How to Keep Cats Away From Ground-Feeding Birds

Getting cats to stay away from ground-feeding birds can be done in a way that keeps both cats and birds safe.

Cats are some of the deadliest threats to birds, killing an average of more than 1 million each day in the United States, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Choosing a method of repellant that is safe to birds and cats alike is important, because local laws against animal cruelty apply to wild and domesticated animals. Home improvement stores sell many different kinds of animal repellent, but many contain unknown ingredients that could harm birds. Homemade remedies use organic ingredients, such as rosemary and orange oil, to keep cats away.

Things You'll Need

• "Scaredy cat plant," (Coleus canina)
• Rosemary plants
• Shovel
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Lemon or orange essential oil
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Citrus peels
• Cat trap
• Canned cat food

Instructions

Plant Deterrents

1. Plant flowers and plants that cats find undesirable. The pungent smell odor of the hybrid "scaredy cat plant" (Coleus canina), which was designed specifically to deter cats, and rosemary repels the animals. Because of cats' heightened olfactory senses, these plants create a much stronger odor than the human nose can detect.

2. Dig holes with a shovel around the perimeter of the area in which you wish to keep cats away. Holes should be spaced about one to 2 feet apart to allow the plants space to grow.

3. Place a Coleus canina or rosemary plant in each hole and fill the area in with soil.

Citrus-Based Deterrents

1. Using citrus is another effective remedy to repel cats. Cats are very sensitive to the smell of citrus and most dislike the strong odor.

2. Fill a spray bottle with about one quart of water.

3. Add 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Cap and shake the container to mix. Add 20 drops of citrus essential oil such as lemon or orange. Cap and mix well. Because oil and water do not mix, shake vigorously before each use.

4. Spray all around the area in which cats are not desired. This spray may need to be applied multiple times a week to stay effective.

5. 

   The fruit and peels of citrus smell bad to cats and encourage them to keep away.

   Spread citrus peels around the area to help repel cats, if desired.

Cat Traps

1. Setting cat traps up to remove cats from the area can work if you believe it is a small population harming birds.

2. Place an open can of wet cat food in the trap. Secure the door so that it will close when an animal enters.

3. Check the trap frequently, once every 15 minutes or so. Do not allow cats to get stuck in the trap for long periods of time; the animal may try to escape and injure itself in the process.

4. Release the cat in a safe area several miles away from where the it is harming bird populations. Local organizations devoted to TNR, or trap, neuter and release, may have more information about where cats can be safely relocated.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is an area in which cats are allowed, consider planting catnip in the area to encourage cats to stay away from other areas.

• Local TNR or humane society groups provide traps that can be borrowed at no cost, or for a small fee.

• Do not use poisons to kill cats. This is illegal in some areas and can harm birds.

• A trapped cat may be panicked and attempt to cause harm to itself and others. Cover the trap with a thick towel or blanket when a cat is caught.

• Undiluted essential oils are harmful to cats and can be harsh on skin. Do not use undiluted oils outside to repel cats.

References

• National Wildlife Federation; New Studies Highlight Impact of Outdoor Cats on Birds and Other Wildlife; Laura Tangley; March 2011
• Cat Repellant Info: DIY Cat Deterrants
• All Pest Control; Homemade Cat Repellent; March 2010
• Feral Cat Coalition; Humane Trapping Instructions; April 2011