Cats hate the smell of vinegar so continuing to spray it around your yard may keep strays away.
Scatter orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or mustard oil.
Loud Noises
Of all the cat fears, this one probably is the most relatable. Sudden loud noises can really startle your cat and cause them to either jump or go run and hide for a while. Things like the vacuum cleaner tend to trigger a cat's anxiety and send them to their favorite hiding spots.
Most feral cats are fearful or people and are not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors. Kittens born to feral cats can be socialized at an early age and adopted into indoor homes.
Cats carry disease.
You could be exposed to zoonotic diseases (diseases spread from animals to humans), or you could expose your cats at home to feline diseases when you pick up a stray cat or handle any cat with an unknown background.
Unfortunately, street cats can face trauma and abuse that cats in loving homes do not. “Friendly cats that are on the streets, unlike ferals, will approach people for food,” Cross says.
The best way to get a stray cat to trust you is with food and water. Set down some strong-smelling cat food or treats to help draw them out of hiding. While you may be tempted to feed them something more enticing, like a piece of ham, it's best to stick to cat food to prevent stomach upset.
They tend to select a family as their own who offered food and shelter according to their taste. Today, many stray cats that roam freely throughout their imaginary territories of about 200 acres each choose their families the same way.
What to do if a stray cat is following you? Stray cats might be able to tell that you have a moggie at home based on their smell, or they may just take a general liking to you – especially if you fuss them. Also, if the cat following you is homeless, you may also be their best chance of attention or a meal.
Studies have proven that cats smell fear. When we're stressed out we release cortisol and our kitties can smell it from a mile away. When someone comes over to our house who has a fear of cats, our kitties sense that immediately.
Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces.
In a research made by Nottingham Trent University, the findings show that cats are able to determine when their humans are anxious or stressed. Apart from this, they can also mirror their human's emotions and well-being.
Food. If you want community cats to come to you, or to any outdoor space of your choosing, food is the biggest motivator. Cats think with their stomachs and they make their homes where food is readily available.
So, if the cat is apparently healthy and in good condition, it's probably best to leave her alone; don't attempt to catch her and take her to a shelter or pound. However, if the cat appears to be in poor health or you are unsure what to do, it's best to contact your local animal welfare organisation for advice.
However, most stray cats remember that humans feed them and try to stay near homes, carports, and other areas where people concentrate. When a regular caretaker notices a stray cat that is friendly, it is recommended to take the cat to a veterinarian to scan for a possible microchip.
Stray cats may wander up to your home for many reasons. If you leave food, water, or shelter, such as a small doghouse, outside overnight, a cat will use your house as its primary resting place, thanks to the resources and security. Attractive plants and even menstruating female cats can attract strays, too.
A feral cat will keep its distance, in which case you should too. You don't want to be bitten or scratched by a terrified cat. Keep in mind, feeding a stray will encourage it to come back for more, so be prepared to place food in a safe spot outside where the cat can access it.
Free-ranging and feral cats can contract and spread a wide variety of diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline AIDS), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), rabies, and distemper, to other domesticated animals.
You can also take comfort knowing feral cats are happy and healthy outdoors. You may hear some individuals or groups claim that community cats are suffering. In reality, feral cats live full, healthy lives outdoors. They low rates of disease just like pet cats, and their lifespans are about the same, too.
In contrast, the average lifespan of a stray cat varies from 4 to 8 years. A lack of food and water, climatic conditions and dangers such as cars, motorcycles, etc. will greatly affect its longevity. Furthermore, stray cats are prone to infectious diseases and a lack of medical care will lead to death.