cats and birds

[jeanne]

I have been shooing a cat from my bird feeders.  I like cats but not when they are trying to feast on my birds-- I know, it's nature.  I have all of these chickadees (one flew right next to be this afternoon- so cute and so loud)!

Any suggestions of what I can do?  I spread cayenne pepper beneath the bird feeders.  I know it doesn't hurt birds but I don't know if it will dissuade cats.   

[Joyce]

Hey Jeanne - Just put Bentley and Mariah out more frequently.  Since I've let Abby and Casey out at unpredictable times including during the night, I don't have any feline visitors anymore.  It just might be the double scent of two dogs.  Who knows, the cat might equate entering your back yard with an unwelcome predator.  The squirrels are not that smart!

I've heard there are ultrasound deterrents, but I don't know anything about them.

Joyce

[Patti from Kentucky]

I've heard there are ultrasound deterrents, but I don't know anything about them.

Joyce

I've actually bought several of these to place in various spots throughout the backyard.  They get mixed reviews on Amazon; perhaps it depends on the individual cat (especially would not work on deaf cats!).  But they seem to help in my yard, especially if I keep the batteries changed faithfully.  Here's the one I use:  http://tinyurl.com/yfysw6l

Patti