RSPCA warns against feeding neighbourhood cats in gardens

Summarised from DevonLive's report · Updated 10 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

The RSPCA says people should not feed neighbourhood cats visiting their gardens.

The RSPCA has warned householders not to feed neighbourhood cats that visit their gardens, as this encourages them to return repeatedly. The charity says feeding someone else's cat can also cause the animal to stay away from its own home at mealtimes, creating problems for its owner.

Instead of feeding visiting cats, the RSPCA recommends several humane deterrent methods. These include closely planted shrubs, prickly plants, small pebbles or chippings spread on soil, and keeping flowerbeds watered to make the ground less attractive to cats. Motion-sensitive sprinklers are another option. For cats using the garden as a toilet specifically, stone chippings, pebbles, small rocks or netting can help. The charity also suggests repairing gaps in fences to prevent cats entering in the first place.

The RSPCA stresses that cats are protected by law and free to roam, so any deterrent must be humane and not cause injury or unnecessary suffering.

Read the report

• RSPCA says 'don't do this' to stop cats visiting your gardenHouseholds dealing with unwanted feline visitors have been given a simple warningDevonLive · 10 Oct, 01:21

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