Hunter-cats and how chili powder/ Cat Repellers/ dried Orange may affect other animals coming to the Garden?
I received some advice last week on how to best deal with 2cats (now 3) that reign in my neighbourhood and are killing other animals which are just disappearing from my garden and affecting the wildlife….
Since my question, my neighbour has decided to bring another cat! and the morning rounds, apart from noisy, are too distressing to watch, so had to stop feeding the birdies until I try the deterrent ways you all suggested but… would Chili powder / dried orange / electronic cat repellers prevent squies, foxes or birds from coming also? I would not like to harm them not stop them from coming…I do not like to buy pets or restricting their freedom in any way but I love having them coming and going in my garden… Appreciate your advice!
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I was also too late to chose the Best Answer, and cannot find a way of letting those who participated then know the comments I leave below (just in case, any of them find my question again! 
I was lucky you all were there at the time. Many thanks for all your wonderful advice and jokes. I was dumbfounded by Thomas synchronistic events that morning and relished reading about the experience + do understand the need to tackle rats and the like but why not releasing the cats during the night, when these other creatures operate? +Dogs used to bring caws to the butchers hundreds or thousands of years ago but evolved by human contact, as cats could and are doing, why not use rat traps or venom instead? What makes some cats follow their killing instinct while other cats do not bother? +A tip for dog lovers: a program called the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan – SKY3(Freeview11) around 6-7pm. He says he trains humans and rehabilitates dogs and gives fascinating insights into how owner’s energy affects (balances or distorts) animal behaviour. Thanks again >
By John, September 15, 2011 @ 5:01 am
I have read that birds cannot taste capsicum at all, and it is recommended that you put cayenne pepper in bird feeders to discourage squirrels. (I would use cayenne pepper instead of chili powder. It’s the pepper that will discourage the cats.)
Unfortunately, it will probably discourage all mammals (foxes, rabbits, etc.)
Good luck.