Feral Cats in Elkins

Concerns About Free-Roaming and Feral Cats

• All animal enforcement in Elkins is handled by the Randolph County Animal Control Officer, not city police or code enforcement.
• While city law prohibits free-roaming animals, including cats, the local law intends to focus on action when an animal poses a direct threat to public safety.
• Due to limited resources, county authorities are not able to respond to all cases involving stray or nuisance cats, particularly when no immediate danger is present. Authorities must prioritize more urgent cases, such as aggressive dogs, trapped wildlife, rabies outbreaks, and other direct threats to public safety.
• Damage caused by a neighbor’s pet cat (such as digging, spraying, or defecating on private property) is considered a civil matter and may require direct communication and resolution between neighbors.
• Many cats seen around Elkins are part of a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program the local humane society manages. These cats are ear-tipped (one ear visibly cropped) and are not removed after neutering, meaning cats will remain present in the community as part of population control efforts.

Tips to Deter Cats from Your Property Naturally

• Scent deterrents: Use citrus peels, vinegar, coffee grounds, or store-bought cat repellents such as Critter Ridder® and Nature’s Mace®. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eucalyptus-based OdoBan® cleaning products may deter cats, in addition to eliminating their urine odors.
• Motion-activated devices: Sprinklers or ultrasonic alarms can startle and discourage cats from returning.
• Barrier methods: Cover gardens or areas prone to digging with chicken wire, garden mesh, or rough mulch.
• Unfriendly textures: Place pinecones or plastic spike mats in areas cats like to rest or dig.
• Remove attractants: Keep pet food indoors, secure trash cans, and consider minimizing bird feeders or shelters that might draw cats.