how to get rid of a cat

[summers day]

I have numerous bird feeders in my yard. I love watching them. Lately, my neighbors cat comes over and tries to get them. This cat is a barn cat so it has free roam.
Does anyone know of a humane way I can get the cat to stay away?? It drives my dogs crazy when they see it.
I know the cat is not fixed and has not had shots and probably carries a ton of fleas with it too.
Any suggestions are appreciated. As far as talking to the neighbors, that does not work. They feel because we are in the country their cats can do whatever and go where ever they want.

Thanks.
June

[jcme]

They sell repeller sprays at pet stores and some people have said if you put cyanne pepper around that will keep animals away (not just cats, but other critters too). However I think that is more for a specific area. I'm not sure what to suggest for a free roaming cat since you can't really treat your whole yard. :confused:

You can also try giving your vet a call to see if they have any suggestions.

Take care

[mezzo soprano]

I like the idea of enlisting your vet to help you.

It's awfully inconsiderate of the neighbors to let the cat roam, but since it's a barn cat, they probably don't consider it an actual pet.

The other thing you might try is using anti-squirrel birdfeeders. Maybe the cat would be discouraged, too?

[YellowRoseTex]

June,
This may not help for when you're not around, but when you are around keep a spray bottle full of water nearby. As soon as you see the cat, start squirting. Cats will run from water. You never know, if you do this often enough the cat may learn that the area is off limits.

I think calling your vet for ideas is a good idea.

[cdimples2]

Super Soaker water gun

[jcme]

The spray bottle usually works, unless it was my cat. I tried the spray bottle to keep him away from the house plants. After I spritzed him, he would just give me strange look and go back to playing with the leaves and digging in the dirt. :confused:

Maybe I should have tried the Super Soaker ;)

Take care

[Poohtie]

HI, hope this info. helps:
I am a HUGE cat lover and also a lover of feeding the birds and squirrels, too! I have 2 neighborhood cats that sit under my bird feeders and wait...waiting for the chance. I have sat and watched this scenario so many times, what happens usually is the birds fly away as soon as they see the cat come around. The cat gets bored and goes his merry way.
Now, that may not be the case with your birds and cat, and so I agree that the water spray is great. Cats hate to have water sprayed in their face!! Some also hate to be charged at with loud claps of the hand-did this when I had one that was trying to mate a stray I was fostering. Asking the vet. is also great because he can advice on both of the birds and the cat's side in a humane way. Good luck!

[Marian Paroo]

We have a horrible smelling gel here that works on keeping cats away in the garden.

It isn't harmful to plants or even the cats.

Just keeps them away.