How do I keep my neighbor's cats off my property?

Question

My neighbors let their cats roam freely and they've all started using my flower beds as litter boxes. They've also started "marking" the side of my house. I have a cat too, but he's not allowed outside unless I'm with him, so I don't want anything that will hurt him. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi Annie,
Depending on where you live, there may be by-laws stating that no domestic animals can roam free...and if so, then complain to the authorities and they will then send letters to the cats' owners....or just try talking to your neighbors yourself...or try mothballs, "Critter Ridder"(from a hardware store), cayenne pepper, citronella plants(plant them around property) are just a few suggestions. Good Luck
Angie

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Orange rinds is the safest way. Moth balls work, but they are highly poisonous, which will eventually deteriorate and be soaked into Your soil. About the spraying, to get rid of the smell mix a small amount of bleach with water, in a spray bottle, You can get one at the store, for about $1, and spray it where the Neighbors cats have sprayed. Then use Vinegar, or some Vick's Vapor Rub. Cat's can not stand the menthol. You might try putting some foil, taped down, where They come up to Your house.

Just remember how much You love Your Cat, and that the Other Cats are just doing what comes naturally to them. There is a woman in our Neighborhood that has a garden, and lots of plants, and no fence, the Cats love Her Yard. So She has been trapping Them, and more than likely disposing of Them Herself, seeing how She brags about it, and lives less than two blocks from the Shelter, and They do not know Her. If She was trapping as many as She says, and turning Them into the Shelter, They would know Her first hand.

So be a good Neighbor, and Bless You for doing so.

God Bless

Answer 4

try moth balls, spreading them around where the cats are marking. it's harmless, repels cats because of the scent, and inexpensive. line the perimeter of your yard, as well, a couple of them every foot. (i have a similar problem with our neighbors "feral" cats that they insist on feeding, and our flower beds were becoming their giant litter boxes, not to mention they were antagonizing our dogs.) our cat only goes outdoors when we're with her, as well, and is not bothered by the moth balls at all, in fact they help her not to stray out of the yard when she gets inquisitive. it is sad that your neighbors let their pets roam, domesticated cats need the safety of a home. is there an agency you can call to help remedy the problem? good luck!!

Answer 5

See if you can find some natural deterrents for your flower beds and the side of the house and maybe plant some catnip or something somewhere else so they leave your flowers alone. But you really should try to talk to your neighbor about it. Maybe they can try to help keep the destruction to your yard minimal. I hear cats hate citrus stuff, maybe lemongrass?

Answer 6

Cats dislike the smell of vinegar and citrus. They will avoid lemon balm and scented geraniums. Mothballs or crystals also repel dogs and cats. Most pet stores and many nurseries carry commercially prepared nontoxic repellents.

Answer 7

Go to any "real " pet store. There is a product on the market that you spray around your property line that will repel cats. Also - you can use a citrus scent to repel them.

Answer 8

Cats usually roam wherever they please, but you can buy Citrus or vinegar scent to repel them. Spray it around your flower beds and anywhere else you don't want the cats.

Answer 9

They sell this stuff at Lowe's. It's a cat repellant. It's totally safe to use and it won't harm them in any way. You just sprinkle it in your yard and they'll stay away.

Answer 10

Get sum lion dung! It keeps any unwanted animals like dog's and cats away for sum time to come!