Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species, but are not socialized to humans and are therefore not adoptable. Because feral cats are not socialized and not adoptable, they will most likely be euthanized at a shelter or pound.
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only proven method for reducing the feral cat population. Feral cats have been living outdoors near humans for more than 10,000 years. We understand that not everyone enjoys having cats in their yards, and these simple tips will help you discourage feral cats from taking up residence on your property.
Having a cat rummaging through the trash can be a frustrating and messy problem for cat owners. But never fear – with some simple tricks and deterrents, you can train your furry friend to keep their paws out of the garbage can. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the reasons cats are attracted to trash, provide actionable tips to cat-proof your garbage, and answer frequently asked questions on this pesky issue.
Why Cats Love Trash Cans
Cats are naturally curious creatures driven by their instincts to hunt, forage, and explore. This innate curiosity draws them to trash cans for a variety of reasons
Scavenging for Food
Cats have an incredible sense of smell and can detect even the faintest food odors coming from the trash. To your cat, that empty potato chip bag or leftover chicken bone can seem like an irresistible treat just waiting to be discovered. Even well-fed cats may scavenge for extra snacks.
Seeking Comfort and Safety
For some cats tipped over trash cans can resemble a cozy cave or protected shelter. Cats feel safe and secure in enclosed spaces so a garbage can filled with bags and debris can seem like the perfect napping spot.
Boredom and Mental Stimulation
Rummaging through trash offers mental stimulation and entertainment for curious cats. The crinkling of bags and containers provides auditory excitement while the array of smells and textures satisfies their instincts to hunt and explore. Trash can serve as a source of enrichment for under-stimulated cats.
Marking Territory
By rubbing, scratching, and leaving scents on trash items, some cats may be marking their territory and declaring ownership. This is a natural feline behavior, albeit one that is undesirable when directed at the garbage can.
9 Effective Ways to Cat-Proof Your Trash
Now that we understand why cats are magnetically drawn to trash, let’s review some simple techniques to deter them from treating your garbage like a personal buffet.
Use Trash Cans with Secure Lids
Invest in trash cans with tight-fitting lids that fully seal in odors and cannot be easily knocked off, Heavy duty step cans work well You can also use child-proof latches to fully secure lids,
Place Bins in Unaccessible Areas
Keep trash cans in cupboards, closets, or pantry areas that are out of reach and access for your cat. This physical barrier works better than attempting to deter them.
Use Odor Deterrents
Cats dislike the smell of citrus, vinegar, pepper, mint, and lavender. Place peels, cotton balls with essential oils, or dry coffee grounds around trash cans.
Use Cat Repellent Sprays
Special cat-safe repellent sprays create scents that naturally deter cats from approaching. Always check that sprays are non-toxic for pets.
Apply Petroleum Jelly on Lids
Coat the top of the trash lid with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to make it sticky and unappealing for cats to stand or walk on.
Weigh Down Lids
Place a heavy object like a brick on top of lids to weigh them down so cats can’t easily knock them off to gain access.
Use Baby Proofing Products
Special cabinet locks, latches, and braces designed for baby proofing can be used to secure trash lids and restrict access.
Dispose Food Immediately
Don’t let food waste accumulate in kitchen bins. Take trash out frequently to avoid food odors that attract cats. Tie bags tightly.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Give bored cats more enrichment by dedicating play time, toys, cat trees, and scratching posts to keep them occupied.
Answers to Common Cat Trash Questions
How can I get my cat to stop going in the trash?
Use bins with secure lids, place them in unaccessible spots, apply repellents, weigh down lids, and remove food waste promptly before odors develop. Provide ample mental stimulation for your cat as well.
Where should I put the trash can so my cat won’t get into it?
Ideal spots are cupboards, closed closets, the garage, or high spaces like on top of the refrigerator where cats can’t access.
What smells deter cats from trash?
Cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, vinegar, pepper, lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and coffee grounds. Place these items around bins.
What is the best cat repellent for trash cans?
Look for sprays made with natural essential oils that are specifically designed to be safe yet unpleasant for cats. Always check toxicity.
Can I put something on the trash lid to stop my cat?
Petroleum jelly, double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, plastic carpet runners, or an upside-down vinyl carpet protector can all make lids unappealing.
How do I get my cat to stop playing in the trash?
Trash provides mental stimulation for bored cats. Make sure to dedicate play time, provide interactive toys, cat trees, and scratching posts to keep them engaged and occupied.
What home remedy will keep cats out of the trash?
Natural deterrents like citrus peels, vinegar, coffee grounds, pinecones, lavender, mint, or pipe tobacco sprinkled around bins can repel cats.
Should I yell at my cat for getting in the trash?
No, yelling or punishment is ineffective and can make cats fearful. Simply remove them from the area calmly, clean up the mess, and take preventative steps to cat-proof your garbage bins.
How do I stop my cat from getting into the bin at night?
Place bins in closed cupboards at night. Use cabinet child-proofing latches to keep doors secured. Apply petroleum jelly to deter nighttime rummaging.
Why does my cat insist on getting in the bin?
Instincts to scavenge for food, seek comfort in enclosures, mark territory, and satisfy curiosity all drive this common cat behavior. Cat-proof bins and provide enrichment to manage the behavior constructively.
With some clever planning and preventative measures, you can put an end to the trashcan temptations that entice your cat. Invest in secured bins, utilize natural repellents, dispose of waste promptly, and fully enrich your cat’s daily routine. With a tidier home and a mentally stimulated cat, you’ll both rest easy.
Cats are lounging in my yard or on my porch.
Cats are territorial and will remain close to their food source. Ensuring that cats are neutered will dramatically reduce their tendency to roam and keep them from unwanted areas.
Solutions:
- Apply cat repellent liberally around the edges of the yard, on the tops of fences, and on any favorite digging areas or plants. This can be bought at most animal supply companies.
- Install and a motion-activated water sprinklers, this will not only keep cats from hanging out in your yard but it will also help to maintain your lawn.
- Make sure your not unintentionally providing a food source or shelter for the cats. Keep your yard clean, make sure there is a tight lid on your garbage, and do not feed household pets outdoors.
Cats are digging in my garden
It is a cats natural instinct to dig and use the restroom in soft or loose soil, moss, mulch, or sand.
Solutions:
- Scatter fresh grounded orange and lemon peels or spray the area with citrus-scented fragrances. Coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus also deter cats.
- Cats will only go the restroom where they can dig. By placing chicken wire with the sharp side facing down, lattice fencing, or river rocks over the soil will keep feral cats from using your garden as a litter box. You can disguise these by planting flowers and seeds in the openings. You can also try embedding wooden chopsticks, pinecones, or sticks with dull points deep into the soil with the tops exposed eight inches apart, this will act as an obstacle and deter cats from this area.
- Establish a litter box by tilling the soil or placing sand in an out-of-the-way spot in your yard. Make sure to keep it clean and free of deposits.
How to Keep Cats Out of Trash: 3 Simple Tips
FAQ
What can I put in my trash can to keep cats away?
Spray bleach, ammonia, or vinegar to mask the smell of rotting food and garbage. Raccoons, cats, and squirrels will be repelled and fooled by these smells, so apply them regularly if you feel that your trash is a bit too strongly scented. This will also help keep away rodents.
How do I stop my cat from going into the trash?
Consider placing the trash can inside a cabinet if possible. Use Deterrents: Place citrus peels, vinegar, or commercial pet deterrent sprays around the trash area. Cats generally dislike these scents. Provide Alternatives: Ensure your cat has plenty of engaging toys and scratching posts.
How do I cat proof my trash can?
Lid Locks: A secure lid lock is essential to keep those curious paws out. Odor Control: Cats are often attracted to the smell of garbage, so look for a can with an odor-absorbing filter. Durability: Cats can be persistent, so you’ll want a trash can that can withstand their attempts to get inside.
What smell can keep cats away?
Citrus or lemon scents (orange peels, lemon peels), garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee grinds, pipe tobacco, mustard, citronella, or eucalyptus all deter cats as well. The scents diminish over time, so re-applying is necessary. Motion-activated sprinklers: These have motion sensors that trigger a short blast of water.