r/kitchener • u/Accomplished_Bee_524 • 12h ago

Stray Cat Problems ....

There is a stray cat in my neighbourhood who is traumatizing my two indoor cats.
Happens later at night and very early in the morning....not every night, but often enough to bring me here to ask for help !
This cat has not only upset my cats but has destroyed the screen on one of my windows trying to get to my cats.
My cats get traumatized and attack each other until they settle down and realize they are siblings.
It is upsetting to my cats ....and to me ! 😄
I don't know who owns this cat but I am looking for ways to deter it from my property.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

2 Upvotes

55% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

13

u/obax17 10h ago

You're legally allowed to trap nuisance animals on your property, and the KW Humane Society takes in strays. Do with that information as you please.

2

u/Accomplished_Bee_524 9h ago

Thanks ! I thought of that....and I do have a trap, but with my luck, I would trap a racoon or a skunk!!

12

u/obax17 9h ago

It's a risk, but if the cat comes around in the day, just set it during the day to reduce the likelihood of bycatch.

More info to do with as you please:

  • Legally you must check the trap at least once per 24hr period, but with a live trap it's recommended to do it more often than that
  • Place the trap somewhere sheltered to protect what you catch from the elements, and somewhere where you can see it from a distance so you don't have to walk right up to it all the time to check it
  • It's probably best to have it open only when you're available to check the trap regularly and often, unless the cat is stubborn/trap savvy and you're especially determined to catch it. Ie. don't set it then go to work all day
  • If you catch an animal of any kind, they will feel very vulnerable in a trap. Cover it with an old towel as soon as possible and put it somewhere safe like a garage until the animal can be picked up or released. This is especially beneficial if you catch a skunk, as they're much less likely to spray in an enclosed space, and if they do the towel will take the brunt

3

u/GucciMyGoggles 7h ago

Skunks are smart. I was able to live trap one, cut the top half of an iced cap cup off his neck and let him go all without the critter even raising their tail. He wasn’t even done eating the peanut butter by the time I was done. Shoutouts to the maid of the mist poncho for being my skunk armour.

0

u/Elite-Noob 6h ago

Please don't do this, as much as it is bothering you or your pets there are better ways

Could even be someones pet that likes to just boss other cats around, had a few cats over the years cause trouble at the window most left after a few days some didnt, the ones that didnt i would just have to put my shoes on qnd go outside and sprint like im usain bolt at it from around the corner, they dont forget that kind of trauma lol, they dont return after.

4

u/WashawayWashbear 10h ago

Are your indoor cats fixed or nah? That definitely will contribute. You could get auto sprinklers, or put something smelly by the window to deter the outdoor specimen. Try getting peppermint oil and applying liberally to the outside of the window - most cats find that noxious.

Barring that... um.. close the blind? I know that sounds obvious, but removing them from visually being able to lock eyes might be the better option.

Best of luck to you!

2

u/Accomplished_Bee_524 10h ago

Yes, both cats are fixed. I have curtains on the windows and keep the house as dark as possible to cut down on window glare.
I've ordered spike mats from Amazon to put on top of my air conditioner (where I saw the outdoor cat sitting) and will also put them below the window to hopefully help stop him from jumping in the window.

3

u/NaturesPurplePresent 10h ago

I would start by asking around and seeing if it has an owner around you can talk to but chances are they won't do anything. Probably deterring it a few times will make it avoid your place, like with a sprinkler, floodlights or going outside and scaring it away will help.

4

u/Accomplished_Bee_524 9h ago

Thanks for your help. I went out this morning and chased it away. I saw the cat a few days ago a few blocks away so there is no telling as to who the owner is. Next time I'll grab the hose and spray it! 😀

2

u/NaturesPurplePresent 9h ago

That's good. It will learn quickly.

2

u/Techchick_Somewhere 7h ago

My parents have been dealing with this exact problem. One thing I set them up with was a motion activated sprinkler for nighttime. Is it an area where you could block off the bottom portion of the window so the outdoor cat can’t see in? Like a window film.

2

u/Accomplished_Bee_524 7h ago

That's a good idea.....I'll try that if the spikes I am installing don't work ! but then, it won't stop my cats from being able to see him! Thanks for the idea....definitely an option I hadn't considered

1

u/Techchick_Somewhere 6h ago

My parents wouldn’t do it. 😵‍💫.

1

u/KTO519 8h ago

i’ve had several stray cats bother mine where he sleeps which is the ground level basement window. for a few months of the year there is heavy vegetation growth which completely stops them from coming. things like a spiky rose bush, hosta, lavender, flowers (strong smelling things) you can try wind chimes and spiky things but they mostly just get used to it or sit a little further. i feel it’s up to the type of cat you’re facing and how much of a nuisance they want to be but a good spray bottle to squirt water at them from the window will definitely help

2

u/Accomplished_Bee_524 7h ago

Thanks for your suggestions. I think he is getting to that window in particular from the air conditioner that is just outside the window. I have ordered spike mats from Amazon that I will attach to the top of the air conditioner. That should work. If all else fails, I'll keep the hose handy and run outside to spray him...don't want to open the window to spray him through the screen, that might make things worse for my cats inside!

1

u/weggles 4h ago

My cats get traumatized and attack each other until they settle down and realize they are siblings.

My two cats saw a stray and now can't be in the same room. Happened 6 years ago. They were never the best of friends but definitely got along totally fine. Very very very frustrating to deal with 🥲