How To Small Yard Animals should be protected from cats.
Small animals are great to look at and feed on.They are preyed upon and killed by cats outdoors.It's important to keep cats out of your yard, but still allow small animals in.The ability of a cat to kill small animals is limited by its owners.
Step 1: Feed out of a cat's reach.
To protect small animals in your yard, place areas where you feed them out of reach of cats.Place bird feeders in places that a cat can't reach.At least 10 feet from shrubs and other areas where a cat could hide is what this is.It is difficult to place bird feeders away from hiding places in yards with lots of bushes.If you have a problem with cats trying to sneak up on birds or squirrels, you can fence off the area under the feeders.Look for feeders that hang down low from tree branches or ones that are on poles at least 5 feet above the ground.
Step 2: Put sprinklers in your yard.
In order to deter cats from coming into your yard, you can place motion activated sprinklers that will soak a cat if it walks by.Cats like water because it's a good deterrent and won't hurt them.The motion activated sprinklers can be set off by other animals, such as the wild animals that you want in your yard, and humans that forget to turn off the sprinkler before coming in the yard.
Step 3: Plants that are cat-deterrent.
Plants that are prickly or spiky will protect small yard animals from cats.holly can be planted under areas where you feed wild animals to help keep cats at bay.herb rue, lavender, pennyroyal, and lemon thyme are plants that cats don't like the smell of.It is possible to protect wildlife from cats by planting these in areas with a lot of wildlife activity.Plants in your yard will make small animals more comfortable for cats.If you have a persistent cat that hides in the same place, consider replacing it with a holly bush.The cat will be uncomfortable hiding in a holly bush.Make sure the plants are not toxic if your cat ingests them.
Step 4: Commercial cat deterrents can be used.
You can use products to keep cats out of your yard.Ultrasonic cat deterrents claim to emit noises that cats don't like, but that do not bother other animals or humans.It is possible to keep unwanted cats out of your yard.Chemicals can be sprayed around your yard.Cats don't like the smells that keep them away.Most large pet stores, big box stores and online retailers carry commercial deterrents.
Step 5: Natural scents can deter cats.
There are some products in your house that can keep cats out of your yard.Cats don't like the smell of essential oils and other strong smelling products.Simply put your strong smelling product in a spray bottle and spray along the edge of your property and on the ground in areas where wildlife congregates.If you choose to use a strong smelling deterrent, you may need to reapply it regularly.If you live in an area where it rains, this can wash away your deterrent.
Step 6: You can make a perimeter around your yard.
You can make it harder for cats to enter your yard.A fence can limit a cat's access to your yard.A tall fence will make it less likely that cats will come in.They can sometimes find their way over the fence.It is possible to limit the number of wild animals from entering your yard by making a complete perimeter around it.It may be a great refuge for birds.If you put a tall fence around your yard, it will make it less likely that cats will wander in.
Step 7: Don't let your cat out of the house.
Keeping a cat inside is the simplest way to keep it out of the wild.Cats can thrive inside if they are given lots of toys and stimulation.You will protect the small yard animals in your area if you limit your cat's freedom.Cats should be kept indoors in order to protect wild bird populations.
Step 8: A bell is placed on your cat's collar.
If you want to limit a cat's ability to sneak up on small animals, you can put a bell on its collar.As the cat moves, it will make a small ringing sound that will alert small animals that it is following them.Some cats figure out how to move without a bell.If your cat is killing small yard animals, it is worth a try.
Step 9: There is a collar on your cat.
Cats that are sneaking up on small wildlife use their surroundings to pounce on their prey.A brightly colored collar can be placed around your cat's neck to limit their ability to do this.Birds are good at spotting bright colors, so they will have more warning to flee a dangerous situation.If you put something around your cat's neck, make sure it has a safety clasp that can come apart if the cat gets it hooked on something.
Step 10: Your cat should be well fed.
Cats kill small animals because they are hungry.Make sure your cat is well fed when it goes outside.This may make the cat less likely to hunt.Hunger is just one of many reasons for cats to hunt.Keeping your cat well fed may not eliminate all killing, but it could minimize it.If your cat spends a lot of time outside, leave out food and water.To avoid unwanted attention from pests, be sure to pick it up before nightfall.
Step 11: A patio for cats.
A catio is a patio where your cat can kill or hurt wild animals.A catio is an outdoor space where your cat can enjoy fresh air and the sounds of nature, but it is fully enclosed so it can't get its paws on wild animals in your yard.Catios can be connected to your house, so your cat can go in and out of it when it likes, or they can also be stand alone areas that you have to put your feline in.Adding a new area onto your home that is enclosed can be used to create a catio.If you want to build a catio from the ground up, you will need lumber, screening, and hardware.