Last Updated on February 1, 2023
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and it can be difficult to keep them away from bird tables. But, if you’re a keen bird watcher or have an outdoor space that’s overrun with cats hunting around your bird table, then don’t despair – we’ve got the solutions for you. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to stop cats from hunting around bird tables using deterrents, making their environment unappealing and training techniques. So let us help put an end to those pesky feline hunters once and for all.
Table of Contents:
- Deterrents to Keep Cats Away from Bird Tables
- Make Your Bird Table Unappealing to Cats
- FAQs in Relation to How to Stop Cats From Hunting Around Bird Tables
- Conclusion
Deterrents to Keep Cats Away from Bird Tables
If you’re a bird enthusiast in the UK, you know that cats can be a nuisance to your feathered friends. Cats are natural predators and will often hunt birds at bird tables or feeders. To protect your beloved birds from being preyed upon by cats, there are several deterrents that can be used to keep them away.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are an effective way of keeping cats away from bird tables. When triggered by movement, these devices spray water in the direction of the cat, which startles it and causes it to run away. This is a humane method of deterring cats, as no harm is done to them, but they quickly learn not to return when they get wet.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that humans cannot hear, but cats can detect up to 50 feet away. The sound emitted is unpleasant for felines, so they usually avoid areas where these devices have been installed near bird tables or feeders.
Cat Repellents
Cat repellents come in various forms, such as sprays, granules and even gels that contain ingredients like citronella oil which has an unpleasant smell for cats and deters them from entering certain areas around your garden, including near bird tables or feeders. It is important, however, not to use too much repellent as this could cause skin irritation on sensitive paws if stepped on directly – the best practice would be to apply sparingly around the perimeter of where you want protection from feline visitors.
Make Your Bird Table Unappealing to Cats
Cats are notorious for their love of birds, and bird tables can be a tempting target. But there are ways to make your bird table unappealing to cats so that they stay away from it.
Covering the Bird Table with Netting or Mesh
One way to deter cats is by covering the bird table with netting or mesh. This will prevent them from being able to get close enough to the food on the table, making it less appealing for them. It’s important to ensure that any netting used is strong enough and securely attached so that cats cannot find a way in through gaps or loose edges.
Using a Squirrel Guard
Another option is using a squirrel guard around your bird table, which will stop cats from getting access to it as well as keeping out other pests such as rats and mice. These guards come in various sizes and shapes, but all work in much the same way – they have an opening at one end where birds can enter but not large animals like cats or squirrels who won’t fit through it.
Finally, you should also keep the area around your bird table clean and tidy. This will help discourage cats from coming near it too often. Make sure to sweep up any spilled seed regularly, remove any debris such as twigs or leaves which may attract rodents (which could then attract cats), and check for signs of digging around the base of the feeder that could indicate a cat has been trying to get at its contents.
FAQs in Relation to How to Stop Cats From Hunting Around Bird Tables
What repels cats but not birds?
There are a variety of products that can be used to repel cats without affecting birds. Ultrasonic repellents emit sound waves that cats find unpleasant, but birds cannot hear them. Motion-activated sprinklers detect movement and spray water when triggered, deterring cats from entering the area while not impacting birds. Certain plants such as lavender, rue, and pennyroyal have strong odours that cats dislike but do not bother birds. Finally, citrus peels or essential oils like eucalyptus or citronella can also be used to create an unpleasant scent for cats without affecting nearby birds.
How do I keep my neighbourhood cat away from my bird feeder?
There are several ways to keep cats away from bird feeders. Firstly, you can try using a motion-activated sprinkler system which will startle the cat when it approaches. Secondly, you can hang wind chimes or other noisy objects near the feeder to deter cats from getting too close. Finally, you could also use an anti-climb fence around your bird feeder, as this will prevent cats from accessing it altogether. With these methods in place, your neighbourhood cat should stay away and leave your birds undisturbed.
How do you keep feral cats from killing birds?
Feral cats are a major threat to birds, and there are several steps you can take to protect them. Firstly, keep your cats indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space; this will prevent them from hunting wild birds. Secondly, provide plenty of food and water for the feral cats in your area, so they don’t need to hunt for sustenance. Finally, install motion-activated sprinklers around bird feeders and nesting boxes – these will startle any approaching cats without harming them. By taking these simple measures, you can help protect our feathered friends from the dangers posed by feral felines.
Can you have a bird table with cats?
Yes, it is possible to have a bird table with cats around. However, there are some important considerations that need to be taken into account in order to ensure the safety of both birds and cats. Firstly, the bird table should be placed at least two metres away from any areas where cats can access or hide. Secondly, it is essential that you provide protection for the birds by using a mesh cover over the feeder or by installing baffles on poles surrounding the feeder. Finally, make sure that your cat does not have access to any poisonous plants or chemicals near the bird table, as these could harm them if ingested. With these precautions in place, having a bird table with cats around can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to stop cats from hunting around bird tables. Deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic devices can be used to keep cats away from your bird table. Making the area unappealing by adding a layer of gravel or netting can also help deter cats. Providing an alternative source of food for cats is another great way to reduce their interest in hunting birds at your feeder. Finally, training your cat not to hunt around bird tables is possible with patience and consistency. With these strategies, you should be able to successfully stop cats from hunting around bird tables.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.