Humane Deterrents for Community Cats & Why Shelters Can’t Take Them All
Humane Deterrents for Community Cats & Why Shelters Can’t Take Them All
Seeing stray cats in your neighborhood can stir up a lot of emotions—concern for their wellbeing, frustration over property damage, or simply confusion about why no one seems to be “doing something.” At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we often hear these concerns, and we’re here to help clarify. The cats you’re seeing are most likely community cats—unowned, free-roaming cats who live outdoors. These cats are part of a larger population management strategy called Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR), also commonly known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Community cats aren’t the same as lost pets, and they aren’t handled the same way as stray dogs—by law, policy, or practice. This blog will explain why community cats are treated differently, what options you have for humane deterrents, and how we all play a role in responsibly coexisting with community cats in our neighborhoods.
What is SNR?
SNR (commonly known as TNR) or shelter, neuter, release is a humane option for controlling free-roaming cat populations. Any cat that has been through an SNR/TNR program will be marked with a tipped ear. Relocation of free-roaming cats is stressful, dangerous, and illegal per the Ohio Revised Code. It is also an invitation for more cats to move into the area as the area is now vacant of cats and resources are still available to them.. So what can one do to prevent unwanted community cats on their property? Humane deterrents are often very effective; see below for suggestions.
Low/No Cost and Moderate Cost Deterrents
If you’re looking for safe, effective ways to keep community cats out of your yard or garden, there are several humane deterrents you can try—many of which are low-cost or even DIY. Cats are highly sensitive to smell, so one of the easiest approaches is to use scents they dislike. Natural items like citrus peels, vinegar, coffee grounds, garlic, or even pipe tobacco can be placed around the perimeter of your garden or flower beds to discourage digging and lounging. Just remember—these scents fade over time, so regular reapplication is key. You’ll also want to secure any outdoor trash and eliminate warm, dry hiding spots like under decks or sheds, as these spaces can be magnets for cats seeking shelter. To deter digging, consider placing Scat Mats or repurposing an upside-down office chair mat (the kind with little plastic spikes for carpet). Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a neighborly conversation—if someone nearby is feeding free-roaming cats, encourage them to reach out to Cincinnati Animal CARE for free or low-cost spay/neuter support. These small steps can go a long way in creating a cat-free yard while still being kind and respectful to the animals involved.
Low/No Cost Deterrents
- Place scents unsavory to cats in your garden/lawn. Scents diminish over time, so re-application is necessary. Citrus or lemon scents (orange peels, lemon peels), garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee grinds, pipe tobacco, mustard, citronella, eucalyptus
- Secure outdoor trash
- Block off access–Block off spaces that are hidden from the elements (warm, dry spaces) as cats will migrate to these areas
- Digging deterrents
- Scat Mats can be purchased online for garden areas; upside down office chair mats are a great alternative as well
- Speak with your neighbors!
- If your neighbor has a free-roaming cat or feeds them, have them reach out to Cincinnati Animal CARE for spay/neuter resources
Moderate Cost Deterrents
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Motion-activated ultrasonic alarm–High pitch sound which deters cats but cannot be heard by humans
Why Can’t The Shelter Take These Cats?
In the state of Ohio, municipal shelters are not required to impound stray cats. SNR/TNR provides lifesaving services, respects what each individual cat calls “home”, and reserves the shelter for cats who truly need assistance. The reality is that if shelters took in every cat off the streets, euthanasia rates would sky rocket due to lack of resources, inability to place high volumes of unsocial cats, and lack of space.
When it comes to community cats, the best solutions are long-term, humane, and rooted in science—not quick fixes or removals. We understand that it can be difficult to see cats outside and not know what to do, but the presence of community cats does not mean your neighborhood is being ignored—it means they’re part of a population control system that works when the community supports it. Removing or relocating community cats is not only illegal in Ohio, it’s ineffective and unsafe for the cats themselves. By using humane deterrents, connecting neighbors to spay/neuter resources, and understanding the role of community cats, we can create a compassionate and informed response that benefits both people and animals. Thank you for being part of the solution!
If you’re interested in learning more about Cincinnati Animal CARE’s cat care program, check out our blog post on how we’re helping to build a no-kill nation for cats.
