F-ing murderous cat!

ph_dreamin

This morning at 5:30 a.m. a racket from the backyard awoke us. We saw two blue jays frantically trying to scare a black cat away (I assume they were protecting a nest, why else would they do this?). I had to stop watching when I saw the cat with a jay in its mouth, and heard the pitiful cries. I said to the mr., "Why, oh why did we move to the country? This never happened in the alley next to our old place!"

Now I need some advice. We're on the second floor, somewhat removed from the action. The next time this cat comes around, what is the most effective way to make it get the hell out of the yard? Preferably a method that does not require my contact lenses being in, or me needing to be a particularly good shot? Of course I don't want to harm the birds while I'm at it.

Or is it that Prospect Heights is really the set of "Wild Kingdom," and I need to come to terms with it?

quijibo

spread some coyote pee around the yard

http://www.critter-repellent.com/cat/cat-repellent.php

idlewild

Throw water on it.

vanilla

yeah, the cats around here are really good at catching birds... they are hungry! :?

smokin joe

blue jays are nasty birds. i've seen them attack cats for the hell of it.

not that that merits the death penalty. . .

bigguy

Hey cats gotta eat too.

armchair_warrior

BigGuy wrote: Hey cats gotta eat too.

right on!

drano

Smokin' Joe wrote: blue jays are nasty birds. i've seen them attack cats for the hell of it.

not that that merits the death penalty. . .

True enough. Bastards used to give my cat a hard time when I lived in the country. They can take care of themselves.

Anyhow. Nature gave Blue Jays wings, I guess I don't see the need to tip the odds in their favor. If they were endangered or something, sure - but obviously that's not the case.

quijibo

howling cat noise at 3a.m. would make me see red

i go for the fox/coyote pee

laura b

A few tips:

1. Scent repellants

Both naturally-based and chemically-based scent repellants are available. The chemical products contain the active ingredient methylnonylketone, which the manufacturers warn should not be applied to food crops. Reports on the effectiveness of scent repellants are mixed, sometimes working quite well and in other situations, not at all. Repellants should be sprayed around the edges of the yard, the top of fences and on any favorite digging areas or plants.

Naturally-based products include:

The border plant "Coleus-Canina," now being marketed as an effective scent deterrent for dogs and cats by Gardener's Supply. Item No. 34-316; $29.95; available seasonally.
Online: http://www.gardeners.com/Shopping
Phone: 1-888-833-1412

For protecting gardens or flower beds, common household items may be effective, including the herb rue, either planted or sprinkled in its dry form. Other suggestions for garden areas are orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil.

"Havahart's Cat Repellent" uses capsaicin pepper and oil of mustard as its active ingredients. It repels by both taste and odor, has a lemon scent, lasts 7-10 days and needs to be reapplied after rain or new growth. Model 5400/5401; 32 oz. bottle sells for $12.99.
Online: http://www.havahart.com/cats

The most popular chemically-based repellant is:

"Reppers" - this product can be purchased as grains which are placed in a sealed "evaporator" to keep the grains safely enclosed. Or it is available as a spray repellant or in stick form. For more information on the product, go to http://www.reppers.com

To order grains and an evaporator online: click here ($21.99)
To order the spray: click here (400 ml; $13.99)
To order sticks: click here (6 pack; $12.99)

2. Motion-activated sprinklers
Motion activated sprinklers use infra-red to detect when an animal enters a defined territory. When a cat enters the infra-red field, the sprinkler shoots out a burst of water for a few seconds in the general direction of the animal. The effect is to frighten the cats rather than soak them, but they quickly learn not to enter the area. After a while, the sprinkler becomes unnecessary. It doesn't work in winter conditions, as the water will freeze, but if you introduce the device in warmer weather, by wintertime you'll have trained them.

The "Scarecrow," made by Contech, has been tried and proven. It costs $89.00. To order: click here 1-800-767-8658
Buy it for less! Check out the price for the Scarecrow at Safe Pet Products (currently $72.95). To order: click here or call 1-877-231-1426

Go to http://www.havahart.com and do a search
for "Spray Away."

3. Ultrasonic devices
These devices emit a high frequency sound annoying to cats and not perceptible by people. The key to their effectiveness is matching the capacity of the device to the size of the area to be covered. A device not powerful enough for too large an area won't work.

Yard Control Dog and Cat Repeller, Model P7810 - Unlike most ultrasonic devices which emit a constant sound, this one only goes on when activated by an animal entering its infra-red field within an advertised 30 foot range, thereby saving batteries. It's designed to attach to a wall, fence, stake in the ground, etc. and sells for $69.95: click here

"Cat Stop" - this device also is triggered by a motion sensor, but it gives out the equivalent of an ultrasonic scream designed to frighten a cat away. Currently available for $53.95 ($50.95 for two or more). The Safe Pet Products website offers an online calculator to determine how many units you'll need. To order: click here or call 1-877-231-1426

In general, you can find ultrasonic devices at most large outdoor/garden stores. Make sure the frequency is designed for larger animals like cats.

4. Physical barriers
Gardens and flower beds can be protected from digging through a number of means:

"Cat Scat" from Gardener's Supply consists of plastic mats that are pressed into the soil. Each mat has flexible plastic spikes and is cut into four pieces. The spikes are harmless to cats and other animals, but discourage excavation. Item No. 31-954, set of five sells for $14.99.
Online: click here
Phone: 1-888-833-1412

Cover exposed ground with rough surfaced rocks.

Take branches from a thorny plant, like a Rose of Sharon tree, and lay them on the ground in a lattice-type pattern, then plant flowers and seeds in the openings. Regular lattice type fencing used in this way will also discourage digging.

For more tips see the Neighborhood Cats website at http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/keepingout.htm or
About.com's cat section at http://cats.about.com/od/behaviortraining/tp/comldeterrent.htm.

laura b

quijibo wrote: howling cat noise at 3a.m. would make me see red

The best way to get rid of the howling is to get the cats fixed. They howl because they're mating or fighting over mates.

For more info see either the Neighborhood Cats or Slope Street Cats websites.

kevin_on_putnam

BigGuy wrote: Hey cats gotta eat too.

Ummm, blue jay... tastes like chicken

bigguy

Cat tastes like chicken too. Like General Tso's chicken.