Our Mission:
IndyFeral seeks to reduce the stray and feral cat overpopulation through the non-lethal method of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), not trap and kill.
Education/Mediation
 

Community Relations

Cat Containment Systems

To be effective, any cat containment system must be installed and maintained according to manufacturer instructions. Recommended choices include:

Content by Neighborhood Cats, used with permission.

Purrfect Fence
888-280-4066
PurrfectFence.com

This system is free-standing and uses plastic grid fencing. Arched tops prevent climbing over and ground stakes every two feet prevent digging under. This system is effective when set up on open ground, meaning the ground stakes can be inserted into soil. It can be installed around very large open spaces with your budget being the only real limitation. Discounts are available for section 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Affordable Cat Fence
888-840-2287
catfencein.com

Cat Fence-In
888-738-9099
catfence.com

These systems use special netting placed on top of fences, walls, or the like, and around the base of tree trunks, to prevent climbing over or up. They'll work to keep the cats in when the fences, walls, etc., upon which they are attached do not allow for cats to exit or dig under the fences, walls, etc. For example, the netting could be placed on top of a chainlink fence set on cement ground with no or only a very slight opening along the bottom of the fence.

Modular Cat Cages by Options Plus, Inc.
1-800-760-3841
cats-on-line.com

Free-standing and flexible in design, these modular enclosures are made of steel wire and frame tubing, and can be set up on any reasonably level outdoor surface.

View their customer gallery for examples of this product

Keeping Cats Out of Gardens & Yards

One of the most common sources of hostility towards feral cats are people who don't want them in their yards, gardens or other parts of their property. The best approach often is to respect their views and offer to work with them to keep the cats out. Below are numerous products and techniques worth attempting.

Find more information on how to humanely deter cats on Alley Cat Allies' website.

Overview of Cat Deterrents

Community cats sometimes cause disputes between neighbors. What many people don't realize is that these disputes can be resolved without resorting to legal means or euthanasia of the cats. Whether you're a community cat caretaker or neighbor looking for ways to keep cats out of your yard, this video explores the most popular and inexpensive cat deterrents available. For more information, go to Best Friends Animal Society's cat initiative network page.

Content below adapted from Neighborhood Cats, used with permission.

Ultrasonic devices (CatStop)

CatStop contains a motion sensor and, upon being triggered, emits a high-frequency alarm imperceptible to humans but highly annoying and startling to cats. The key with CatStop and other ultrasonic devices is to make sure you have enough of them for the size of the area you're trying to exclude the cats from. CatStop reportedly monitors 280 square feet.

IndyFeral has had good results using the CatStop which is manufactured by Contech. If needed, multiple CatStops can be used together to cover a property line. One device is placed at each end of the property line and then positioned so that their motion sensors face each other. Whenever a cat crosses the line, one of the devices goes off. CatStop can also be mounted high up off the ground and positioned to "cover" a car parked below, keeping cats off the vehicle. It can be used in any weather, though the battery will likely need to be replaced more often in cold temperatures.

Order CatStop directly from Contech for $59.00. AC adaptor available for additional $20.00. Click here or call -1-800-767-8658

Buy it for less through Safe Pet Products for $48.00 ($44.90 for two or more; AC adaptor for additional $16.95 per unit). To order (and view installation instructions), Click here. Or call 1-888-977-7387.

Motion-activated sprinklers

Motion activated sprinklers use infra-red to detect when an animal enters a defined territory. When a cat enters the infra-red field, the sprinkler shoots out a burst of water for a few seconds in the general direction of the animal. The effect is to frighten the cats rather than soak them, but they quickly learn not to enter the area. After a while, the sprinkler becomes unnecessary. It doesn't work in winter conditions, as the water will freeze, but if you introduce the device in warmer weather, by wintertime you'll have trained them.

The Scarecrow, made by Contech, costs $89.00 if you purchase it directly from Contech. To order, click here or call 1-800-767-8658

Buy it for less! Check out the price for The Scarecrow at Safe Pet Products (currently $69.95, $65.95 for two). To order, click here or call 1-888-977-7387

Another motion-activated sprinkler is Spray Away, manufactured by Havahart (currently $67.79). To order, click here and scroll down the page.

Scent repellants

Both naturally-based and chemically-based scent repellants are available. The chemical products contain the active ingredient methylnonylketone, which the manufacturers warn should not be applied to food crops. Reports on the effectiveness of scent repellants are mixed, sometimes working quite well and in other situations, not at all. Repellants should be sprayed or placed around the edges of the yard, the top of fences and on any favorite digging areas or plants. Sprays need to be replenished after rain.

Naturally-based products include:

The Coleus Canina plant, a weed originating in Europe, is known as the "Scardy-Cat" or "Pee-off" plant because it emits an odor offensive to cats (but not to humans) and deters their presence. Recommendation is to plant them three feet apart around the area to be protected. You may need to order cuttings or seeds from a nursery or dealer. Do a Google search for the plant to find a dealer and compare prices - one dealer when last checked is Rosy Dawn Gardens. WARNING: There are many varieties of Coleus plants, so make sure you order the correct one - Coleus Canina.

For protecting gardens or flower beds, common household items may be effective, including the herb rue, either planted or sprinkled in its dry form. Other suggestions for garden areas are orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil.

Havahart Get Away dog & cat repellent uses capsaicin pepper and oil of mustard as its active ingredients. It repels by both taste and odor, has a lemon scent, lasts 7-10 days and needs to be reapplied after rain or new growth. Model 5400; 32 oz. bottle sells for $14.16. To order online, click here.

Critter-Repellant.com - Shake-Away Domestic Cat Granules contain the scent (urine) of a predator much more dominant than the cat (fox & coyote). By introducing the scent of a "predator", you send a forceful message to the offending cat(s). That message is their favorite litter or spray area has now been "claimed" by a much bigger threat. No longer is this area private OR secure.

Chemically-based repellants include:

Reppers - this product can be purchased as grains placed in a plastic "evaporator" which in turn is planted into the ground. Or it's available as a spray. The product is no longer distributed in the United States, but can be purchased from Pets First, a Canadian company. Call 1-800-738-7178.

Prices are: a kit containing two evaporators and grains ($32.99 Canadian), refills of grains ($19.99 Canadian), and 400 ml spray when available ($15.99 Canadian).

PetMountain.com offers Boundary Indoor / Outdoor Cat Repellent This is applied as a pump spray. It is a training aid specifically formulated to help keep cats and strays away from selected areas in and around your home for up to 24 hours when applied daily. Keeps pets away from furniture, carpet, trees, shrubs, garbage cans/bags, and other "forbidden" areas.

Physical barriers to digging

Gardens and flower beds can be protected from digging through a number of means:

Cat Scat from Gardener's Supply consists of plastic mats that are pressed into the soil. Each mat has flexible plastic spikes and is cut into four pieces. The spikes are harmless to cats and other animals, but discourage excavation. Item No. 31-954 is $21.95 for a set of five, $19.50 per set when ordering two or more.
Online: click here
Phone: 1-888-833-1412

Cover exposed ground with rough surfaced rocks.

Take branches from a thorny plant, like a Rose of Sharon tree, and lay them on the ground in a lattice-type pattern, then plant flowers and seeds in the openings. Regular lattice type fencing used in this way will also discourage digging.

Make an Outdoor Litterbox

A sandbox will tend to be an attractive place for cats to do their thing. Take a very large Rubbermaid plastic container and fill it with regular "kiddie sand box" sand. If you can, put a couple of pieces of the cats' poop in it to attract them. The cats will enjoy digging in the fine sand and will shift to using it. Scoop occasionally and once a month or so, dump and replace the sand.

If you want to be extra neat, use a large Rubbermaid storage container for the box, filling the bottom with several inches of sand. Then cut a door in one of the sides, above sand level and approximately 8 x 8 inches. Keep the container covered.

To be even neater, take the Rubbermaid storage container, turn it upside down and cut a hole in the side. Place a normal litterbox with regular litter inside the container.

Another method is described by Audrey Boag of the Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance: "For caretakers in the right circumstances, cats love a pile of peat moss (4 feet square, 8 inches deep) in a corner of the yard, replaced once a month or so. It's very cheap, easy to handle and dispose of, keeps the smell down, and is far more attractive than the neighbor's garden."

Outdoor Litterbox Examples

A cat's natural instinct is to eliminate in soft, loose, soil-like material such as mulch, sand, or peat moss.



Outdoor Flea Control

Original Dawn Dishwashing Detergent can kill outdoor fleasDawn Dish Washing Liquid is a natural way to control fleas in yards. The soap coats the fleas and kills them. It is easy to use, effective and cheap.

Things You'll Need

  • Original Dawn Dish Washing Liquid
  • Garden hose end-sprayer
  • Outside water facet

Instructions

  1. Fill garden hose-end sprayer half-way with Dawn Dish Washing Liquid. You will need enough soap to saturate treatment area.
  2. Connect garden hose-end sprayer to outside water facet. Fill the rest of the hose with water.
  3. Turn the hose on and spray problem area to saturation. Ground will be sudsy, but suds will subside.
  4. Reapply mixture weekly for a month. After that, apply monthly for maintenance.

Tips

  • Apply in evening or early morning for best results.
  • Check pets often for signs of flea infestation.
  • Do not spray if there is rain in the forecast. The rain will wash away the soap water mix and you will need to reapply it sooner.

Check the areas the cat(s) hang out. Flea and tick larvae remain within 50 feet of your cats favorite resting areas. Clean and treat around any cool, shady spots your cat favors, such as spaces under decks or porches, beneath low-hanging shrubs or along fence lines. If you can't reach these areas with a hose just use a spray bottle.

Lawn Care tips to Reduce Flea Populations

Mow it right - Fleas love shade and moisture so regular lawn maintenance will help prevent future flea infestations from occurring. It is important to regularly mow your lawn. Well-kept, mowed lawns allow more sunlight to reach the soil. When the sunlight warms the soil, it kills flea eggs and larvae. This helps reduce and control the flea population in the yard. It should also be noted that ants will also eat flea larvae and eggs.

Avoid overwatering - Fleas and ticks prefer moist environs. An overwatered or poorly draining lawn can extend an invitation to these insects. Ensure you’re watering your lawn properly. If you have a drainage issue, aerating may help. For moist, shady areas on your property, follow the tips below to limit the attraction for fleas and ticks.

Keep it clean - Neatness counts when it comes to eliminating habitats for fleas and ticks to hide and lay eggs. Remove yard debris, such as piles of lumber, bricks and stones. Pick up discarded pots and other garden items; stack them neatly to limit refuge. At the end of the growing season, take time to clean up your garden, yard and storage areas under a deck or in a crawl space.

Limit wildlife - Cats are not the only animal outdoors that carry fleas but they are often targeted as the cause for a flea infestation. Urban wildlife carry fleas and ticks too. This includes squirrels, deer, rabbits, raccoons and mice. If it’s warm-blooded, it’s probably ferrying a few blood-sucking insects. If critters visit regularly, consider ways to reduce your yard’s appeal. Some animals seek out trash; skunks may be prowling for grubs in the lawn. Squirrels may be drawn by birdseed; mice may be feasting on berries on shrubs. Never allow wildlife to set up housekeeping under sheds or decks on your property.