| Cats are domesticated predators. They have natural
prey-chasing, capturing, and killing instincts. They
have the potential to impact local wildlife populations
by reducing the number of prey items for native
predators. Free-ranging pets can serve as a reservoir
for human and wildlife diseases like ringworm,
toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, distemper, and rabies.
They may be an important factor in introducing these
diseases into susceptible wildlife populations.
The instinctive hunting and killing behavior of cats is
extensively documented. Unlike wild predators that
kill to eat, cats kill impulsively even when they are
not hungry. Animals that nest or feed on or close to
the ground such as cardinals, bobwhites, towhees,
wrens, rabbits, and lizards are most susceptible. A
Michigan study found that in an 18-month period,
one well-fed, domestic farm cat killed at least 60
birds and 1600 small mammals.
Cats do little damage to lawns and gardens but can
be a nuisance. Cats are attracted to bare soil and as
they carry out their normal toilet habits, they can
damage seed beds and seedlings.
Fences do little to keep cats out.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies
1. Local animal control agencies. Use this agency to
report feral cats or other troublesome animals.
2. repellents. Naphthalene flakes (moth balls) or
camphor chest rubs are said to repel cats;
however these scents are not long-lasting and
must be replaced. They are best used to protect
single, prized specimen plants or objects.
3. Fright. Scare tactics such as scolding, hand
clapping, loud noises, and hurling small objects
may be effective. However, when left
unmonitored, animals act instinctively.
4. Bird feeders. Do not place a bird feeder or bath
immediately next to dense shrubbery or other cat
hiding places.
5. Outside cat. If you have an outside cat, place two
bells on its collar. Some cats can learn to adjust
their moves to silence a single bell.
6. Night. Do not let your cat roam at night when it
can be a much more effective predator on
sleeping prey.
7. Water. Cats hate water, so you may be able to
discourage a cat from entering your yard by
spraying it several times with a garden hose.
8. Traps. Use a large live trap (raccoon-type) baited
with fish or canned food. Turn over the stray or
feral cat to the local animal control office or
Humane Society.
9. Protection. Cover small seeded areas with
floating row covers or fruit-tree netting. Large
areas can be protected by building a wood frame
and covering it with window screening.
10. Responsibility. Responsible pet ownership is the
best solution including spaying and neutering
and confining. The pet will also be protected
from death by vehicles; diseases transmitted by
wildlife and other pets; death by wildlife
predators; injury from fights with other cats (or
dogs); and various animal control practices used
by unhappy neighbors. | 
