What methods can be used to stop cats messing on a concrete path & patio slabs, & also on a gravelled area?

Question

The methods already used have been quite varied: scrubbing down with a bleach solution; mothballs (which are successful but dissolve in the rain); proprietary 'Get Off' type products and an ultrasonic cat repeller (which one cat went up to and licked!) They still keep coming back and in this hot weather it smells disgusting, apart from the unpleasant daily task of collecting and disposing of the poo! There is no soil at all in the affected area to put any sticks or rods into the ground - it is all concreted or slabbed. Anyone know anything that has been effective, as we may lose a tenant because of it?

Answer 1

Bitter Apple
http://www.petvetdirect.com/home.asp?cid=343

Shake-Away
http://www.critter-repellent.com/cat/cat-repellent.php

Answer 2

As you don't have soil in which to plant plants that repel cats, perhaps you can place the following into pots which surround the area:-

The herb Rue (ruta gravolens), garlic, or Society Garlic (tulbaghia).

Squirting the cats with water will deter them, but obviously only works when you are around.

The citrus peel suggestion is good too, although apparently doesn't always work. So a combination of things should.

Finally, if you are willing to pay for it, there is a weatherproof cat deterrent (as detailed on the following link) which can be placed on concrete as well as in flower beds. You can also return the product in its original condition if you aren't happy with it.

http://www.deteracat.co.uk/deteracat_weatherproof_system.htm

Answer 3

I had same problem some years ago, tried all sorts but nothing worked until I tried Jays Fluid to wash the slabs and whilst still wet put down ground black pepper!

I also ended up getting some chicken wire and putting that across the whole garden, this worked best as cats hate having their paws caught between the wires, it does not hurt them but they tend to keep away now, thus has worked for past 7 years!

Answer 4

The size of the gravel depends on whether cats use it as a big litter tray or not. The larger the stones the less the cats like it. If all the above remedies fail and if it's not too expensive you might want to look into getting larger stones. Ask your local garden centre which is the best size to get. God luck

Answer 5

Who's cat is it? I'd start with that. If it's your cat, shame on you, put the thing inside, clean litterbox and all that.
IF it's NOT your cat, then get RID OF IT. Stray cats are a nuisance, they carry fleas, probably have worms (from eating wild animals that have worms) and ruin our yards! And quite frankly, your city/town probably has an leash law (yep, even your own personal kitty cat cannot leave your yard) So if it's your neighbors, it's violating your rights by going into YOUR yard to poop! SO how to get rid of? My Animal Control offers humane traps for feral cats, then they come pick them up (bait with tuna fish, put it up on something so skunks dont waddle in, like a picnic table, etc). Rat poison also is effective, if you have rats I mean cats I mean rats wandering around, just watch out for your dog, it will kill. Fast.
And finally, to clean the area, use this stuff called "Simple Solution", I buy it in gallon jugs at Petsmart, Petco.
Check it out at www.simplesolution.com.
Now that stuff WORKS to get rid of ANY type of animal pee/poop smells.

Answer 6

Not got cats myself but my mother uses stron ground pepper which seemed to have some sucess. On another area she was having problems with she got rid of the gravel and put down grass which stopped the cat altogether but that's not really a short term solution.

Answer 7

Lion dung is good, but also its worth sitting near a window with a water pistol and shooting them they soon get the message. If not make a mixture of bleach and eucolyptus oil and sprinkle it around the edges late evening then wash it off before you need to use the patio. The smell is not great but they do not like it. Or do as we finally did get two dogs to catch the cats.

Answer 8

They continue because they all smell each other and are trying to mark their territory. So each time one goes...then the next cat walks by and smells him, so then they try to cover it up with their own scent. It's a never ending cycle. Amonia works well...if you put it in a spray bottle and spray around the perimeter and any bushes or big rocks.....keep spraying everyday and if it rains, re-spray. Are the cats strays?..if so then contact the humane society and ask if they can be picked up. If they belong to someone and you know who it is...let them know whats going on..and if it continues you can contact the police and they will recieve a fine. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Jeyes Fluid

(garden disinfectant)


it leaves a stronger scent than animals can, so they put their deposit where other creatures can smell it

do the whole area with strong soloution in watering can and then again 3/4 days later

repeat as necessary but 2 doses is pleanty

Answer 10

Do the cats have anyplace else to poo? You might try setting up a large litter pan in an out of the way area. You'd have to clean it, but the smell won't be as bad because you can get litter deodorizers.