COMMUNITY CAT DETERRENTS

BENEFITS

While many people appreciate the benefits of cats in their neighborhood, in particular rodent control, some people don’t want the cats in their yard. Reasons may include paw prints on vehicles, digging in garden for defecation, fur on patio furniture, or spraying if the cats have not been spayed or neutered.

TNR IS APPROVED AND SUPPORTED BY OUR CITY

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the City of Palm Springs advocate for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). TNR is the process of spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and microchipping free-roaming community cats. This process diminishes, often eliminating, unwanted behaviors of yowling, fighting, spraying, and producing kittens.

DETER CATS

If a resident wants to keep cats out of their yard, here are some humane and inexpensive solutions to help deter cats:

  • Scatter fresh orange and lemon peels, spray citrus-scented fragrances
  • Spread citronella oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, or eucalyptus oil
  • Add coffee grounds to your garden
  • Plant the rue herb (Ruta Graveolens) or scaredy cat coleus (Coleus Canina)

Additional cat deterrents can be purchased to provide more assurance:

REMOVE ODORS

If you have cat urine scent in your yard, try these products designed specifically to eliminate feline urine odor:

HELPFUL NEIGHBORS

Neighbors that are proactively helping community cats, and participating in TNR, should consider these tips to encourage cats to stay in their yard:

  • Feed on a schedule, in a quiet out-of-the-way place
  • Maintain a clean outside litter box
  • Grow cat nip, cat mint, or barley grass
  • Add a cozy cat house or two. For ideas see Alley Cat Allies.

ASSISTANCE

We hope this is helpful. Community Cat Program specialists are available to come onsite and provide consultation if needed. 

Call the TNR Hotline, 760-820-2281 with questions, concerns, or for assistance.  Or email us TNR@PSAnimalShelter.org.

Responses may take 1-2 days. Immediate cat rescue issues should be directed to Palm Springs Animal Control via Palm Springs Police Department at: 760 327-1441.