House finch nest at risk from cat (2 Viewers)

[NettyK]

Hi all, I have a house finch nest in a wreath on my front door. There are approx 4-5 eggs and by all accounts they should be hatching soon. Last night our security cameras caught a neighborhood cat stretching to examine the wreath. He didn’t stay long and the wreath is out of his reach (unless he jumps to knock it down). With babies hatching any day, I’m wondering what I can use to deter the cat but not the birds? I read that vinegar and citrus are disliked by cats…but also birds. I was thinking of spraying the doormat and lower door with it. Mama finch clearly has more motivation to fight through the vinegar but I’m not certain if this method will cause her to abandon the nest? Any suggestions or ideas to make this work?

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Would it be possible to put something thorny such as rose prunings or holly twigs on the ground by your front door to deter the cat coming too close?