Solutions to Cat-Related Issues
| solutions_to_cat-related_issues.pdf |
Whether you love or loathe community cats, trap/neuter/return (TNR) is the answer to effectively
reducing the number of these cats. TNR reduces most cat-related nuisances, poses no threat to
public health and safety, and keeps rodent control in place. Even so,cats living in our
communities sometimes cause disputes between neighbors. What many people don’t realize is
that these disputes can be resolved without resorting to legal means or killing of the cats. As
with most disputes, it is important to look at both sides of the issue.
Cat caregiver side: Most of the time, the cat caregiver did not create the stray cat problem;
rather, compassion toward animals prompted them to begin feeding hungry strays. Caregivers
bond with the cats and value the cats’ lives tremendously, even though the cats are often not
approachable by humans and would not make good pets. They may not have heard of TNR, and
may not realize that resources are out there to help them get the cats fixed and resolve cat-related
issues.
Complainant side: The cats are creating a legitimate nuisance: eliminating in gardens, yowling
at night, spraying. They have no bond with the cats and they value their property. Complainants
may not have heard of TNR, and may not realize that simply removing the cats will not solve the
problem (since more cats will come). They may not realize that resources are out there to help
keep cats off their property.
Unfortunately, many times disputes escalate to the point where people on both sides are angry,
and refusing to listen to each other. To resolve the dispute, both sides often need to first take a
step back and listen to the other party’s side. Instead of interrupting the other side when you
disagree with what they say, write down their concerns and formulate a written plan that
addresses the problems. There is a way to protect both the cats’ lives and people’s property.
Caregivers can alleviate most nuisance behaviors simply by spaying or neutering the cats. No
more smelly male urine, no more late-night howling, no more kittens!
Top Cat-Deterrent Products
Some people just don’t want cats on their property. For these people, there are a number of
humane cat-deterrent products they can try. Most of these products can be purchased online;
lawn and garden supply stores may carry some of them.
Scarecrow: A motion-activated sprinkler, an infrared sensor responds to motion and releases a
three-second blast of water. The sprinkler, which “fires” 1,000 times on only one 9-volt battery,
covers an area approximately 45 feet wide by 35 feet long. Search online or call Contech, the
manufacturer, for the nearest retailer: 1-800-767-8658.
CatStop: This deterrent uses a motion sensor and emits a high-pitched, ultrasonic alarm that
can’t be heard by humans but will frighten most cats. You place the unit facing the area you
want to protect and it covers about 300 sq.feet. It requires a 9-volt battery, and can operate up to
nine months with one battery. CatStop is a good choice for areas where children play. Search
online or call Contech, for the nearest retailer: 1-800-767-8658.
Cat Scat: This non-chemical cat and wildlife repellent consists of plastic mats that are pressed
into the soil. Each mat has flexible plastic spikes that are harmless but effective. You can
purchase this product at www.gardeners.com.
Shake-Away: This nontoxic granular deterrent contains the scent of fox, bobcat and coyote,
animals that prey on cats. A 20-ounce bottle will cover 600 linear feet. One drawback is that it
must be re-applied to remain effective. For more information, visit www.critter-repellent.com.
Other ideas for deterrents:
Odor Control
To reduce the incidence of cats eliminating on neighbors’ properties, caregivers need to either
contain the cats or provide them with an appropriate place to do their business. Sometimes cat
fencing can be used to keep the cats confined to a caregiver’s property, but isn’t always possible.
In this case, caregivers should provide the cats with litter boxes and scoop them regularly. To
make a large litter-box area, use plastic concrete mixers or a child’s sandbox.
One useful product for odor control is NaturVet Yard Odor Eliminator, available online at
www.naturvet.com or by calling 1-888-628-8783. It’s a nontoxic odor eliminator safe for use on
grass, plants, patios, concrete, fences, or any other surface where pet odors are a problem.
Click below to download this information as a two-page PDF.
reducing the number of these cats. TNR reduces most cat-related nuisances, poses no threat to
public health and safety, and keeps rodent control in place. Even so,cats living in our
communities sometimes cause disputes between neighbors. What many people don’t realize is
that these disputes can be resolved without resorting to legal means or killing of the cats. As
with most disputes, it is important to look at both sides of the issue.
Cat caregiver side: Most of the time, the cat caregiver did not create the stray cat problem;
rather, compassion toward animals prompted them to begin feeding hungry strays. Caregivers
bond with the cats and value the cats’ lives tremendously, even though the cats are often not
approachable by humans and would not make good pets. They may not have heard of TNR, and
may not realize that resources are out there to help them get the cats fixed and resolve cat-related
issues.
Complainant side: The cats are creating a legitimate nuisance: eliminating in gardens, yowling
at night, spraying. They have no bond with the cats and they value their property. Complainants
may not have heard of TNR, and may not realize that simply removing the cats will not solve the
problem (since more cats will come). They may not realize that resources are out there to help
keep cats off their property.
Unfortunately, many times disputes escalate to the point where people on both sides are angry,
and refusing to listen to each other. To resolve the dispute, both sides often need to first take a
step back and listen to the other party’s side. Instead of interrupting the other side when you
disagree with what they say, write down their concerns and formulate a written plan that
addresses the problems. There is a way to protect both the cats’ lives and people’s property.
Caregivers can alleviate most nuisance behaviors simply by spaying or neutering the cats. No
more smelly male urine, no more late-night howling, no more kittens!
Top Cat-Deterrent Products
Some people just don’t want cats on their property. For these people, there are a number of
humane cat-deterrent products they can try. Most of these products can be purchased online;
lawn and garden supply stores may carry some of them.
Scarecrow: A motion-activated sprinkler, an infrared sensor responds to motion and releases a
three-second blast of water. The sprinkler, which “fires” 1,000 times on only one 9-volt battery,
covers an area approximately 45 feet wide by 35 feet long. Search online or call Contech, the
manufacturer, for the nearest retailer: 1-800-767-8658.
CatStop: This deterrent uses a motion sensor and emits a high-pitched, ultrasonic alarm that
can’t be heard by humans but will frighten most cats. You place the unit facing the area you
want to protect and it covers about 300 sq.feet. It requires a 9-volt battery, and can operate up to
nine months with one battery. CatStop is a good choice for areas where children play. Search
online or call Contech, for the nearest retailer: 1-800-767-8658.
Cat Scat: This non-chemical cat and wildlife repellent consists of plastic mats that are pressed
into the soil. Each mat has flexible plastic spikes that are harmless but effective. You can
purchase this product at www.gardeners.com.
Shake-Away: This nontoxic granular deterrent contains the scent of fox, bobcat and coyote,
animals that prey on cats. A 20-ounce bottle will cover 600 linear feet. One drawback is that it
must be re-applied to remain effective. For more information, visit www.critter-repellent.com.
Other ideas for deterrents:
- Concrete pavers, river rocks, large pinecones, chicken wire (sharp edges down) or large bark can cover loose soil, discouraging cats from eliminating there.
- Plant the herb rue or coleus canina (scaredy-cat coleus), decorative plants that repel cats.
- Generously sprinkle cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, or mustard oil on the ground to deter cats.
Odor Control
To reduce the incidence of cats eliminating on neighbors’ properties, caregivers need to either
contain the cats or provide them with an appropriate place to do their business. Sometimes cat
fencing can be used to keep the cats confined to a caregiver’s property, but isn’t always possible.
In this case, caregivers should provide the cats with litter boxes and scoop them regularly. To
make a large litter-box area, use plastic concrete mixers or a child’s sandbox.
One useful product for odor control is NaturVet Yard Odor Eliminator, available online at
www.naturvet.com or by calling 1-888-628-8783. It’s a nontoxic odor eliminator safe for use on
grass, plants, patios, concrete, fences, or any other surface where pet odors are a problem.
Click below to download this information as a two-page PDF.
| solutions_to_cat-related_issues.pdf |
