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Keeping cats out of my yard
Hi Everyone,
I am usually in the Dog Forum but thought I would seek some advice from cat owners. Yes, I have had cats in the past myself but no longer do.
We have a neighbor that has been feeding cats and there seem to be more and more coming around. I know at least 3 or 4 belong to other neighbors but they are allowed to roam. Problem is, they are using our flower beds to deficate in, front and back. They are also spraying potted plants right near my front door. At least one just deficate so right on the front lawn we have stepped in more then once. If I see them, I shoo them off but they are mostly jumping a 6' fence at night and come into the back yard. They also run across the roof at night, dies not make for a restful night's sleep!! I am tired of doing gardening and smelling this all over the place.
I've tried spraying vinegar, got some expensive spray called Barricade, have put moth balls out front. I am limited to what I can put out in the back as I have dogs.
Last year, my dog had fleas and she had been nowhere to get fleas so I know it is the cats. So, I had to bath her and start using an expensive medication I give her monthly. Had to pay our exterminator extra to soray for fleas. So, this is really costing me!!
A couple if months ago, another neighbor had a sickly looking cat in her yard. Never could trap it. About a month ago, found a very sick cat on my patio that had evidently spent the night on a good patio cushion and peed all over it. ;-(. Had to call AC to pick it up. As a dog owner, am concerned these cats are sick with something.
I hate to turn the neighbor in and we have a new ordinance here that, if you trap a cat, they make sure it is spay or neutered and return it where it came from!!
These cats are mostly coming over my back and on the roof at night. Any ideas how to keep them from jumping the fence??? I hate to have to build something on top of the fence that looks bad.
Any ideas????
Thanks
I am usually in the Dog Forum but thought I would seek some advice from cat owners. Yes, I have had cats in the past myself but no longer do.
We have a neighbor that has been feeding cats and there seem to be more and more coming around. I know at least 3 or 4 belong to other neighbors but they are allowed to roam. Problem is, they are using our flower beds to deficate in, front and back. They are also spraying potted plants right near my front door. At least one just deficate so right on the front lawn we have stepped in more then once. If I see them, I shoo them off but they are mostly jumping a 6' fence at night and come into the back yard. They also run across the roof at night, dies not make for a restful night's sleep!! I am tired of doing gardening and smelling this all over the place.
I've tried spraying vinegar, got some expensive spray called Barricade, have put moth balls out front. I am limited to what I can put out in the back as I have dogs.
Last year, my dog had fleas and she had been nowhere to get fleas so I know it is the cats. So, I had to bath her and start using an expensive medication I give her monthly. Had to pay our exterminator extra to soray for fleas. So, this is really costing me!!
A couple if months ago, another neighbor had a sickly looking cat in her yard. Never could trap it. About a month ago, found a very sick cat on my patio that had evidently spent the night on a good patio cushion and peed all over it. ;-(. Had to call AC to pick it up. As a dog owner, am concerned these cats are sick with something.
I hate to turn the neighbor in and we have a new ordinance here that, if you trap a cat, they make sure it is spay or neutered and return it where it came from!!
These cats are mostly coming over my back and on the roof at night. Any ideas how to keep them from jumping the fence??? I hate to have to build something on top of the fence that looks bad.
Any ideas????
Thanks
Can't believe someone took your Mom's cat. Well, maybe I can. :-(
There are cat organizations that offer low cost spay/neuter clinics. There is one advertised in the paper today. I think that is great for people who will use them.
I finished off the bottle if Barricade last night and still heard the cat(s) jumping the fence last night, even though we have chicken wire on top. There goes another $20+ on that! So, I get to spend my morning picking up cat poop before the dog finds it, eats it and gets sick! I am now saving this in a can and may just take it over to the neighbor and show her what we are dealing with. I am surprised, actually, the cats are actually jumping a fence to come in the back yard to do their business.
Ok, I am a "dog" person though I have owned 4 cats in past years. I have had many dogs here over the years and have never had a complaint. If my neighbors are out in their yard using the pool I have always brought my dogs in so they don't have to listen to barking. You can bet if my dogs were running loose and messing other people's properties, I would be cited.
Oh well, maybe I will see if I can find an inexpensive motion light and see if that helps.
Just so aggravating!!!!
There are cat organizations that offer low cost spay/neuter clinics. There is one advertised in the paper today. I think that is great for people who will use them.
I finished off the bottle if Barricade last night and still heard the cat(s) jumping the fence last night, even though we have chicken wire on top. There goes another $20+ on that! So, I get to spend my morning picking up cat poop before the dog finds it, eats it and gets sick! I am now saving this in a can and may just take it over to the neighbor and show her what we are dealing with. I am surprised, actually, the cats are actually jumping a fence to come in the back yard to do their business.
Ok, I am a "dog" person though I have owned 4 cats in past years. I have had many dogs here over the years and have never had a complaint. If my neighbors are out in their yard using the pool I have always brought my dogs in so they don't have to listen to barking. You can bet if my dogs were running loose and messing other people's properties, I would be cited.
Oh well, maybe I will see if I can find an inexpensive motion light and see if that helps.
Just so aggravating!!!!
How right you are that I'm lucky my own nuisance neighbor was forced to move. I'm so sorry that no one can come up with a suggestion that you haven't already thought of and looked into yourself. It seems like the fines that have been imposed on that woman should be higher and that there should be stiffer penalties for people who cause this much trouble for other people by feeding the neighborhood cats.
And, people who feed ferals aren't always "helping" the cats as much as they think they are. Like you said, too, not all the cats going through your property are ferals anyway. My mother lost a cat to one "helper" when I was a kid. When the people who fed him moved away, they stole my mother's cat. It was obvious that he was well-cared for, because he was well-fed. It should have been obvious to those people that the cat already had a home. Not only that, the cat had been injured and had obviously been taken to a vet to care for his injury, so they had to have known that they stole the cat. He was just a really likeable cat, so they were being pet thieves. That was in the days before microchipping, and it was in a semi-rural community, so there wasn't a huge feral cat population issue in that community back in that era. Just on this note, I wouldn't want someone else the community feeding my cat. Then, too, the cat I have now has special dietary needs, so I really wouldn't want someone else feeding her "out of kindness". Because of these two reasons, I don't think it's such a kindness to feed someone else's cat, even if it happens as a result of feeding feral cats--not even if someone means well when feeding feral cats.
Also, considering the pet overpopulation problem, I'm of the mindset that people should stop the feral cat issue before it becomes a problem and spay and neuter their own cats. It's a law just about everywhere, actually, even though not everyone does this with their own pets. Unless one has a special breed and is showing their cats in a cat show (and, so would already be very vigilant in controlling how many litters their pure breds were allowed to have), cats are actually required to be spayed and neutered to begin with. As much as it hurts to see feral cats euthanized in communities where it still happens, I think it's a disservice to the community itself as well as to cats in general to not control their numbers. In most communities, too, there are free and low-cost clinics that will spay and neuter pets even for people who are low-income, so there really isn't a legitimate reason to not be a responsible pet owner who prevents the feral cat problem to begin with.
And, people who feed ferals aren't always "helping" the cats as much as they think they are. Like you said, too, not all the cats going through your property are ferals anyway. My mother lost a cat to one "helper" when I was a kid. When the people who fed him moved away, they stole my mother's cat. It was obvious that he was well-cared for, because he was well-fed. It should have been obvious to those people that the cat already had a home. Not only that, the cat had been injured and had obviously been taken to a vet to care for his injury, so they had to have known that they stole the cat. He was just a really likeable cat, so they were being pet thieves. That was in the days before microchipping, and it was in a semi-rural community, so there wasn't a huge feral cat population issue in that community back in that era. Just on this note, I wouldn't want someone else the community feeding my cat. Then, too, the cat I have now has special dietary needs, so I really wouldn't want someone else feeding her "out of kindness". Because of these two reasons, I don't think it's such a kindness to feed someone else's cat, even if it happens as a result of feeding feral cats--not even if someone means well when feeding feral cats.
Also, considering the pet overpopulation problem, I'm of the mindset that people should stop the feral cat issue before it becomes a problem and spay and neuter their own cats. It's a law just about everywhere, actually, even though not everyone does this with their own pets. Unless one has a special breed and is showing their cats in a cat show (and, so would already be very vigilant in controlling how many litters their pure breds were allowed to have), cats are actually required to be spayed and neutered to begin with. As much as it hurts to see feral cats euthanized in communities where it still happens, I think it's a disservice to the community itself as well as to cats in general to not control their numbers. In most communities, too, there are free and low-cost clinics that will spay and neuter pets even for people who are low-income, so there really isn't a legitimate reason to not be a responsible pet owner who prevents the feral cat problem to begin with.
Well Margot, that is a good question Why should you move after 25 years. I would be indignant about that suggestion too.....but then you will have to make life HELL for your neighbors so they will move. Unfortunately the neighbors sound like they would just leave the cats, for you to continue to contend with.
No good options here.....Eh.... I do have an Uncle with connections!!!!! for the right incentive, Tony, might take care of that problem for you
I am a Jersey girl after all. LOL!!
Honestly I have exhausted my ideas--Good luck though!
CML
No good options here.....Eh.... I do have an Uncle with connections!!!!! for the right incentive, Tony, might take care of that problem for you
I am a Jersey girl after all. LOL!!
Honestly I have exhausted my ideas--Good luck though!
CML
Didn't check the Amazon link but I have checked those out and that would be a problem when it came to a water source. Also checked out motion activated lights but, again, just more expense to us.
The tack strip would be a last resort, believe me. We would have to literally put foil on every fence surrounding our yard, nit an option.
Why should we have to move? Been here over 25 years and retired now. No way could we afford a wall! Besides, there is actually an 8 foot wall at the back of our property and they walk along that too. They just jump from one height to another.
Why should we have to move? Been here over 25 years and retired now. No way could we afford a wall! Besides, there is actually an 8 foot wall at the back of our property and they walk along that too. They just jump from one height to another.
There are motion activated sprinklers you can get, which would soak down these cats.
http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-62100-Enforcer-Activated-Sprinkler/dp/B009F1R0GC
http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-62100-Enforcer-Activated-Sprinkler/dp/B009F1R0GC
Before you take that drastic measure ,have you tries crumbled aluminum foil? They really hate that on their paws, and it is really reflective--kind spooks them.
I am afraid with the carpet tacks, they will be injured , continue to walk around and get infections. Add to that neighbors coming after you for harming their cats, don't you think.
Have YOU thought of moving..... Seriously. If you cannot depend on the county to take care of this problem, well Yes you are out of options.
Wait ! How about investing in a very high cement wall to surround your yard???
I am afraid with the carpet tacks, they will be injured , continue to walk around and get infections. Add to that neighbors coming after you for harming their cats, don't you think.
Have YOU thought of moving..... Seriously. If you cannot depend on the county to take care of this problem, well Yes you are out of options.
Wait ! How about investing in a very high cement wall to surround your yard???
You're lucky the neighbor moved.
I am at my wits end. My husband bought a plastic floor runner with the little spike things on one side. He just bought a small roll to try out and stapled it to a couple of areas on the fence. Doesn't seem to be working as they are still jumping the fence! Just put some new ground cover down and they have been in that already. I used the spray again, last of it, which seems to help for a day or two. There goes another $25!! Been trying to water the flower beds every night but that doesn't seem to help and tired of doing that nit to mention we are supposed to be conserving water!
W
Hate to do it but we may have to try a carpet tack strip.
I am at my wits end. My husband bought a plastic floor runner with the little spike things on one side. He just bought a small roll to try out and stapled it to a couple of areas on the fence. Doesn't seem to be working as they are still jumping the fence! Just put some new ground cover down and they have been in that already. I used the spray again, last of it, which seems to help for a day or two. There goes another $25!! Been trying to water the flower beds every night but that doesn't seem to help and tired of doing that nit to mention we are supposed to be conserving water!
W
Hate to do it but we may have to try a carpet tack strip.
Oh, how frustrating! As much as I love cats, I believe that it's important to be a good neighbor, too. My apartment complex has a rule that all pets are to be in their own units and not allowed to roam. They are supposed to be on a leash or in a carrier any time they are outside of their owners' apartments. For some time we had a resident here who was a real neighbor from hell. If there was a rule, he would go out of his way to break it. He didn't care how many times he was written up. One of the (many) things he did--and got away with for a long time--was to just let his cat roam. All pets are supposed to be spayed or neutered, too, but he didn't do that either.
Well, there are also a few small garden patches in the parking lot behind the building where residents who want to garden are allowed to garden. I quit gardening back there because of the neighbor from hell. His cat kept using my space for a litter box. No one else had any problem with finding cat poop in their bed. Just me. I think I had the most recently turned, and thus softest, soil, so it was especially attractive to that cat. As much as I love cats, this is not endearing to me either. I didn't dislike the cat, but I hated this and knew this wouldn't happen if the owner was doing what he was supposed to do.
Do you know what that neighbor from hell tried to use as an excuse? He would say that it couldn't be his cat's poop, because there are so many squirrels in our area, so it must be the squirrels. No one took his excuse seriously. I mean, I have NEVER seen squirrel poop, so wherever squirrels poop it's out of sight and out of mind. And, there certainly are a lot of squirrels around here. That was the only part that was true in his lie. Plus, I've lived with cats my whole life and have a cat of my own, so I think I should be given credit for knowing what cat poop looks like.
Needless to say, this was just one of the many rules that neighbor from hell went out of his way to break. It was actually one of the more minor infractions that he did. I'm glad that person was eventually evicted and is long gone, because he was horrible in so many other ways as well.
I just had to share this with you, because I do understand your frustration. And, I do understand that it's actually worse for you as a homeowner, because regardless of how much or how little you wish to garden around your property, you still have to maintain your property. So, the cat pee situation has to be so much worse simply because there are so many of them marking their territory and using your yard to do it in.
I hate to say this, because I do genuinely love cats, but because there is still a pet overpopulation problem in so many parts of the country, it seems like there should be some flexibility concerning those catch and release programs. I think feral strays should be euthanized in some cases as extreme as this one is, because it might be enough to stop the ones feeding the strays to stop being nuisance neighbors. They should also stop feeding the cats that belong to other people that roam. Cats will go home if they're hungry enough.
I wonder if you could try the property value going down because of the nuisance neighbor's actions? I mean, suppose you were to want to sell your property? Would potential buyers want to buy your property if there is this constant smell of cat urine all over the property? I think not. Therefore, the nuisance neighbor should be hit in the pocket book from this angle, too. Well, if there is such a property law, that is. I wouldn't know since I've never had the right circumstances to become a property owner myself. But, I thought that if the actions of one person caused the value of someone else's property to devalue that the one causing the trouble could be fined or something.
Well, there are also a few small garden patches in the parking lot behind the building where residents who want to garden are allowed to garden. I quit gardening back there because of the neighbor from hell. His cat kept using my space for a litter box. No one else had any problem with finding cat poop in their bed. Just me. I think I had the most recently turned, and thus softest, soil, so it was especially attractive to that cat. As much as I love cats, this is not endearing to me either. I didn't dislike the cat, but I hated this and knew this wouldn't happen if the owner was doing what he was supposed to do.
Do you know what that neighbor from hell tried to use as an excuse? He would say that it couldn't be his cat's poop, because there are so many squirrels in our area, so it must be the squirrels. No one took his excuse seriously. I mean, I have NEVER seen squirrel poop, so wherever squirrels poop it's out of sight and out of mind. And, there certainly are a lot of squirrels around here. That was the only part that was true in his lie. Plus, I've lived with cats my whole life and have a cat of my own, so I think I should be given credit for knowing what cat poop looks like.
Needless to say, this was just one of the many rules that neighbor from hell went out of his way to break. It was actually one of the more minor infractions that he did. I'm glad that person was eventually evicted and is long gone, because he was horrible in so many other ways as well.
I just had to share this with you, because I do understand your frustration. And, I do understand that it's actually worse for you as a homeowner, because regardless of how much or how little you wish to garden around your property, you still have to maintain your property. So, the cat pee situation has to be so much worse simply because there are so many of them marking their territory and using your yard to do it in.
I hate to say this, because I do genuinely love cats, but because there is still a pet overpopulation problem in so many parts of the country, it seems like there should be some flexibility concerning those catch and release programs. I think feral strays should be euthanized in some cases as extreme as this one is, because it might be enough to stop the ones feeding the strays to stop being nuisance neighbors. They should also stop feeding the cats that belong to other people that roam. Cats will go home if they're hungry enough.
I wonder if you could try the property value going down because of the nuisance neighbor's actions? I mean, suppose you were to want to sell your property? Would potential buyers want to buy your property if there is this constant smell of cat urine all over the property? I think not. Therefore, the nuisance neighbor should be hit in the pocket book from this angle, too. Well, if there is such a property law, that is. I wouldn't know since I've never had the right circumstances to become a property owner myself. But, I thought that if the actions of one person caused the value of someone else's property to devalue that the one causing the trouble could be fined or something.
I hate to do that. I think AC will warn or cite them but won't take the cats. New Ordinance, headed by by cat activists, will just make sure they are fixed and return them where they were picked up or trapped from!! Actually, at least 3 belong to other neighbors but are allowed to roam. It is just a no win situation. :-(
Hi Margot,
So very sad that these neighbors are not the responsible kind. I have found over the years the people who take in all the strays mean well. Problem is they cannot say No. So more and more kitties are taken in until they become overwhelmed and just cannot admit it.
I am sorry to say but I fear your only option may be Animal Control. You should not have to be a prisoner in your own home. They will not tell her who called them, even though she will probably guess it is you. So be prepared to have less friendly interactions with them. Small price to pay for your freedom...and your dogs.
Good Luck,
CML
So very sad that these neighbors are not the responsible kind. I have found over the years the people who take in all the strays mean well. Problem is they cannot say No. So more and more kitties are taken in until they become overwhelmed and just cannot admit it.
I am sorry to say but I fear your only option may be Animal Control. You should not have to be a prisoner in your own home. They will not tell her who called them, even though she will probably guess it is you. So be prepared to have less friendly interactions with them. Small price to pay for your freedom...and your dogs.
Good Luck,
CML
Well, I am back. Losing the battle here!! Tried the coffee grounds until I recently read they are toxic to dogs. Have been trying to keep the flower beds wet but we are in a drought and supposed to conserve nit to mention we are on meters now.
Still trying the expensive spray but washes off when we water. Got the plastic floor runner with the little spike things on the side and husband put som near the gates and on top of part of the fence, heard one come over the fence last night. Picked up 2 fresh piles again yesterday. Ever try to work in your flower beds with the stink of cat feces and urine?!! Those sprinkler things and motion lights and sound things are expensive!! Why do we have to go through all this trouble and expense? I also had our pest control start spraying for fleas as we had problems last year.
I am ready to tear my hair out. :-(
Still trying the expensive spray but washes off when we water. Got the plastic floor runner with the little spike things on the side and husband put som near the gates and on top of part of the fence, heard one come over the fence last night. Picked up 2 fresh piles again yesterday. Ever try to work in your flower beds with the stink of cat feces and urine?!! Those sprinkler things and motion lights and sound things are expensive!! Why do we have to go through all this trouble and expense? I also had our pest control start spraying for fleas as we had problems last year.
I am ready to tear my hair out. :-(
Thanks for the suggestion. We have assigned watering days and our sprinklers are on set timers. I will ask my husband if they can be reset to go off more often at random times. Problem is, that will probably wake me up ! LOL!! If I have the time, I have been trying to at least wet the flower bed down with the hose and now have put out coffee grounds someone said might deter them.
Either I slept through it, which would be unusual, or the chicken wire kept them off the fence behind our bedroom wall because I didn't hear the bang, banging on the gate last night.
Happened to hear the noise yesterday afternoon, unusual, and I ran outside to see a black cat jump over two fences and out of the yard. I just saw this cat about a week or so ago and have no idea who it belongs to.
Tempted to try and trap it, but like I said, the Shelter will bring it right back here. Aggravating!!
Either I slept through it, which would be unusual, or the chicken wire kept them off the fence behind our bedroom wall because I didn't hear the bang, banging on the gate last night.
Happened to hear the noise yesterday afternoon, unusual, and I ran outside to see a black cat jump over two fences and out of the yard. I just saw this cat about a week or so ago and have no idea who it belongs to.
Tempted to try and trap it, but like I said, the Shelter will bring it right back here. Aggravating!!
I knew you were talking about the nuisance cats that aren't your cats and that it's caused by that woman who is feeding the strays.
Someone mentioned motion detectors. I'm pretty sure pop-up sprinklers either set up on a timer or even set to go off when the motion detector senses movement out back at night (If that's even possible). I know for sure they can be set on a timer. I wonder if they can be set to go off at random times more than one time during the night. That would keep the cats guessing as to when they go off at night. Cats and dogs both can figure out what time it is, but a show I saw that did a behavior test with dogs suggests that more is involved than with our routine. Everything in their world has to do with scent as well as routine. I'm thinking that disrupting the routine of when pop-up sprinklers go off may help deter the cats from even going into your backyard. I'm not a cat behaviorist, like Jackson Galaxy is, but I know cats hate water. And, they will react to being surprised by water (and noise). But, if they learn to expect it to go off at the same time every night, they'll just learn to avoid the yard at that time of the night, but come back when they're sure that the pop-up sprinklers aren't about to turn on. It might be worth trying, since the lawn has to be watered anyway.
I definitely agree with your sentiments that some people just shouldn't have pets. And, that particular neighbor who is feeding the strays definitely falls into that category, because she's still doing it in an irresponsible manner that causes problems for others.
Someone mentioned motion detectors. I'm pretty sure pop-up sprinklers either set up on a timer or even set to go off when the motion detector senses movement out back at night (If that's even possible). I know for sure they can be set on a timer. I wonder if they can be set to go off at random times more than one time during the night. That would keep the cats guessing as to when they go off at night. Cats and dogs both can figure out what time it is, but a show I saw that did a behavior test with dogs suggests that more is involved than with our routine. Everything in their world has to do with scent as well as routine. I'm thinking that disrupting the routine of when pop-up sprinklers go off may help deter the cats from even going into your backyard. I'm not a cat behaviorist, like Jackson Galaxy is, but I know cats hate water. And, they will react to being surprised by water (and noise). But, if they learn to expect it to go off at the same time every night, they'll just learn to avoid the yard at that time of the night, but come back when they're sure that the pop-up sprinklers aren't about to turn on. It might be worth trying, since the lawn has to be watered anyway.
I definitely agree with your sentiments that some people just shouldn't have pets. And, that particular neighbor who is feeding the strays definitely falls into that category, because she's still doing it in an irresponsible manner that causes problems for others.
Well, at least you are a responsible cat owner!
Some years ago when I had my Shelties, we installed a doggie door in a wall that went out into a large,fenced in area so they could go in and out when I was at work. They were crated at night. I would get up in the morning and walk down to the kitchen and would hear a "flap, flap" noise. Thought I saw something run across the room. Long story short, the other neighbor had two cats that were coming in my house at night through the doggie door! Not only that, they were spraying inside. I was livid and had to make sure the cover was on the door. Had to go next door because my dogs had fleas from the cats!! Asked them to take care of the Flea issue. Some people just should not have pets.
I might look into some of the suggestions you have all mentioned. We had some chicken wire here so had my husband cut it and put it on top of the fence and gate where they usually come over but I told my husband it might work for a while but they can get over the fence or on the roof from just about anywhere in the yard.
Wish me luck and thanks.
Some years ago when I had my Shelties, we installed a doggie door in a wall that went out into a large,fenced in area so they could go in and out when I was at work. They were crated at night. I would get up in the morning and walk down to the kitchen and would hear a "flap, flap" noise. Thought I saw something run across the room. Long story short, the other neighbor had two cats that were coming in my house at night through the doggie door! Not only that, they were spraying inside. I was livid and had to make sure the cover was on the door. Had to go next door because my dogs had fleas from the cats!! Asked them to take care of the Flea issue. Some people just should not have pets.
I might look into some of the suggestions you have all mentioned. We had some chicken wire here so had my husband cut it and put it on top of the fence and gate where they usually come over but I told my husband it might work for a while but they can get over the fence or on the roof from just about anywhere in the yard.
Wish me luck and thanks.
I can empathize with yr dilemma Margot...since I have indoor cats (out wth leashes only) the neighbourhood ones that roam love to spray my yard an house too....not a pleasant smell by any means, also it upsets one of my cats an causes him to occasionally spray the windows inside, as he is marking so they know this is HIS territory!!!
Something you may want to look into is motion sensors some even wth a sound, I've seen some you can mount on fences or just abt anywhere....I thk the ones most effective are in the form of a cat wth eyes tht light....
Sure hope you can find something tht works for you
Something you may want to look into is motion sensors some even wth a sound, I've seen some you can mount on fences or just abt anywhere....I thk the ones most effective are in the form of a cat wth eyes tht light....
Sure hope you can find something tht works for you
I think perhaps I wasn't clear. I do not have cats. My neighbor next door to me is free feeding cats in her garage, she leaves the back door open. I think I have now counted 6, that I have seen anyway. I know at least 3 or 4 of these cats actually belong to other neighbors but are allowed to roam.
I know what you are describing for a fence structure as it is often recommended to keep dogs from jumping out of a yard. This won't help me except the cats would get in and probably not get out! No way am I going to do all the fencing around my whole yard!!
Called our local Shelter yesterday and got the same info I described. Yes, they would be released right back here. I assume these cats are probably spay and neutered, have not seen kittens. Although, it is Spring so these Toms are active at night jumping the fence, running on the roof, fighting.
I know a neighbor at the other end of the street reported someone down there feeding cats because I saw the AC truck there twice.
The woman at the Shelter proceeds to tell me about all the stuff I can buy to use. So, I have to put out yet more money and time to erect something to keep someone else's cats out of my yard??? Ah, no.
I have been trying to keep the flower beds wet to deter them. Every time I put some screening on top of the outside gate, that is right behind my bed, it is knocked off by morning. Not to mention, they wake us up jumping that thing every night.
Probably picked up 5 pikes yesterday and had to spray off places that were sprayed, including potted plants by my front door, not a nice way to great visitors. :-(
My dog came in the last couple of days stinking and when I checked her, her feet and breath stank so I know she had a "snack". Great, hope the cats don't have parasites and we are now getting into Flea season!!
My friend's husband said to trap them and let them go out in the country. Well, I am an "animal" person and would not do that to domestic cats, or any cat.
Sigh....... What a dilemma.
Put out coffee grounds this morning and will see if that helps, there went a pound of coffee.
We have some chicken wire and I may get my husband to tack some on the top of the fence and see if that deters them.
I know what you are describing for a fence structure as it is often recommended to keep dogs from jumping out of a yard. This won't help me except the cats would get in and probably not get out! No way am I going to do all the fencing around my whole yard!!
Called our local Shelter yesterday and got the same info I described. Yes, they would be released right back here. I assume these cats are probably spay and neutered, have not seen kittens. Although, it is Spring so these Toms are active at night jumping the fence, running on the roof, fighting.
I know a neighbor at the other end of the street reported someone down there feeding cats because I saw the AC truck there twice.
The woman at the Shelter proceeds to tell me about all the stuff I can buy to use. So, I have to put out yet more money and time to erect something to keep someone else's cats out of my yard??? Ah, no.
I have been trying to keep the flower beds wet to deter them. Every time I put some screening on top of the outside gate, that is right behind my bed, it is knocked off by morning. Not to mention, they wake us up jumping that thing every night.
Probably picked up 5 pikes yesterday and had to spray off places that were sprayed, including potted plants by my front door, not a nice way to great visitors. :-(
My dog came in the last couple of days stinking and when I checked her, her feet and breath stank so I know she had a "snack". Great, hope the cats don't have parasites and we are now getting into Flea season!!
My friend's husband said to trap them and let them go out in the country. Well, I am an "animal" person and would not do that to domestic cats, or any cat.
Sigh....... What a dilemma.
Put out coffee grounds this morning and will see if that helps, there went a pound of coffee.
We have some chicken wire and I may get my husband to tack some on the top of the fence and see if that deters them.
One suggestion I have that I saw Hendrikus Shraven, a professional gardener from Holland do to keep his own cats from roaming is to create something decorative that makes the top of your fence curve inward. I've even seen Jackson Galaxy do it with one of the Bengal cats that a family had on his show.
The idea of this is that it causes some visual confusion that makes cats think they can't leap that fence. I've seen it before and it doesn't look too bad either. It's probably not inexpensive, but it's definitely better than the neighborhood feral cats using your yard as the neighborhood's cat litterbox.
I even found a link to a site that's about cat fences that work that shows a little of what I've seen on TV. And, more than one type of fencing. I saw on this site a conversion for already existing fencing. That's similar to what I've seen on TV, too. If you take a look at the pictures on this site, that type of addition to the fencing you already have doesn't really look too bad at all. http://www.purrfectfence.com/?ctt_id=1779082&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_kw=fences%20for%20cats&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=tc&gclid=CJSijfjYg74CFQaBfgodlScAWw
I would still find a solution for getting rid of the cat colony in addition to this fence, but you do need a more immediate solution to the problem than what your city is offering you at the moment. Now, if they could catch ALL the feral cats that roam that keep having kittens, and could catch any of the neighbor's owned cats that aren't spayed or neutered and make sure they're all spayed and neutered, then there should be a reduction in the numbers of cats in the cat colony--eventually.
I think I would still use the fence I provided the link to that I mentioned even seeing on TV, though. You can't go through life with your yard being used as a cat toilet. And, you do need a more immediate solution to the problem that the neighbor feeding the entire cat colony is causing.
I love cats more than anyone I know in my offline life. But, I wouldn't want my yard being used as a cat toilet either. And, I would be concerned about a re-infestation of fleas in my yard and by any diseases that the sick cats in the cat colony could possibly spread to my own pets. I'm the type who would keep my cat inside even if I did have the option of living in a house if I couldn't afford a cat fence that works to keep her from roaming or from keeping roaming cats from bothering her.
The idea of this is that it causes some visual confusion that makes cats think they can't leap that fence. I've seen it before and it doesn't look too bad either. It's probably not inexpensive, but it's definitely better than the neighborhood feral cats using your yard as the neighborhood's cat litterbox.
I even found a link to a site that's about cat fences that work that shows a little of what I've seen on TV. And, more than one type of fencing. I saw on this site a conversion for already existing fencing. That's similar to what I've seen on TV, too. If you take a look at the pictures on this site, that type of addition to the fencing you already have doesn't really look too bad at all. http://www.purrfectfence.com/?ctt_id=1779082&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_kw=fences%20for%20cats&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=tc&gclid=CJSijfjYg74CFQaBfgodlScAWw
I would still find a solution for getting rid of the cat colony in addition to this fence, but you do need a more immediate solution to the problem than what your city is offering you at the moment. Now, if they could catch ALL the feral cats that roam that keep having kittens, and could catch any of the neighbor's owned cats that aren't spayed or neutered and make sure they're all spayed and neutered, then there should be a reduction in the numbers of cats in the cat colony--eventually.
I think I would still use the fence I provided the link to that I mentioned even seeing on TV, though. You can't go through life with your yard being used as a cat toilet. And, you do need a more immediate solution to the problem that the neighbor feeding the entire cat colony is causing.
I love cats more than anyone I know in my offline life. But, I wouldn't want my yard being used as a cat toilet either. And, I would be concerned about a re-infestation of fleas in my yard and by any diseases that the sick cats in the cat colony could possibly spread to my own pets. I'm the type who would keep my cat inside even if I did have the option of living in a house if I couldn't afford a cat fence that works to keep her from roaming or from keeping roaming cats from bothering her.
Frankly Margot, I think you only have one alternative and that is to speak to your neighbor and warn them that you have had it , your life is being run by theirs, and it is no longer acceptable.
1. They can stop feeding the cats
2. Get rid of the cats on their dime
3. Pay for an full enclosure for your backyard
4 Pay for damages caused by these cats
5. Last resort YOU will call Animal Control and have them removed
Let's hope she loves cat's enough, she will not want to see she has caused them to be euthanized (Ugg shudder that thought)
If need be it can come in letter form from your attorney.
This has gone farther then Just having too many cats. It has caused property damage.
I live in Florida and many who live on golf courses have their entire backyard enclosed in screening--If that can work for you, they can Volunteer to pay for the installation or you can take them to Civil Court.
I do not know of any deterrent for cats. For rabbits you can use Blood Meal around your plants. There is also this horrible smelling stuff you can find at your garden center. It smell like foul urine, because that is what is made from. The Garden Center should know what it is called when you tell them this.
>>>>>>..and I know you do not want it to come to this , but it has. When you become a prisoner in your own home because of the threat a neighbor has caused by their action---the gloves come off!!
Let me know what you think!
.....and you can tell me to butt out, I will not be offended, LOL! Seriously!
CML
1. They can stop feeding the cats
2. Get rid of the cats on their dime
3. Pay for an full enclosure for your backyard
4 Pay for damages caused by these cats
5. Last resort YOU will call Animal Control and have them removed
Let's hope she loves cat's enough, she will not want to see she has caused them to be euthanized (Ugg shudder that thought)
If need be it can come in letter form from your attorney.
This has gone farther then Just having too many cats. It has caused property damage.
I live in Florida and many who live on golf courses have their entire backyard enclosed in screening--If that can work for you, they can Volunteer to pay for the installation or you can take them to Civil Court.
I do not know of any deterrent for cats. For rabbits you can use Blood Meal around your plants. There is also this horrible smelling stuff you can find at your garden center. It smell like foul urine, because that is what is made from. The Garden Center should know what it is called when you tell them this.
>>>>>>..and I know you do not want it to come to this , but it has. When you become a prisoner in your own home because of the threat a neighbor has caused by their action---the gloves come off!!
Let me know what you think!
.....and you can tell me to butt out, I will not be offended, LOL! Seriously!
CML
Oh, were it only that easy! The AC officer was more then sympathetic as he is obviously dealing with these situations all over town. I will call them next week to see if they have any suggestions but I doubt it. As I said, and I well know from past experience, there would be no place to farm them out to. Seriously, all places are packed!!
I am fully aware of the disease issue and that concerns me. I Cloroxed what I could after that sick was removed off my patio.
Briefly, I have shown and trained dogs, fostered and helped with rescue so I am the "dog" person around here. Someone has a question, it is me they come to, which is fine!! If I don't know the answer I can refer them to a reputable source. Neighbors complain about the cats but don't do anything.
I so want to go talk to this neighbor who is feeding these cats BUT we have had other issues with them, and nothing they did on purpose. They planted what I thought was bamboo the whole length if their fence line beside our property. My daughter comes home, sees that and says"OMG, they planted Horsetail!!??" News to me. She said unless they have steel under those beds that is going to go everywhere and you will never get rid of it. Well, they have all pool decking so guess where it is going? All along the side of our house and now coming up in my front flower beds and our lawn!! There goes another small fortune trying to kill this stuff and nothing works. Had to talk to them about that. He finally dug it out but the damage is done. :-(.
I am ready to rip my hair out but understand it is just a matter if them not giving any thought to this stuff or educating themselves.
I may have to bite the billet and talk to her but I don't expect a friendly outcome.
Now, back to how do I keep them out of my yard??!!
I am fully aware of the disease issue and that concerns me. I Cloroxed what I could after that sick was removed off my patio.
Briefly, I have shown and trained dogs, fostered and helped with rescue so I am the "dog" person around here. Someone has a question, it is me they come to, which is fine!! If I don't know the answer I can refer them to a reputable source. Neighbors complain about the cats but don't do anything.
I so want to go talk to this neighbor who is feeding these cats BUT we have had other issues with them, and nothing they did on purpose. They planted what I thought was bamboo the whole length if their fence line beside our property. My daughter comes home, sees that and says"OMG, they planted Horsetail!!??" News to me. She said unless they have steel under those beds that is going to go everywhere and you will never get rid of it. Well, they have all pool decking so guess where it is going? All along the side of our house and now coming up in my front flower beds and our lawn!! There goes another small fortune trying to kill this stuff and nothing works. Had to talk to them about that. He finally dug it out but the damage is done. :-(.
I am ready to rip my hair out but understand it is just a matter if them not giving any thought to this stuff or educating themselves.
I may have to bite the billet and talk to her but I don't expect a friendly outcome.
Now, back to how do I keep them out of my yard??!!
Unfortunately most Catch and Release programs do return them to their home turf. Could you perhaps Have Animal Control suggest a solution to your problem, of course without putting them to sleep. Maybe they know of ways to keep them away from your property or they will know if they can spread these cats out to 10 local shelters. This way there will not be one shelter having to absorb all these kitties.
This is really going to become a health problem for your area, so what you are asking is to avoid having these cats create a situation that could endanger other animals and people. All it takes is one cat with any one of the many infectious diseases and the whole colony is at risk.
Your neighbor is not helping them she is actually hurting them, by allowing this to get out of control.
Believe me I know this kind of situation can escalate between neighbors, I have had that experience myself. when one of our foster homes had to be reported and we had to haul some 20 cats out of these horrible conditions.
Some did not make it and the rest needed medical attention and everyone of them needed baths. After seeing how someone you trusted to care for these animals let things get out of control, I left.
See if someone on your Town Counsel can give you some guidance or help.
Keep us posted, Margot. Sometimes it helps just to vent!!!
CML
This is really going to become a health problem for your area, so what you are asking is to avoid having these cats create a situation that could endanger other animals and people. All it takes is one cat with any one of the many infectious diseases and the whole colony is at risk.
Your neighbor is not helping them she is actually hurting them, by allowing this to get out of control.
Believe me I know this kind of situation can escalate between neighbors, I have had that experience myself. when one of our foster homes had to be reported and we had to haul some 20 cats out of these horrible conditions.
Some did not make it and the rest needed medical attention and everyone of them needed baths. After seeing how someone you trusted to care for these animals let things get out of control, I left.
See if someone on your Town Counsel can give you some guidance or help.
Keep us posted, Margot. Sometimes it helps just to vent!!!
CML
Thanks so much for the response. I am not just a "dog" person but I am an animal lover but, yes, this is just getting annoying. If we have seen at least 2 very sick cats, I worry about the others and my dog and the other dogs that live to "snack" on this stuff.
I know, as I am sure everyone else dies too, that the Shelters. SPCA, no kill Shelters and Rescues are full to the max with cats and kittens. So sad, really.
We have a relatively new situation in our City. Some time back, a man was trapping cats that were coming onto his property and dealing with the same issues we do here. He was trapping and releasing them in a huge park. Long drawn out story, but the cat owner found this out, reported him and the fight was on with the local cat people up in arms. Ok, I can understand all that. So, a new ordinance was passed that any cats trapped would be spay or neutered and returned to where they came from, I kid you not. My friends neighborhood is overrun with feral cats and kittens. She must have had at least 4 litters in her yard alone. Last litter, they trapped the Mom and took her and the kittens to The Shelter. About 2-3 weeks later, she looks outside to see the female back in her yard!!
The day I called AC to pick up the very sick cat in my back yard, we were explaining the situation to the Officer. He offered to go Cite them. I really didn't want to do that and cause a rift. He said he is dealing with this all the time and he thinks everyone should find out where this "certain" person lives that headed this new ordinance and leave them at her house. LOL!!
So, it is a lose/lose situation and I would not take someone's cat and just dump it. I hear more and more are ending up around farms in the country.
There must be some way to keep them from jumping the fence at night and running across the roof at all hours.
Aggravating, to say the least. Thus is starting to add up in time and money.
I know, as I am sure everyone else dies too, that the Shelters. SPCA, no kill Shelters and Rescues are full to the max with cats and kittens. So sad, really.
We have a relatively new situation in our City. Some time back, a man was trapping cats that were coming onto his property and dealing with the same issues we do here. He was trapping and releasing them in a huge park. Long drawn out story, but the cat owner found this out, reported him and the fight was on with the local cat people up in arms. Ok, I can understand all that. So, a new ordinance was passed that any cats trapped would be spay or neutered and returned to where they came from, I kid you not. My friends neighborhood is overrun with feral cats and kittens. She must have had at least 4 litters in her yard alone. Last litter, they trapped the Mom and took her and the kittens to The Shelter. About 2-3 weeks later, she looks outside to see the female back in her yard!!
The day I called AC to pick up the very sick cat in my back yard, we were explaining the situation to the Officer. He offered to go Cite them. I really didn't want to do that and cause a rift. He said he is dealing with this all the time and he thinks everyone should find out where this "certain" person lives that headed this new ordinance and leave them at her house. LOL!!
So, it is a lose/lose situation and I would not take someone's cat and just dump it. I hear more and more are ending up around farms in the country.
There must be some way to keep them from jumping the fence at night and running across the roof at all hours.
Aggravating, to say the least. Thus is starting to add up in time and money.
Hi Margot,
I love cats, believe me, but this situation would be driving me batty also.
Just my opinion , but I do believe these cats should be reported to the Humane Society for release and trap. Just have them released somewhere else, HUH? There may be some that are not feral and can be placed in loving homes once they are neutered.
Frankly your neighbor may mean well. I knew lots of people who just kept taking in more and more cats because they thought they were saving them.
Most of these type of animal lovers just don't know how to say NO, and they make matters worse by allowing these cats to become diseased and live in not so clean places. It is very hard to keep up with a few cats let alone an entire Feral Colony.
This needs to be controlled and I am afraid the only way it will have a good ending is if these cats get a chance at the Humane Society or another No Kill rescue . These places will also do the neutering.
We can only hope your neighbor understands and knows you are only trying to help.
Good Luck!
Keep us posted, K?
CML
I love cats, believe me, but this situation would be driving me batty also.
Just my opinion , but I do believe these cats should be reported to the Humane Society for release and trap. Just have them released somewhere else, HUH? There may be some that are not feral and can be placed in loving homes once they are neutered.
Frankly your neighbor may mean well. I knew lots of people who just kept taking in more and more cats because they thought they were saving them.
Most of these type of animal lovers just don't know how to say NO, and they make matters worse by allowing these cats to become diseased and live in not so clean places. It is very hard to keep up with a few cats let alone an entire Feral Colony.
This needs to be controlled and I am afraid the only way it will have a good ending is if these cats get a chance at the Humane Society or another No Kill rescue . These places will also do the neutering.
We can only hope your neighbor understands and knows you are only trying to help.
Good Luck!
Keep us posted, K?
CML
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