Feral Cat Problem

I have recently moved into a new home with my longtime companion Enu. Enu is basically an indoor cat, though she does have access to the patio and her box outside. She was a stray that someone took in and then gave to me when it didn't work out. Enu still has her claws, but was "fixed" by the person who gave her to me.

My problem is this - there are 2 strays who live nearby and who have been terrorizing Enu. They come over our fence and onto the patio and growl at Enu, etc. I have chased them away a few times, but now I am afraid to leave Enu's box out there when I'm not home. I don't want her to get into a fight with them (they are both bigger than she is). This morning, I chased on away, but not before he/she (I'm not sure the gender) had a chance to mark/spray just outside our patio.

HELP! How can I keep thes cats from infringing on Enu's territory (our patio) without having to move her box inside? Please advise.

Are you positive that these two cats are strays and not neighbourhood cats?

Being new to the area, it's not easy to determine which cat belongs to which house. And also, being new, it is higly possible that your yard has become the territory of the two stay cats. From the point of view of the two strays, it's their territory, not Enu's. This is evident from one of the cats marking the area. And if Enu decides that the patio area is definitely hers now, then she may attempt to start marking the patio as well. It's best to use an enzyme cleaner to remove all traces of urine because otherwise, the markings will contiue. Try Nok Out, several members have had success with it.

If you do wish to continue to keep Enu's box outside, the patio needs to be fully enclosed and cat proof. This means that Enu cannot leave the patio and the two strays cannot get in. Even when you are home, it is highly unlikely that you will always be there when the two cats come into your yard so a cat proof fully enclosed patio is ideal. Or alternatively you could install a cat run, that is if you do own the house that you live in, otherwise a negotiation with the landlord is in order before any alterations are done.

How does Enu react to these two cats? Does she show signs of aggression or territorial behaviour? Or does she show signs of being uncomfortable and wanting to escape?

If Enu is appearing to be uncomfortable, then it may be an idea to consider turning Enu into a fully indoor cat and allowed outside only under your supervision. And yes, this will mean moving her box inside.

I do understand that you don't wish to move the box inside, but it is Enu's happiness and well being that is being put first in my answer.

Adwa..thanks for posting. I agree that these cats are probably looking at your yard as their property and are marking it to let your cat know it belongs to them. I think a loveless gem has really answered the question about what to do about Enu well.

My response below is more to do with the "stray"/"feral" cats:

When I hear about a cat spraying/marking it's territory...I automatically question whether it is fixed. Now I know these strays/ferals aren't any of your concern...but, considering that they will most likely continue to visit your yard...you may want to consider helping them by 1. determining if they are truly strays/ferals OR if they are owned outside only cats. You can put flyers in your neighbors mailboxes asking them to contact you if in fact these cats do belong to them. 2. If you receive no responses or if you receive complaints from other neighbors also indicating these cats are strays....you may want to contact a local rescue or TNR group to help you trap the cats and get them fixed, UTD on their shots and then determine whether they can be adopted out or must be returned to the outdoors. There are tremendous benefits from having these cats fixed...not only to their health, but also with regards to their spraying and other negative behavior. The cats will not be roaming around looking for potential mates and causing accidental litters. If you need assistance with finding a group in your area...simply let me know and I'll do some research.

Good Luck.

Katie

Thanks to you both for such speedy responses. I will take all advice and let you know what happens.
Adwa

Chances are prior to your moving there, this was their territory, which is why the cat sprayed his mark. (neutered cats spray as well as intact males, though intact males are more aggressive and spray a lot more) They may just belong to a neighbor of yours, and you are not aware of it, or they could be true strays or ferals and not belong to anyone. If you don't have the means to help them, and simply want to keep them off your property, a simple trip to the beauty salon will help. Ask for the hair trimmings of the day, then put the hair in plastic bags and sprinkle the hair around the yard. The smell (until it rains) will stop them from coming over IF they are true strays and living on their own. I would also investigate a product like Nok-Out and give the area the cat sprayed a once-over so the enzymes can get to work breaking down the cat urine. Also don't leave anything outside to attract them, food, litter pan, your cat. Bring everything inside until these two go on their way. In a perfect world, their owners would have spayed and neutered the cats responsible for them being in your life now, but this is not a perfect world.