Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Stray Cats control

Keeping outdoor cats out of gardens humanely, and where to get help with strays.

When to call a pro

Stray Cats at a glance

Scientific name
Felis catus
Size
18 inches body (46 cm), 8 to 11 lb
Appearance
Domestic cats living outdoors, owned or feral
Where found
Gardens, sandboxes, under porches, sheds
  • Health riskModerate
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When stray cats are active Peak: Feb–Sep
  1. Jan Active
  2. Feb Peak
  3. Mar Peak
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Active

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Digging and droppings in garden beds
  • Spraying odor on doors and walls
  • Fighting and yowling at night

Call a professional when

  • A feral colony: contact a trap-neuter-return (TNR) group or animal control
  • A sick or injured cat
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Never use poison or glue traps on cats. Harming cats is illegal in every US state.

Our stray cats guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep stray cats out

  1. Cover soil with rough mulch or chicken wire
  2. Use motion-activated sprinklers
  3. Close off spaces under porches and sheds

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Coyotes Protecting pets and poultry, and hazing coyotes that lose their fear. Rabbits Clean-cut stems and gnawed bark: fencing, repellents and resistant plants. Birds Pigeons, woodpeckers and nesting birds: deterrents that are legal and humane.