Call Us: Servicing Over 300 US Locations
Follow Us:
  • USA Wildlife Removal Education Guide and Resources

How to Get Rid of Stray Cat

I want to say first of all that we almost never deal with stray cats, unless in special circumstances, such as a case in which stray cats are posing some danger or health risk in an area. We usually refer cat situations to the local county animal services, or better yet, local TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) organizations. To effectively get rid of feral cats, you should look at the area in which you live. People in cities and suburbs may never be fully free of these felines, but there is something that can be done to discourage them from coming onto your property. A dog is a very effective means of controlling stray cats. If you are able to fence in your yard so that a dog might roam free, consider this as the gold star method.

How to Get Rid of Stray Cats in the Yard
Feral cats are very difficult to control due to their large population numbers. Almost anywhere there are people there are feral cats. The world has such an abundance of these felines that there is no end to the feral population in sight. To keep feral cats out of your yard do not feed them. This goes against many homeowners’ instincts, but feral cats are just as much of a nuisance animal as rats. Feeding one feral cat will lead to feeding another feral cat and so on until the yard is full of the furry creatures. Sometimes it is not you but a neighbor or a community building that is the problem. Feral cats can be trapped and taken to a local shelter for humane euthanasia or rehabilitation. You cannot relocate a feral cat. Cats have very limited options in the wild and will not easily survive away from human habitats. The best thing for stray cats is to take them to a local shelter.

How to Get Rid of Stray Cats Under the Porch
Because of the sheer number of feral cats out there it only makes sense that they will need to find relatively safe places to live while on their own. Porches are great places for feral cats because they provide enough protection from the weather and a good barrier against predators. Porches can also offer a stray cat a good visual of the surroundings before venturing out to find food. To get rid of a cat under the porch you can trap the cat with a cage trap. This is not always effective. Cats are flight animals and will bolt out of an area where they feel threatened. Instead of creating a lot of noise and fuss installing a temporary fence to funnel the cat toward the trap, just bait the trap with cat food and wait. The cat wants to feel as safe as possible. If you try to install a lot of trapping aids the cat will most likely bolt from its position, scaring you and anyone else within a few feet. The dilemma with trapping feral cats is that cat bait attracts a lot of other, wild animals as well as owned pets. Before you attempt to trap the cat, become aware of what your neighbor’s cats look like and what color the stray is. No one wants to take an owned feline to a shelter by accident.

How to Get Rid of Feral Cats in the Attic
During the cold months feral cats will seek warmth as much as any animal. Cats have a number of talents, one of which is climbing. If determined enough a cat can make its way into an open attic. Feral felines are known for climbing into tight spaces and then not being able to get back out again. If you have a feral cat in the attic you need to find out how it got inside. Cats can make it through some tight spaces but they usually require a larger hole than would a rat or a squirrel. Cats often come in through damaged and open eaves or attic vents. Be very careful when attempting to trap a feral cat confined to one location. Cats are not usually aggressive but if they feel cornered they can be formidable foes. The risk of disease and infection from a cat bite is also very high. If you are feeling unsafe in the role of cat trapper, call in professional assistance. Otherwise, use a cage trap and then turn the animal over to a local shelter.

How to Get Rid of Feral Cats in the Garage
Garages, especially detached garages, offer an area of protection and warmth for feral felines. Not only are garages used only on occasion by their human owners, the space is often packed with a surplus of items. This type of junk accumulation is heaven to a feral cat, offering innumerable places to hide and sleep. Feral cats in a situation where there is adequate cover may not be fazed by the infrequent start and stop of the car engine as it pulls in. If you’ve discovered a feral cat in your garage, block off the opening where the cat got in. You know the animal needs to eat, so keeping it inside the garage and putting out a baited cage trap is usually a successful means of capture. Place one or more cage traps around the garage in areas where the cat is likely to travel. Use aromatic cat food or tuna fish to draw the feline to the pressure plate inside the trap. Once you have secured the animal, take it to the local ASPCA where they will give it the best chance possible.

Go back to the main Stray Cat Removal page for more information about how to get rid of stray cat.
© 2015 Copyright Wildlife Removal USA | Web Design by: