How to Keep Cats From Killing Animals in My Yard

House cats, like their wild cousins, are natural predators skilled at stalking and catching prey. If you have a backyard and own a cat that's constantly outdoors, chances are you've already discovered the remains of small animals in your home. This is unsanitary and may pose a health risk because the animals' blood and tissue may contain disease-causing microorganisms. It's possible, however, to keep your cat from preying on small animals in your backyard.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a collar with a bell around your cat's neck. This will alert small animals that the cat is approaching, giving them enough time to escape. You can purchase bell collars at a pet store.

    • 2

      Attach a motion-sensor sprinkler to a garden hose. This device will spray water at long distances when it detects movement. Because cats dislike getting wet, they'll avoid areas in which they trigger the spray. Set the sprinkler up in the area in which your cat usually hunts. You can purchase this device at a pet or home-improvement store.

    • 3

      Spray a cat repellent in areas where small animals tend to congregate in your yard. Cat repellents contain natural but strong oils -- citronella and garlic, for example -- that cats don't like. You can purchase cat repellent at a pet store or a large, chain health-food store.

    • 4

      Keep your cat indoors at night. Numerous animals come out when it gets dark; they include frogs, rabbits, raccoons, mice, birds and chipmunks. Let your cat out only during the day, when these smalls animals are out of sight.

    • 5

      Trim your cat's claws regularly. This will make it difficult for it to climb over fences or up trees to reach small animals, and it will be less likely to catch them if it does get near.