How to Stop Birds From Eating My Cat's Food

If you prefer to feed your cat outdoors, you may begin to notice flocks of birds gathering around the kibble dish. Common birds like blue jays, pigeons and blackbirds love to snack on anything they can fit their beaks around, including cat and dog food. Though food thieving is not overtly dangerous, some birds may carry transmittable diseases that can make your pet sick. If the problem is rampant, however, you may find yourself spending more money than usual on cat food.

Things You'll Need

  • Outdoor kennel
  • Bird repellent spray
  • Mesh netting
  • Tack nails
  • Hammer
  • Staple gun (optional)
  • Reflective paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your cat at scheduled times. During feeding, supervise your cat to ensure that no birds flock toward the food or attempt to bully your cat out of the way. If your cat is having trouble adjusting to the schedule, try feeding it indoors.

    • 2

      Move the cat food indoors immediately after feeding. Do not leave it outside overnight or the birds will become accustomed to feeding from the dishes.

    • 3

      Place your cat's food and water dish in an outdoor kennel with the door slightly ajar if you must leave the food outside. The kennel will allow your cat access to its food while keeping birds away from the dishes.

    • 4

      Coat bird landing surfaces, such as patio furniture, railings or nearby tree branches, with a layer of bird repellent spray. The spray will deter birds from landing or loitering near your cat's food dish and reduce the birds' presence on your patio.

    • 5

      Hang mesh netting from your patio overhang, using tack nails and a hammer or a staple gun. Mount the netting so that it drapes down several inches above the ground. This will block bird entry while still allowing you to exit the patio.

    • 6

      Tape strips of reflective or metallic paper from patio furniture, railings or tree branches. Birds become alarmed at the sight of the paper's rapid shimmering action and will tend to avoid the area.