Cat care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep cats indoors to protect them from cars, predators, human harm, and the risk of being mistaken for strays.
Outdoor cats face risks including being hit by cars, eaten by coyotes, hurt by people, or taken by strangers who mistake them for strays.
- Some believe forcing an animal to stay indoors its entire life is cruel.
2 people, independently
Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes in gardens to deter cats.
Cats dislike the smell and taste.
- Refresh cayenne pepper after every rain.
one person who lived it
- Place orange peels or citrus scent around your yard to deter cats.1
Place the cat's food bowl in the area where it is urinating.
Cats apparently do not like to urinate next to their food.
one person who lived it
Place broken eggshells or chicken wire on garden soil to prevent cats from digging.
The textures are unpleasant for cats to walk on or scratch in.
one person who lived it
Vacuum the day before guests with cat allergies arrive rather than on the day of their visit.
Vacuuming on the day of the visit throws dander into the air.
one person who lived it
Use different colored collars to distinguish between multiple cats of the same color.
It is the only way to tell them apart.
one person who lived it
Have a vet check stray cats for ear tattoos or microchips.
Tattoos are an older identification method; vets can check for these markers.
one person who lived it
Use a breakaway collar for cats.
It prevents them from accidentally strangling themselves on objects like tree branches.
one person who lived it
Microchip your outdoor cat and keep the contact information updated to help with return if it is mistaken for a stray.
People who take in strays often check for microchips to reunite them with owners.
one person who lived it
7 more on this
Provide a non-fabric chair for guests with cat allergies to sit on.
Sitting on a non-fabric surface may prevent allergy reactions.
one person who lived it
Make Churu-style liquid cat treats at home to save money and reduce plastic waste from imported packaging.
Store-bought versions are expensive, mostly water, and shipped in tiny plastic packages from abroad.
one person who lived it
Use both a microchip and a collar; do not rely solely on the chip.
Do not underestimate a cat's ability to camouflage.
one person who lived it
Contain pets on your property.
Permitting pets to wander off property is rude and irresponsible.
one person who lived it
Check for clipped ears on stray cats to see if they have been fixed.
Clipping one ear indicates the animal has already been sterilized.
one person who lived it
Tattoo a visual marker in a cat's ear as a backup identification method if the cat escapes indoors.
It provides a visual sign that somebody owns the cat.
one person who lived it
Accept that indoor cats may vomit occasionally, especially as they age, despite being affectionate.
One owner noted that while cats are nice to hug, vomiting occurs occasionally and worsens with age.
one person who lived it