It may seem harmless to have a raccoon go through your trash once in a while, but letting wild animals eat your trash outside can be dangerous.
New Jersey has a lot of wildlife that can spread disease or hurt people, including bears. It’s very important to keep wildlife away from your trash to keep them safe.
Here are 10 easy ways to keep animals out of your trash for good, so you don’t have to deal with these problems. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”1″ bottom_padding=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”211353″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”159539″][vc_button button_color=”accent” size=”btn-xl” radius=”btn-circle” hover_fx=”full-colored” border_width=”0″ button_color_type=”uncode-palette” width=”325″ uncode_shortcode_id=”149349″ link=”url:https://anchorpestcontrol net%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact”]Request a Free, No-Obligation Quote[/vc_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”205957″].
Does your curious kitty have a nasty habit of rummaging through the garbage? Cats attracted to trash can make quite a mess. Not to mention they may ingest something unhealthy or dangerous. Stop your cat from treating your trash like a buffet with these clever deterrents.
Follow these 10 tips to finally keep your clever cat out of the trash for good:
1. Use Trash Cans with Secure Lids
The simplest solution is using covered trash bins that fasten shut. Look for cans with lids that snap, latch, or lock firmly in place. This creates a physical barrier preventing access.
For kitchen trash, choose step cans with a swinging door that closes automatically after use. For larger curbside bins, ensure lids are tight-fitting without any gaps for curious paws.
Secure lids are a must for indoor and outdoor garbage cans. Shut that trash buffet down!
2. Add Childproof Lid Locks as Backup
For particularly determined cats, add an extra layer of lid security with childproof locks. Special trash can locks require opposable thumbs to operate, stopping cats in their tracks.
Look for lock styles like buckles, sliding clips, or twist clamps. Just be sure you can still conveniently open the trash yourself! Apply locks to any problem bins.
3. Weigh Down Trash Can Lids
Some clever cats learn to pop lids up despite a tight seal. Thwart this by weighting lids down with a heavy object.
Place a brick, rock, or other heavy item on top of the lid. You want something the cat can’t move but is still easy for you to lift on and off. This adds necessary resistance to deter opening.
4. Use Motion-Activated Pet Deterrents
Motion-activated devices give cats a harmless but unpleasant surprise when approaching trash cans They sense movement within a few feet and emit a startling tone or spray
Try deterrents like Ssscat, ScareCrow, or PetSafe Sonic. Place them near bins and activate when not in use. Cats learn to avoid bins to prevent triggering the devices.
5. Spray Lids with Citrus or Mint Oil
Cats dislike the strong scents of citrus and mint. Applying these oils acts as a smell deterrent.
Use pure lemon, orange, grapefruit or mint oil. Just spray or wipe onto trash lids. Reapply weekly for maximum effectiveness. The lingering scent makes your cat unwilling to linger there too.
6. Use a Foot-Pedal Trash Can
Foot pedal bins open hands-free via a step lever. Because cats can’t operate these, it blocks their access.
Place foot pedal cans in problem areas like the kitchen. Just be sure your specific model has a tight-fitting lid that doesn’t swing open when knocked over.
7. Hide Trash Out of Sight and Reach
Simple solution – keep trash cans in places your cat can’t access. Use wastebaskets with lids in bathrooms or bedrooms and shut the door. Store kitchen trash under sinks or in closets.
For outdoor cans, place them in latched sheds, garages, or secured lid-side down. Out of sight and reach prevents tempting opportunity.
8. Use Bins with Small Openings
Wide open bins allow easy entry for curious cats. Choose trash cans with small lid openings just big enough for trash.
Look for cylindrical cans with pop-up shaker lids. Oval mail bins also deter entry while allowing mail deposit. Minimize open access points.
9. Use Scat Mats Around Bins
Scat mats give a mild static correction when stepped on. They startle cats without harming them.
Place mats on the ground around problem trash bins. You can also apply double sided tape for a similar effect. Your cat will think twice about approaching.
10. Keep Trash Areas Clean
Eliminate smells that draw cats by taking out garbage promptly. Rinse and clean cans regularly. Sloppy trash areas only tempt cats more.
Be diligent about keeping trash areas tidy and scent-free. This removes a major cat attractant.
With persistence and the right deterrent strategies, you can break your cat’s bothersome trash habit for good. Try different methods until you block all entry opportunities. You must outwit your clever cat!
Implement deterrents, move trash out of reach, and train your cat away from bins consistently. In time, your closed-lid canned will be safely cat-proof.
Keep food scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
During the warmer months, you can keep food scraps from smelling bad until pick-up day by freezing them.
Minimize the amount of food waste in your trash.
If you can help it, only put food in the trash on the day it’s picked up or use the garbage disposal in your sink. On garbage day, make sure that cans are always taken to the curb and that trash doesn’t pile up outside the can.
How to Keep Cats Out of Trash: 3 Simple Tips
FAQ
How to stop a cat from eating garbage?
How to repel cats from garbage?
How to keep cats away from bins?
How do I Stop my Cat from getting into the trash?
Here are some easy and effective ways to accomplish that: Invest in a Trash Can with a Lid: Look for a trash can with a secure lid that can’t be easily knocked over or opened by curious paws. This will create a physical barrier and make it harder for your cat to get into the trash.
Do cats like trash cans?
Cats have a natural hunting instinct, even if they’re well-fed indoor pets. Trash cans provide an abundance of interesting smells and textures that trigger their hunting instincts. The rustling of papers or the scent of leftover food can be irresistible to a curious cat. 2. Hidden Treasures: Trash cans can be like treasure troves for cats.
How to keep cats away?
Cats are sensitive to the surfaces on which they walk. Try putting pea gravel at the spot. It’ll feel just like it would for you to tread on it with bare feet. It will hurt! The advantage of this method is that it is non-toxic making it one of our safest home remedies to keep cats away, you can even use it to spruce up your landscaping.
What should I do if my cat knocks over my trash can?
If the main trouble is that the cat is knocking the trashcan over, put something heavy in the bottom (like a brick or two). Also, keep your trash emptied. I keep my trash can in the computer room since the cats aren’t permitted in there.
How do I Keep my Cat from scavenging for food?
Avoid placing it near the trash can or any other areas where you don’t want your cat to go. Feed at regular intervals: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule for your cat. This helps them develop a routine and reduces their desire to scavenge for food elsewhere. Make sure you provide them with enough food to meet their nutritional needs.
Why do cats eat trash cans?
Cats are drawn to trash cans because they see them as a potential source of food. By providing a designated feeding spot, you can redirect their attention and satisfy their hunting instincts in a more appropriate way. Here are some tips to help you set up an alternative feeding area for your feline friend: