When stray cats started frequenting my yard, I really felt overwhelmed. They dug up my garden, knocked over flower pots, and left me some unpleasant surprises. The situation escalated when this neighbourhood stray began targeting my cats, Luci and Bean, who love spending time in their outdoor enclosure. Although the cat netting kept them safe, the stray’s persistent attacks caused a lot of distress. This led to sleepless nights, and Luci and Bean went on spraying campaigns inside our house to mark their territory against this invader.
Despite trying loud noises, sprinklers, and even throwing water, the stray cat kept returning, prompting me to look into a more permanent solution. In this blog, I’ll share what I found out and explain why stray cats are drawn to your property and strategies to deter them. You’ll also find information on humane methods of strapping feral cats, like the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, along with practical advice on using scents and understanding the legal aspects of managing stray cats. So, let’s dive in and discover how to keep those unwanted visitors away for good.
Why Do Other Cats Come into Your House?
Stray cats are usually drawn to your property because of their basic needs and natural instincts, such as nourishment, seeking shelter, or simply investigating their surroundings. It’s important to understand that their presence often stems from natural behaviours rather than malice. Feral cats may be in search of food and shelter, while domesticated but free roaming cats are probably just curiosity-driven and looking for some stimulation and adventure. Understanding the reason behind your stray cat’s attraction to your yard can help you identify the most effective strategy to deter them.
- Hunger: Stray cats, both feral and domestic, can be attracted to your yard or bins by food scraps. Keen olfactory senses mean they can smell pet food or leftover meals from a mile away, and they might begin to associate your yard with a reliable food source. Keeping rubbish bins tightly closed and pet food inside where they can’t get to it can discourage repeated visits.
- Curiosity: Cats are naturally curious and might wander into your space out of sheer interest. Open windows, inviting gardens or other pets might intrigue them. Limiting access to these tempting areas by closing windows or using barriers such as cat netting to enclose your yard will make your property less inviting to wandering cats.
- Socialization: Especially evident in non-neutered cats, establishing territory dominance and mating instincts can drive cats into other cats’ territories. By securing your property with cat netting, you can prevent those cats from causing any damage to your yard or your cats, and the lack of access may deter them from future visits.
- Scent: Cats have an exceptional sense of smell, which they use to identify food, territorial markings, and other animals. The scent of food, garbage, or even your pets can attract wandering cats. Additionally, if a cat has previously marked your yard, it might encourage others to investigate. By cleaning up food scraps and using repellents that mask appealing smells, you can deter them from coming around.
10 Tips to Deter Stray Cats from Your Yard
Before exploring specific strategies, it’s important to recognise that keeping stray cats away involves consistent effort and an integrated approach. By combining environmental adjustments with humane measures, you can effectively minimize their presence without inflicting harm. With these methods, you can focus on creating a less inviting environment for strays while ensuring a safe and peaceful area for you and your pets.
1. Communicate
Start by checking if the stray cat belongs to a neighbour. If so, communicate with your neighbour about keeping the cat indoors or desexing it, as this can help reduce its roaming and prevent conflicts. If no one claims the cat, contact local animal welfare organizations or your council for advice or assistance in rehoming the cat.
2. Using Smell
Cats dislike strong and unfamiliar scents. You can experiment by planting aromatic herbs like lavender, lemon thyme, or rue around your garden. Scattering coffee grounds, citrus peels, or pipe tobacco in areas where cats typically enter can help deter them. Commercial cat repellents are another option, offering specific formulas to keep cats away. Reapply these scents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. Cats may initially return out of curiosity, but consistent application will eventually discourage them from frequenting your yard.
3. Enhancing Doors and Windows
If a stray cat is entering your home, install advanced magnetic or electronic cat doors that only allow your pets to enter. These devices use microchips or special collars to identify your pets, ensuring no stray cats can sneak inside.
4. Watch the Area of Entrance
To keep stray cats out of your yard, start by removing anything that might attract them. Secure your rubbish bins, clean up spills, and don’t leave pet food outside. Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to scare them off without harm, and if you happen to be on active patrol, a quick squirt from a water pistol can also do the trick. These simple steps can help keep your yard cat-free.
5. Cat Proofing the Fence
Enhancing your fence with cat-proof barriers is another effective way to keep stray cats out of your yard while ensuring your own pet’s safety. Cat barriers, such as fence top barriers, add height and an angled extension to your fence, making it nearly impossible for cats to climb over. The angled design also deters stray cats from entering, as climbing upside down is exceptionally challenging for them. So, investing in a professional cat fence barrier not only protects your space but also ensures a safe and peaceful environment for your pets.
6. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
TNR programs are a humane way to control feral and stray cat populations. According to RSPCA Australia, desexing stray cats is a compassionate alternative to euthanasia. TNR programs essentially trap the cats using humane traps, desex them at a local vet, and return them to shelters for adoption. Many communities support TNR initiatives to reduce the stray population while protecting animal welfare.
7. Remove Shelter
Stray cats and feral cats are drawn to spaces that offer warmth, shelter, or protection from the elements. Identify and eliminate potential hiding spots such as woodpiles, under-deck areas, or sheds with open doors. Block off access to these spaces by sealing gaps or using barriers like mesh or lattice. Additionally, avoid leaving out cosy items like blankets or cardboard boxes, as these can unintentionally invite strays to linger. By removing shelter, you make your yard less appealing to stray cats.
8. Call Animal Control
If stray cats continue to pose an issue despite your efforts, don’t be tempted to take the problem into your own hands. For persistent nuisance cats, the best option is to contact your local animal control or council. These organizations can provide guidance or assist with safely removing the cats from your property. Professional and responsible interventions help resolve persistent problems while maintaining the welfare of the cats.
9. Install Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or ultrasonic repellents, can be an effective and humane way of discouraging stray cats from entering your yard. These tools activate when they detect the movement of startling cats without causing harm. Sprinklers release a quick burst of water, while ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans. Position these deterrents near common entry points or areas where stray cats tend to linger for the best results.
10. Adjust Your Lighting
Stray cats often roam at night and prefer dark, quiet areas where they feel safe from predators and disturbances. Installing motion-activated lights can startle them, making them feel exposed and vulnerable, which encourages them to seek shelter elsewhere. These lights work best when placed near entry points, under decks, or in garden areas where cats tend to linger. For an added deterrent effect, use lights with sudden brightness changes or pair them with ultrasonic devices.
Legal Compliance for Handling Stray Cats in Australia
When dealing with stray cats, it’s crucial to follow local laws and regulations to ensure that your actions are humane and legal. In Australia, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, abandoning a domestically owned animal is a criminal offence. This law holds owners responsible for abandoning their pets and imposes penalties such as fines or imprisonment. It also applies to the mistreatment of stray cats, meaning it’s illegal to harm or abuse these animals.
Furthermore, local councils often have additional regulations related to the control of stray animals, including the use of humane traps and the responsibilities of pet owners to keep their animals under control. As many communities have strict rules about animal welfare, it’s essential always to use non-lethal methods such as TNR or relocation instead of lethal measures like poisoning or trapping that may harm the cats.
Legal compliance not only protects the animals but also maintains ethical standards in your neighbourhood, promoting a safer environment for both pets and people. It’s always a good idea to contact local authorities for advice on the best practices for managing stray cats in your area.
Final Thoughts on How Following These Tips Could Help
By applying these techniques, you can effectively and humanely deter stray cats. Strategies such as managing your space and working with TNR programs can help keep your home stray-free without causing unnecessary harm or cruelty. It’s important to remember that stray cats are often victims of abandonment or unfortunate circumstances and that the issue can usually be solved humanely and responsibly.
Taking proactive steps to deter stray cats protects your pets and your home. Humane deterrents such as cat netting and fencing ensure your cats can enjoy their outdoor spaces without being harassed by neighbourhood strays. And remember, no matter how bad the problem is, it is essential to work within legal frameworks to avoid harming animals or getting into trouble yourself.
If you’re facing persistent stray cat issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to local animal welfare organizations for further support. Take control of your yard today and create a safe, stray-free environment for your cats. Need help with cat-proofing solutions? Contact us for expert advice and professional cat netting installation.
FAQs
How to stop another cat from coming to your house?
To keep stray cats away, ensure food sources like pet food or rubbish bins are securely covered. Installing cat-proof fencing or netting will prevent cats from entering. Additionally, using natural or commercial repellents with strong scents can effectively deter cats from your property.
What is the best homemade cat repellent?
Homemade cat repellents like vinegar, citrus peels, and coffee grounds can be effective because cats dislike the strong odours these materials produce. Sprinkling these around your yard or areas of entry can help discourage them from returning. These methods are safe, affordable, and easy to apply.
How to get rid of stray cats permanently?
To manage stray or feral cat populations long-term, a combination of deterrents, securing your property with fencing, and participating in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs is the main solution. TNR is a humane method that involves trapping stray cats, having them neutered or spayed, and returning them to their original location, which prevents further breeding and reduces the stray population over time.
What is the fastest way to get rid of stray cats?
One of the quickest ways to deter stray cats is by using motion-activated sprinklers, which will startle and scare the cats away. Additionally, securing food sources, such as garbage bins or pet food, will remove the attraction and discourage the cats from returning.
Are stray cats dangerous to my pets?
Yes, stray cats can pose a risk to your pets, as they may carry diseases such as feline leukaemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Stray cats can also have fleas, ticks, or other parasites that could be transmitted to your pets. It’s important to ensure your pets are vaccinated and monitored when strays are nearby.
Can animal shelters help with stray cats?
Yes, many animal shelters can assist with stray cat problems by providing advice, lending humane traps for capture, or even offering rehoming services. Shelters may also guide you through the process of using TNR programs or offer assistance in handling stray animals in a responsible and ethical way.
