Cute, but devastating. In France, the 15.1 million domestic cats and 11 million stray cats are responsible for the death of 75 million birds per year, according to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO).
Adoption and sterilization
The 60,000 stray cats in the Lyon metropolitan area almost make this animal an invasive species. And if the town halls are campaigning to sterilize these felines in the wild, it is not out of human cruelty but to protect the birds from feline cruelty.
The LPO explains that the sterilization of stray and domestic cats could make it possible to “stop or even reduce the growth of the cat population” in France. Having control over cat populations can only help in the identification and tracking of pets.
homemade natural repellent
If the LPO stresses that it remains mixed on the effectiveness of certain devices such as bell collars or colored collars, the organization confirms that water, lemon juice and eucalyptus essential oils work. Pour into the same container 500 mL of water mixed with 5 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. The cat is particularly sensitive to citrus smells.
Plants that cats can’t stand the smell of
For green fingers and for those looking for natural solutions, there are certain species of garden plants that give off odors that cats can’t stand. As part of a little gardening lesson with the kids, you plant a Coleus canina and a Rue des jardins, and voila! The plant will take care of keeping the animal away from the soil where the birds are accustomed to feeding.
Other easy-to-maintain plants such as peppermint and aromatic herbs (lemon thyme, rosemary, lavender) which give off strong odors are also effective!
The “Catwatch” ultrasound device
Presented by the LPO as an effective device, the “Catwatch” ultrasound system makes it possible to keep cats away from bird feeding places by means of a motion detector. According to the LPO, “the deterrent effect of ultrasound increases over time”, and the process of removing the cat can take from 2 to 4 weeks and up to 3 months, with the cat gradually abandoning its territory.
CatWatch has an ultrasonic range of up to 60ft (10m). This is much further than other deterrents on the market, meaning more of your property can be protected by just one unit!🐱 pic.twitter.com/vNtYD64cGW
— CATWatch (@CATWatchUK) April 29, 2019
The league points out that the device may be ineffective on white, elderly or exotic breed cats, due to their poor hearing of high sound frequencies.
Some components of compost
Among the bio-waste intended to decompose in compost, coffee grounds and citrus peels are very effective in repelling cats. Their decomposition releases odors that the domestic feline finds difficult to bear. As they break down, these two elements will also feed the soil.
Pepper is also effective. For another gardening afternoon with the kids, scatter some in thickets and tall grasses where birds come to peck on all kinds of insects.
