- Home
- Your Government
- Departments
- Animal Services
- Wild & Feral Animals
- Feral Cats
- Deterring & Trapping Feral Cats
Deterring & Trapping Feral Cats
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.
If you are trying to catch a stray nuisance cat, you must utilize a humane cat trap. Lodi Animal Services does not loan traps, but you may rent a cat trap from a local animal supply store. Call your local shelter to ensure there is availability to take in trapped cats and that the location of the stray cat is within City limits of Lodi.
Please be aware that not all cats surrendered to the Lodi Animal Shelter are suitable for adoption and unfortunately may be euthanized.
Humane Trapping & Treatment
Cats caught in traps must be treated humanely. Once the cat is caught in the trap please follow these humane guidelines:
- Do not leave the trap in direct sunlight.
- Do not leave the animal out in the rain or cold. Cover the trap completely with a sheet or blanket and move it to a protected area such as the garage, bathroom, or laundry room.
- If you plan on surrendering the cat, it must be trapped within City limits of Lodi. You need to transport it immediately in the trap, to the Lodi Animal Shelter during business hours.
- Causing harm to, or dumping the cat elsewhere is against the law!
-
Animal Services
Physical Address
1345 W Kettleman Lane
Lodi, CA 95242
Phone: : 209-333-6741
Office Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 am to 4:00 pmAdoption Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
11:00 am to 3:30 pmClosed
Sunday's, Monday's & Holidays