Cats are considered a nuisance if they roam, attack wildlife or create a disturbance in or around a property.
If you are experiencing problems with cats in your area, here are a few suggestions that may discourage the cats in a safe manner.
Please do not take any action that will injure or harm the cat or that is in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.
If you know who owns the cat, we suggest having a friendly chat to discuss your concerns.
Owners are often not aware that their cat is being a nuisance and will act to rectify the concerns once raised with them.
If you are not comfortable speaking with your neighbour directly, perhaps leave a politely worded, anonymous note in their mailbox, that constructively expresses your concerns.
You could deploy the following deterrents around your home, which may or may not prove successful (please asses the risk to your pets and other animals that reside on your property):
- Citrus fragrance (scatter orange or lemon peels or spray with citrus)
- Coffee grounds
- Oil of lavender
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Lemongrass
- Citronella
- Euclyptus
- Vinegar sprayed on areas where they roam
- Pine cones and heavy bark mulch (cats don't like the feeling on their feet)
- Dried nut of bean shells, broken egg shells, holly leaves, or rock mulch
- Curry plant (Helichrysum augustfolium)
- Geranium (Pelargonium)
- Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
- Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegrium)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Scaredy cat plant (Plectranthus caninus)
- Motion activated sprinklers
As a last resort you may obtain a cat trap from our Ranger Services department.
If this method is deployed, it is your responsibility to ensure the welfare of the cat throughout the process. It is extremely stressful for the trapped cat.
You will need to sign a trap hire form upon collection/delivery and Rangers will demonstrate how to set the trap.
To enquire:
Traps can be hired for up to seven days. Trap hire does not carry a fee.
Contact the Ranger Services Department regarding your concerns.