Cats are considered a nuisance if they roam, attack wildlife or create a disturbance in or around a property.
The following information has been provided to enable residents to deter unwanted cats on their property in a safe manner.
- Speak to your neighbours to try and resolve the issue
- Try spraying the cat with water. If the cat associates its visits with an unpleasant experience it is unlikely to return
- Use a loud sudden noise to startle the cat
- Use motion activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices
- Motion sensors use infra-red to detect when an animal enters a defined territory
- Use of scent repellents can be a useful tool – naturally based products such as the Coleus Canina plant emits an odour that may deter cats.
Residents must be mindful that any action taken to deliberately injure or harm a cat is not acceptable and is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
The City has powers to trap cats if they are reported to be on private property without the consent of the owner/occupiers. However the trapping of cats will only be considered by the City as a last resort where other deterrent methods have failed.
For further information regarding nuisance cats or to request a nuisance cat pack contact City Rangers.