How to get rid of cats forever? - briefly
To permanently deter cats from your property, use a combination of physical barriers and repellents. Install motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices, which emit high-pitched sounds inaudible to humans but unpleasant to cats. Additionally, spread human or predator urine around the perimeter as a natural deterrent.
How to get rid of cats forever? - in detail
To permanently remove cats from your property, it's essential to employ a multi-pronged approach that combines deterrents, habitat modification, and repellents. Here's a detailed strategy to help you achieve this:
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Remove Attractants: Cats are drawn to areas with abundant food sources and shelter. Ensure there is no easy access to food by securing trash bins, removing bird feeders, and not leaving pet food outdoors. Remove potential shelters like dense shrubs, tall grass, and woodpiles.
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Physical Barriers: Install physical barriers to prevent cats from entering your property. Options include:
- Fences: A fence at least 6 feet high with an overhang of 15-18 inches can deter cats. Ensure there are no gaps or weak spots where they can enter.
- Netting/Chicken Wire: Place netting or chicken wire on top of fences, walls, and other structures to prevent cats from climbing or jumping over.
- Cat-Proof Gardens: Cover gardens with chicken wire or hardware cloth to protect plants and deter cats.
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Deterrents: Use visual, auditory, and tactile deterrents to make your property less appealing to cats:
- Visual Deterrents: Place reflective objects, wind chimes, or pinwheels in the garden to startle cats and discourage them from entering.
- Auditory Deterrents: Install motion-activated ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds inaudible to humans but irritating to cats.
- Tactile Deterrents: Spread prickly or uncomfortable surfaces, such as pine cones, holly leaves, or plastic carpet runners, to make the area less inviting.
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Repellents: Apply commercial cat repellent products containing natural ingredients like essential oils, predator urine, or capsaicin. These products are generally safe for plants and animals but should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can make a homemade repellent using citrus peels, coffee grounds, or vinegar.
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Humane Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: If you're dealing with a colony of feral cats, consider participating in a local TNR program. This approach involves humanely trapping the cats, having them spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to their original location. The cats will no longer reproduce, and their behavior may become less intrusive over time.
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Professional Help: If the cat problem persists despite your efforts, consider hiring a professional wildlife control expert or contacting local animal services for assistance. They can provide additional advice tailored to your specific situation and may be able to help with humane removal if necessary.