Cats v nests

[Kenny Sutchar]

Any ideas for a cat repellent? Lost one brood already. Kenny Sutchar. Chicago.
Sent from my iPhone

[M.Bernat]

I’m eager to hear what others say. 

My thoughts run along the lines of:

1. whether feral or well-fed and let out by a neighbor, cats are determined predators that jump and climb for fun and profit; and 

2. Birds sometimes pick unwise locations for nests and stick to them despite unsuccessful results. It’s called nest affinity. 

Depending on whether the nest is in a tree or on a structure such as the bend in a rain gutter, you may be able to remove any branches or jumping-off points such as lawn furniture that facilitate the cat(s). Fledglings will be easy prey once they get to the ground. 

A bigger reward would be to nest-proof that location to deter a third brood this year and in following years. As soon as it’s empty, remove the nest with gloves or with your hand in a plastic bag and think of something that would make that location undesirable—a wedged pickleball or something else that wouldn’t ensnare a bird. 

Welcome to IBET—a friendly place for discussion. IBET’s policy is to sign posts with your first and last name and general location. 

Mary Bernat

South Cook County

[Jennifer]

I second the notion of nest-proofing that location.

Another thought:  I don’t know if this would help in your particular situation or not, but you can buy motion sensing sprinklers to put in your yard or near the nest.  The spray would deter the cat from coming into your yard in the first place.  You would just have to remember to disable it if you go out to that area! 😉

Happy Birding,

Jennifer Hovey

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 1, 2025, at 11:09 AM, M.Bernat <mbe...@fastmail.com> wrote:



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