How to Deter a Bobcat

Somewhat larger than a domesticated cat, bobcats typically live around woodlands and brushy vegetation. However, they can find their way into residential settings. Bobcats subsist on an array of wildlife, including mice, rabbits and reptiles. You can accidentally encourage the introduction of bobcats around your home when you leave pet food out or make your garbage accessible to them. Even leaving wood piles outside of your home can create a potential hiding place for a bobcat. It is important to deter bobcats from your home to prevent possible conflicts.

Things You'll Need

• Motion activated sprinklers
• Fencing
• Moth balls

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Pick fruit once they ripen.

  Remove any food sources from the outside of your home. Clear any fallen fruit from your trees, suggests Los Angeles Animal Services. Fruit from trees can attract other animals, which will attract bobcats.

• 2

  Build up from bird feeders can introduce bobcats.

  Clean up excess bird seed fallen from bird feeders. Bird feeders also attract animals that bobcats prey upon.

• 3

  Avoid attracting bobcats with pet food.

  Feed your pets indoors if possible. If you feed your pets outdoors, immediately pick up food bowls and clean up spills after feedings. Also bring in your pet's water dish.

• 4

  Roaming pets can attract bobcats.

  Keep pets indoors, especially smaller pets like cats. Always keep tabs on your pets outdoors. Bobcats are opportunistic hunters and will eat your pet if given the opportunity.

• 5

  You can scare a bobcat away from your home.

  Scare a bobcat if you see one near your property. By scaring the animal, it becomes fearful of you, indicates the National Bobcat Rescue & Research Foundation. Alternatively, you can install a motion sensing sprinkler system in your yard. This will scare a bobcat anytime it tries to approach your home. Eventually, it will avoid your home altogether.

• 6

  Keep bobcats out.

  Place fencing along the perimeter of your home. Ensure that fencing is 6 feet tall and extends 6 inches beneath ground level, recommends Pacific Wildlife Care.