a consistent time and in a private spot. Privacy makes the cats feel secure and consistency will let them know that the food will be there when they come back the next time. Before dark, you will want to pick up any leftover food and dirty dishes.