Cats naturally bury their waste, but without a litter box, outdoor cats might use your garden or yard as a bathroom.
They might also hang around your yard, claiming it as their own. Some homeowners might not mind, but for others, this can be a problem, especially if the cat has kittens.
Here are some tips from Lawn Holic, shared on Pinterest, to help keep cats out of your yard by removing one of the main things that attract them: food.
Stray and feral cats are scavengers. Leaving out exposed trash or food invites them into your yard with its strong smell. Cats are also hunters.
They aren’t just attracted to fresh or discarded food in trash bags. If small rodents or other animals are in your yard, cats will hunt them.
The good news is there are ways to prevent this and keep cats out of your yard.
How to Remove Cats’ Food Sources from Your Yard
The first step is to secure your trash. Ensure your trash bags are tightly sealed and placed in a bin with a closed lid.
Double-knotting bags and leaving them outside isn’t enough, as cats (and other scavengers) can tear into them if they smell food. A trash can with a heavy lid will prevent this.
The second step is to keep pet food indoors overnight. If you have a dog or cat that spends time in your yard during the day, you might leave a bowl of food out for them.
While it’s okay for pets to enjoy the yard during the day, bring the food bowl (and your pet) inside before dusk when cats are most active.
The third step is to keep your grass trimmed and free of clutter.
Long grass and yard debris can attract mice and other small animals, which in turn attract cats. Without trash, pet food, or prey, stray cats won’t have a reason to stay in your yard.