The Uninvited Cat:

How to Deal with Unwelcome Cats on your Property.

Even if you do not have cats of your own, odds are that others in you neighborhood do. Some of these cats may venture into your yard from time to time, whether you welcome them or not. Some suggestions from the “Humane Society of the United States” are as follows: There are many categories of “free roaming “cats. Your approach to preventing unwelcome feline visitors depends on the category of cat you are dealing with.

*An owned cat (your neighbors) who is allowed outdoors unsupervised - probably the most common scenario in residential neighborhoods.

*A owned cat that has become lost.

*A previously owned cat that has been abandoned and no longer has a home.

*A “neighborhood” cat, one fed by several residents in the area but truly cared for by no one.

*A feral cat, an unsocialized cat who may be one or more generations removed from a home environment and may subsist in a colony.

It is also important that you familiarize yourself with the laws in your County/ City. Within the city limits of New Braunfels there is a restraint law for both Dogs and Cats. The definition in the Ordinances reads as follows. “Restraint” is defined as being secured by a leash or lead and under the control of a responsible person, OR confined in a yard that is enclosed by a secure, substantial fence. All domesticated animals must be kept under restraint at all times, even though they may be vaccinated and tagged. Any cat straying from its owner’s property shall be deemed a public nuisance and is subject to impoundment.

After you have identified the category of cat(s) you are dealing with and familiarized yourself with the local laws, the next recommendation for you is as follows:

*If owned by one of your neighbors your best approach is to speak to him or her about the problems that you are having with the pet. Try to persuade them to keep the cat indoors or otherwise safely confined.

*If the cat has appeared recently and you think it may be lost or abandoned you should contact you local Animal Shelter to check their lost reports. There may be a family worried about their cat and your call may be the one to reunite them.

* If the cat is feral there are a few options that you have. Sometimes there is someone in the area that is feeding the cats by putting food out for them daily. These people normally started by feeling sorry for the animals and the situation got out of hand. You can speak to this person if known and explain to them that you are willing to help them minimize the colony by humanely trapping. You can also contact your local Animal Control Agency, were they can advise you of humane ways to deter the felines from damaging your property. If you would like more information you can also contact the Humane Society of New Braunfels at 830-629-5287 or the New Braunfels Animal Control 830-608-2183