Email it     Talk about it     Print it

Stray Cats, Stay Away!

Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford

Sweet Rewards Members: You can win a copy of Dr. Grey's new book on animal training with positive reinforcement. Click here to check it out. Not a member? Join Now.

Debbie in El Mirage has a problem with strays.

Dear Dr. Grey,
How do I keep the stray cats out of my yard and off my cars?
Debbie

Dear Debbie,
This may be one of the toughest questions we have attempted yet. The reason is simple — you can't completely control the stray cats' comings and goings. Despite this challenge, I think there are things you can do to help improve the situation and perhaps, help the stray animals in your area, too.

Control What You Can
First, control the things you can control by making your property as boring to a stray (or wild) animal as possible. If you have pets of your own, be certain to have them spayed or neutered. Animals that come into season can be a big neighborhood draw! In addition, be sure to remove any left over food or chew toys in your yard, porch, or patio that your pets may leave behind. Make certain trash containers are sealed tightly.

Have a Neighborhood Plan
Second, talk to your neighbors about completing these simple steps, too. It is going to take everyone's cooperation to improve things.

Find a Rescue Group to Help
Finally, check with your local community about rescue and adoption agencies that may be able to assist you and your neighbors find homes for these stray animals in need. (Some locations in the US actually spay and neuter stray animals to help reduce feral populations of cats and dogs.)

Overpopulation of domesticated animals is a community-wide problem. At the risk of sounding like a certain game show host, we all have join together to help animals in need and prevent their numbers from growing.

Good Luck!

Dr. Grey

Meet Dr. Grey at the book signing for his new book, Zoomility. Get details here.

Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford

The information presented and the opinions expressed are those of the content provider. KTVK-TV and KASW-TV do not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information by the content provider. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement, or information shall be at your sole risk.