We have a cat that stays outside. For the past 2 nights a opossum has come and either eaten her food or drink her water. We have started to pick up her food but she needs her water. How can I get rid of this animal and not have my cat in danger?
2006-07-02 20:00:15 · 10 answers · asked by Vidra 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Remove the food at night and leave plenty of water. If the food is gone, the opossum will seek food elsewhere and will most likely leave your area. It would be wise not to leave cat food out at night, even if this critter leaves, as the food is likely to attract other animals.
Your cat is not in danger, adult cats and opossums seem to tolerate each other and there are many photographs of cats and opossums dining from the cat dish together, although the cat food is not healthy for the opossum.
2006-07-02 20:13:07 · answer #1 · answered by Seikilos 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The opossum isn't interested in the water just the food. The only reason it drinks the water is because of eating the food. So leave the water out. You can continue to pick up the cat food or put it somewhere the opossum can't get to. But remember they are good climbers. The best alternative is to get a live trap. Your vet, feed store, or game warden may have one you can borrow. Use canned cat food as bait. They seem to like the fish or chicken flavors best. Of course you will have to put your cat up at night. Close the trap during the day. Opossums are known carriers of rabies and also carry external and internal parasites that can infect your cat and you.
2006-07-03 03:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by Gigi C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The opossum is not going to hurt your cat. Maybe the other way around. But, put your cat food up higher. Opossums don't jump well at all. We put our cat food on top of our van. Up on the roof. The cat can easily jump up there and the skunks,possums and coons can't get at it. If it comes to it most times a possum will back down from a cat. Your cat is probably not real worried about a possum. Other than eating his food. Just put it up higher. Some where the cat can jump to and the possum can't.
2006-07-03 05:24:05 · answer #3 · answered by Padraig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can your cats access the food and water if you put it up high enough that the opossum can't reach it or climb to it? I used to keep my animals water on an outdoor table.
2006-07-03 03:03:11 · answer #4 · answered by merlinsdragonfire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Possums love eggs. Take the cat in the house. Bust up some eggs about 20 yards from the house and wait until dark. When you see him with a flashlight (his shiny eyes) blast the sucker! For every one you see there are 10 more. You don't want your place to get on the "feeding list" Good Luck, Stew
2006-07-03 11:45:30 · answer #5 · answered by Stew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One site mentioned that "It is not necessary to relocate an opossum that you see in your yard. The opossum is not dangerous to you or your pets, if left alone."
(http://www.alleyspc.com/wildlife.htm)
Another stated that "during the day, place ammonia-soaked rags or sprinkle human hair in the area they are visiting. The smell will cause them to leave on their own come nightfall."
(http://www.wcsv.org/education/generalinfo/probsxx.htm#Opossums)
2006-07-03 03:08:16 · answer #6 · answered by ted_armentrout 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let your cat stay inside for a few days and see if the oppossum goes elsewhere. As long as there is food outside, the oppossum will keep coming back.
2006-07-03 03:04:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we had one living in our walls last year. just set a trap ( the kind with a little door that closes them in) but, be sure to keep your cat inside when you do it.
2006-07-03 03:05:27 · answer #8 · answered by bekkiboo31 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shoot the possum! We have horses, and with the risk of EPM, we don't take any chances. Those bastards don't die easy though, so pack extra bullets.
2006-07-04 15:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by equestrian_2007 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mix it in with the vittles!
2006-07-03 03:03:38 · answer #10 · answered by Pumpkin Head 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋