I have an 8 year old himalayan mix. I leave him outside to get some fresh air on a leash maybe twice a day. There is a stray cat that frequents the area. This stray cat has fought with my cat twice now and really upsets my cat which he growls and meows for 15 minutes afterwards. I made the mistake to pick him up once which did not go so well for my face.....Anyways my question is does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of this cat. I dont want to call the SPCA cause I know they get a lot of cats and I know what they do to them. Anything I can put to make him stay away. I am super paranoid to put my cat out now.
Thanks in advance
Stray Cat Visitor
Re: Stray Cat Visitor
cant think of anything you can do with the stray cat aside from what you mention, but i would stop taking your cat out.
maybe take a squirt bottle with you? (one that discharges alot of water, but not harshly)
maybe take a squirt bottle with you? (one that discharges alot of water, but not harshly)
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Arhutr's Mom
Re: Stray Cat Visitor
I take my cats outside on harness and leash. Sometimes I tie them out but only if I am out in the yard with them.
If you see the stray cat coming near, be ready with the garden hose and spray it in his direction. You shouldn't really need to spray him much, he may run when you just spray in his direction. (Watch that there's not too much force on the hose, if you are close to him.) I did this with a stray a few times and he stopped coming in the yard after awhile. But it took many times and he probably still came when I wasn't there.
Not sure what else to do except stay outside and supervise your kitty.
Cheryl
If you see the stray cat coming near, be ready with the garden hose and spray it in his direction. You shouldn't really need to spray him much, he may run when you just spray in his direction. (Watch that there's not too much force on the hose, if you are close to him.) I did this with a stray a few times and he stopped coming in the yard after awhile. But it took many times and he probably still came when I wasn't there.
Not sure what else to do except stay outside and supervise your kitty.
Cheryl
Re: Stray Cat Visitor
Any private rescue groups or shelters in your area? If so, contact them, they may be able to send someone over to set a humane trap for this kitty and pick it up (or assist you in how to do it) and give it a chance at a better life - you'd be helping the kitty out a lot and helping to at least solve a problem at the same time. I commend you for not wanting animal control to pick up this kitty but there are other options, sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper to find them. There are many resources on the net, check around for small rescues and no kill shelters in your area or near by areas and make some calls if you want to/can.
I would however second Jason on keeping your kitty inside, at least until this kitty stops coming around or maybe you can get it to somewhere safe (ie rescue or shelter). But there is no guarentee that others won't be out and about even if this one isn't.
It's hard to keep cats out of your yard, there are 'things' products on the market that supposedly mark areas and make them not want to go in, (safe for kitty products) however I have not heard of too many success stories.
Keep in mind this kitty esp. if a stray probably has not had any shots or isn't current and may harbor things like FIV that can be transmitted by bites and cannot be vaccinated for ....and even the other diseases that cats are vaccinated for may not be 100% effective...your kitty will remain at risk as long as other cats or even wildlife can enter her territory. While diseases, fleas, etc. can still come through windows and screens they at least offer one on one fight protection - maybe you could get a window enclosure or if possible build a little enclosure with shade that might offer some additional protection for both your kitty and you.
Best of luck with this and I hope maybe you can help this stray to get off the streets and keep yours happy at the same time. 3 of my 4 came from the streets, once in they never went back out, they enjoy the air through the screened doors and windows and they are very content. But I have had outdoor supervised kitties in the past and I know how much they can love it so I understand where you are coming from on this.
I would however second Jason on keeping your kitty inside, at least until this kitty stops coming around or maybe you can get it to somewhere safe (ie rescue or shelter). But there is no guarentee that others won't be out and about even if this one isn't.
It's hard to keep cats out of your yard, there are 'things' products on the market that supposedly mark areas and make them not want to go in, (safe for kitty products) however I have not heard of too many success stories.
Keep in mind this kitty esp. if a stray probably has not had any shots or isn't current and may harbor things like FIV that can be transmitted by bites and cannot be vaccinated for ....and even the other diseases that cats are vaccinated for may not be 100% effective...your kitty will remain at risk as long as other cats or even wildlife can enter her territory. While diseases, fleas, etc. can still come through windows and screens they at least offer one on one fight protection - maybe you could get a window enclosure or if possible build a little enclosure with shade that might offer some additional protection for both your kitty and you.
Best of luck with this and I hope maybe you can help this stray to get off the streets and keep yours happy at the same time. 3 of my 4 came from the streets, once in they never went back out, they enjoy the air through the screened doors and windows and they are very content. But I have had outdoor supervised kitties in the past and I know how much they can love it so I understand where you are coming from on this.