how to prevent an un-owned cat from spraying

April 14, 2012 5:18 PM

Asking for a friend - preventing neighborhood (probably feral) cat spraying...

His question verbatim - So. . . any help will do. I have a carport were I keep bikes, mower, etc. There is a cat that keeps spraying in there. Does anyone know how a humane way to stop cats from doing this? Again, I said humane.

posted by efalk to Pets & Animals (4 answers total)

You can try placing moth balls in the area. I've heard that the smell can be a deterrent. The thing is, that will only get the cat out of your area. It will still be in your neighborhood, possibly moving its bad behavior to your neighbor's garage.

Please call animal control and request a cat trap. Trap the cat and call for removal. It is the most responsible thing to do.
posted by myselfasme at 5:49 PM on April 14, 2012 [2 favorites]

I agree, trapping it is probably the best solution... here's a sure fire way to capture the little felon from an answer I left to another question.
posted by HuronBob at 6:28 PM on April 14, 2012 [1 favorite]

Trap-neuter-[re-]release programs exist in many communities, public or private depending. Neutered males will be much less aggressive and while it isn't a surefire way to end spraying it may reduce their territoriality.
posted by dhartung at 5:23 PM on April 15, 2012

We stopped a neighborhood feral from using our flowerbeds as a litter box with orange peels. Zest 'em and scatter in the area.
posted by tigerjade at 8:24 AM on April 16, 2012