Keeping cats away?

Question

I am not a huge cat lover, our neighbors keep outdoor cats becuase there is not a ordience for cats in the city that I live in. Right now they have 12 cats outdoor cats, that they do nothing more than feed and water, the cats are missing huge patches of fur all over their bodies, are not fixed, not shots and just roam everywhere destroying personal property, they clawed my patio cushions to shreds, throw up hairballs on my cars and drug dead birds on my cars and kids play equipment...it is gross. I have throw water (or whatever liquid is close by at them) tried trapping them (the neighbors spring the traps) I am getting so tired of it I am about to put antifreeze out or shoot them with a bb gun...I just really hate the thought of doing any of that but at the same time my husband and I work very hard for what we have and will not keep watching it get destroyed. We have called the cops several times and talked to the neighbors nothing has helped..how can I keep these pests away???

The neighbors tell the cops that the cats aren't theirs so even though they are the ones that feed and water them and even have a stupid "cat house" in their backyard for the vermin.

I have called the local pound and the humane society and was told by the pound that they would not come out to caught the cats because it is not illegal let cats run loose, but I could trap them and bring them to the pound myself (which I have tried doing several times), the humane society told me that they wish they could help me but they are filled to the max with cats and can not take anymore. I DO NOT want to hurt these cats at all but I am just running out of ideas.

Moving is not an option, we own our home.

Once again I will say that I really DO NOT want to hurt these cats. I know that it is not their fault, that is why I asked what else I could do. To the people that are asking about fences I do have a fenced in back yard, I also have a dog but we bring him in at night and durning the day unless the weather is nice, I hate leaving him out if it is hot or cold. Also to the person that said I was mean, you couldn't be more mistaken, we have 2 cats that we keep indoors and we take them to the vet yearly, what is mean is seeing these cats so mistreated, I could do nothing more than feed and water my kids but that isn't taking care of them. If my dog or kids go onto to some else's property and tear something up, than I am held responisble for that, even though it isn't my property, it is the same thing with these cats, they are not mine and are in no way shape or form my resposibility.

Answer 1

On your patio furniture, there is a bitter apple tasting spray that you can get. If they go onto the furiniture, and scratch and/or bite it, they'll taste it and learn to stay away. There are other products you could put in your yard that have smells that cats don't like that could keep the cats away. Some cats don't react to it, though, but you could try it and see. You could even try spraying it on the outside of your car (it actually smells pleasant to humans; it has a bit of a floral scent).

Unfortunately, the only other thing I could recommend is getting another, larger dog and keeping him outside always. If he has a large doghouse and plenty of water, he should be ok with the heat. I would have recommended the spraying them with water thing, but you have tried that already. Cats are stubborn; maybe if you kept trying it will work eventually?

Other than that...I'm really sorry about your situation. I LOVE cats, and that would drive me crazy as well. Please, though, no matter how annoying they get, please do not harm them, even as a last resort. It is cruel, and they don't deserve it :(

I hope I was able to help a little.

Answer 2

do you have animal control, or a program in your town that will alter feral cats? Do you have a fence to deter some of the cats from coming in your yard? How about a garage to park your vehicles in to keep them from putting birds and hairballs on them? Also, if they are missing fur can you claim that they are being abused or neglected? If you did wouldn't animal services HAVE to come and get them? Would getting a dog be an option for you that might help?

Answer 3

Hope this gives you some good ideas.

http://landscaping.about.com/od/pestcontrol/a/cat_repellents.htm

Ultrasound devices such as Cat Stop operate on a high frequency. It's inaudible to humans but unbearable for cats. Installation is easy. You simply situate the device so that it faces toward the garden. A motion sensor detects the intruder's presence, and Cat Stop then gives off its high-frequency sound, scaring off the cat.

Answer 4

I would try the traps again, and put them in a place where maybe your neighbors can't get to them? I feed outside cats, and we have 7, but we actually take care of them. I hate people who "take care" of outside cats, by just feeding and watering them. That's not taking care of them. However, I would beg you not to poison them or shoot them... that's just cruel and it will stay with you, if you do so. Call animal control or your local shelter and see if they can get officers out to round up the cats or if they can help you with the problem. Keep trying solutions -- don't hurt the cats!

Answer 5

There is an organization called Alley Cat Allies who might be able to help. I'm not sure where you live, but there are some local chapters. http://www.alleycat.org/

I know that our local shelter rents out live traps so people can trap them themselves to bring them in. In fact, we have a feral family in our neighborhood that we're trying to catch. It doesn't do anyone good to have un-fixed felines running around. There are too many unwanted animals out there as it is.

Answer 6

Have them trapped and taken to the humane society. Have animal control catch them for you; the neighbors say the cats are not theirs, so feel free to have the cats taken away or take them away yourself. Honestly, the poor care those cats recieve, i doubt the neighbors would want to claim them when someone is taking them away for fear of animal neglect charges.

To keep them away from your house, there are products made specially to keep cats out of your yard and away from your house. You may find some of the sprays at a pet store.

EDIT: coffee is poison to cats, do not listen to the one poster who said to spread coffee grounds around your property.

Answer 7

Only if you can take care of it, buy a dog! A big one small ones don't work. Maybe a mini poodle. Toy poodles won't work. I know because i have one. They hate cats! Do other neighboors agree with you? If they do, ask them all to sign a petition. Also, don't call the cops, call animal control. As much as I love cats I don't like their owners not taking full responsiblitiy for them. Good luck!

Answer 8

I suggest you build a fence! one that is so high that the cats cant jump or climb over it. but if your city wont allow that then get a dog. but if you dont like dogs then spray the cats with water! its non-leathal and cats hate water! im sure that cats can learn from their mistakes like humans do. my cat did once. so i suggest the water idea the most... its fast and easy. :)

Answer 9

You are a very mean person. I am not even going to talk to someone who is thinking of poisoning innocent animals. But if youy care so much about their shots and neutering, do them yourself. your neighbours are kind enough to provide food, that's as far as they go. As for your property, you are responsible for it, not the cats and not teh neighbours. You have no right trapping or poisoning cats. You have the right and obligation however to put a fence around your yard, if you don't want intruders. It is simple and cheap, just buy a wire fence and put it around your garden!

Answer 10

Just spread some coffee around your garden! The best coffee is the residu from a "filtercoffee" filter. Cats somehow don't like the smell i guess.