Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXXXX,

Welcome to JustAnswers. I am sorry to hear that the neighborhood cats are leaving their paw prints over you car. First, before you get rid of the cats, make sure they are in fact strays and not your neighbor's cat they let out during the night or something. If the cats are neighbor's cats, ask them politely to keep the cat indoors. If they are unwilling, most counties have a leash law that apply to cats, and you can report them to your county animal services.
Next, after ensuring that the cats are neighbor cats, purchase a humane trap. You can get these at most farm stores, exterminator stores, and hardware stores. Place the trap in a shaded area. Bait the traps with tasty wet cat food. Check the trap daily and replace the cat food daily. If you do catch a cat, bring it into your local humane society.
If you do not wish to purchase a trap, contact your local humane society and see if they have a trapping program. If they do not, contact your local animal services, and report a nuisance animal. However, most animal services will euthanize the cats after 7 days.
There are other methods that can help keep cats away, but will not remove the problem 100%. There are multiple strays that use pheromones to help keep cats away. You can pick-up any of the sprays at your local pet store. Another device is called CatStop. You place this device in the dirt, and plug it in. It is motioned triggered, and lets out a burst of hypersonic sounds that repel cats away. There are other devices that use similar techniques, except instead of sound they spray water.

Expert:	MSVetAssist
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	28
Answered:	10/14/2008

Veterinary Assistant

I've been a vet tech for 3 years. I have a BA in Biology. I'm studying for a MS in Animal Behavior.