Deterring & Trapping Feral Cats

  1. Deterring
  2. Trapping

While many people sympathize with the feral cat’s struggle for survival, they are understandably not happy to find cat droppings in their yard. There are many humane ways to deter them. Keep in mind that what may work for one cat, might not work for another so it helps to try more that one solution.

Humane Methods of Deterrence

  • Cats are sensitive to smell and dislike many scents. Choose one or more of the following and scatter it around in the areas you wish to keep the cat out of: 
    • Cayenne pepper
    • Coffee grounds
    • Orange or lemon peelings
    • Pipe tobacco
    • Rags soaked with perfume or dried rue (a herb sold in health food stores)
  • Push disposable wooden chopsticks or 10-inch plant stakes into flower beds every 8-inches to prevent cats from digging or scratching.
  • Spray cat repellent (available at pet supply stores) around the perimeter of your yard and along the top of fences.
  • Purchase a motion-activated sprinkler that sprays intruding animals.
  • Obtain an "ultrasonic" cat repellent device.