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Fox deterrent and cat

9 replies

QwertyWitch · 07/09/2024 00:16

We have a problem with foxes and recently started spraying our decking area with a citronella deterrent.
Around the same time the neighbours cat started vomiting. It does come onto our decking.
It's only just occurred to me that there might be a link.
Is the cat ok or is it the exposure to the deterrent?

OP posts:
Makingchocolatecake · 07/09/2024 00:20

No idea but human male wee is a fox repellent, and it's free 😆😆

CherryValley5 · 07/09/2024 02:17

What sort of problem with foxes? They’re typically quite harmless creatures, not disruptive.

QwertyWitch · 07/09/2024 07:01

They keep marking their territory all over our decking. It's pretty disgusting and we're fed up of cleaning it. We're also finding random bits of rubbish.

I'm worried about the cat. I'll mention it to the neighbours today but the cat seems not quite itself and now we have cat vomit daily to clean up.

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ComtesseDeSpair · 07/09/2024 07:49

Citronella oil (and quite a lot of essential oils) are toxic to cats, so yes, it’s likely to be that.

We use Scoot fox deterrent which simulates fox marking scent. I won’t say it’s 100% effective - but we keep ducks in the back garden and use it to try and stop them becoming a buffet, so our foxes are probably more determined than the average fox without that added attraction.

namechanged48484884 · 07/09/2024 07:50

Also came to say that it's toxic for cats and that Scoot is a good and safe solution.

QwertyWitch · 07/09/2024 07:53

Will the cat need vet treatment? I feel really bad for it but my neighbours are idiots and won't have pet insurance (or probably bother to take it to a vet)

We've stopped using that deterrent and will get some scoot.

OP posts:
Allthehorsesintheworld · 07/09/2024 08:02

Info here from a US veterinary site. Citronella is citrus oil and is toxic to cats. Think the cat needs to see a vet.


Cat Veterinarian: MichelleB717
Essential Oils – CatsEssential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. The higher the concentration of the essential oil (i.e. 100%), the greater the risk to the cat. It is always recommended that any cat that come into contact with essential oils be taken to the vet for IV fluids, bloodwork to check liver and kidneys, and supportive care. Since just a few drops can kill a cat, immediate treatment is the only thing that improves the chance of recovery.Essential oils that are known to cause poisoning in cats include, but are not limited to, oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil.Symptoms that develop depend on the type of oil involved in the exposure and can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure.Typically you see some of these symptoms within minutes, especially drooling, if the kitty licked it. If kitty stepped in it, it is possible kitty will have some go into the system and it will take longer to see symptoms - by this time, permanent damage might be done; I would wash affected body parts immediately and I would”

This veterinarian on JustAnswer helped me. Try it yourself!

MichelleB717, a veterinarian on JustAnswer, gave me an expert answer to my veterinary question. Check it out — it’s easier than an in-person visit and better than searching the web.

https://www.justanswer.com/veterinary/expert-drmtbrowns

QwertyWitch · 07/09/2024 08:43

Oh dear. That sounds worrying.
I'll wait for a local vet to open, call them then have a chat with the neighbours.

OP posts:
Butterfly2000 · 09/06/2025 02:21

@QwertyWitch Sorry I know this is an old thread but we're being driven mad by a family of foxes. Can hear them whizzing round the garden now and things getting broken yet again!
Did you have any luck with Scoot?
Which Citronella oil did you use and how? Thanks

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