House Cats are not considered wildlife.
However, since they can cause a tremendous amount of
damage to bird species and other wildlife, they are worthy of mentioning
here. Particularly, house cats can, when allowed to roam freely
outdoors, become little more than an invasive species with lobbyists who
protect their environmentally damaging behavior.
These links are comprised of pages dedicated to providing more information on
the biology and control of house cats. Before initiating any
house cat control measures be sure to check with appropriate federal and
state agencies. Links to those agencies can be found in the navigation
bar above.
Toe Pad Marks on hind feet tracks are nearly round. About a 9-inch
(23 cm) stride between tracks.
Single line of tracks with hind prints
superimposed upon fore-prints.
Claw Marks- No
Often seen during the daytime.
Damage
Kills young of songbirds, game-birds, rabbits and other
wildlife; but rarely anything larger than ducks or pheasants.
Scientists now list invasive species (including house cats) as the second most serious threat to bird populations around the world (Source: Connecticut Wildlife Mar/Apr 2007 p. 18).
Messy feeding behavior. Portions of their prey are often strewn over several square yards
in open areas. The meaty portions of large birds are consumed
entirely, leaving loose skin with feathers attached. Small birds are
generally consumed and only the wings and scattered feathers remain.
Cats usually leave tooth marks on every exposed bone of their prey.
Fence your property. The fences designed to keep cats in your yard work just as well to keep them out.
Trench-screen decks, porches, sheds etc. to reduce potential
living quarters for the cats.
Repellents
Chemical repellents are not effective long term.
"Repellents to repel cats include, allyl isothiocyanate (oil of mustard),
amyl acetate, anethole, capsaicin, cinnemaldehyde, citral, citronella,
citrus oil, eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil,
menthol, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl salicylate, naphthalene, nicotine,
paradichlorobenzene and thymol. Oil of mustard, cinnemaldehyde and methyl nonyl ketone have worked in some instances.
from Fitzwater, W. D. 1986 article in Pest Control.
Use dogs to frighten cats from property.
Motion activated sprinkler may work. (For use only in above
freezing temperatures).
Trapping
Before any trapping of cats is initiated, it is critical to
understand that trapping mistakes can be costly. Cat control has
unfortunately become highly emotional. Many people believe that cats
don't need control and if they do then trapping should not be part of
the control method. Be sure you follow the law and know how to use
your equipment properly. But remember, just because a technique or
activity is legal doesn't mean it is the best choice!! Second,
cats can wise up to trapping very quickly. Catching a cat that has been
released can be very time-consuming. Avoid accidental releases at all
costs as it may be the last time you capture the cat.
Footholds: steel jaw size #1. Padded jaw use #1.
Snares--use with care as this will kill the cat.
Bodygrip--use with care as cat will be killed. #120 or #160 sizes.
Cage traps should be 11-12 inches (28cm-30cm) square and at least 30
inches (76cm) long, double-door traps (at least 42 inches (107cm) long) are
better as they can be used in blind sets as well.
Bait -
Catnip
Fish--fresh or canned
Cat food-- canned or dry
Chicken--table scraps
Live bait--(not legal in many states). If legal, place a
house sparrow or common pigeon in a cage. Be sure the
cage has food & water and an area for the bird to find shelter from
the wind/rain/sun. Place caged bird in the bait area of the trap to
be used to capture the cat.
Shooting
Can be effective in limited circumstances. See Cats
and Conservation for details on the feral cat dilemma.
Cats are a greater risk for transmitting diseases to humans because humans do not immediately recognize them as a potential disease carrier.
Cats can carry, rabies, cat-scratch fever, ticks etc.
Legal Issues
Unfortunately, most communities do not enforce licensing laws (assuming they even have them) on cats. It can be very difficult to know if the cat is truly feral or someone's property.
The need for the creation and enforcement of leash laws on cats is truly great.
Living With House Cats
Install fencing to keep your cat on your property. See our product vendors
