how can i stop cats pooing in the garden?

Question

i dont have a cat my self but my neighbour has loads n im forever finding cat poop in my front garden anyone know how i can stop this without shooting the cats

Answer 1

I saw this great motion detecting water sprayer. If an animal wanders in front of it, they get squirted. Some folk use it to keep deer out of the garden and I know cats hate getting soaked. After getting drenched a few times, they'll avoid your garden. I gave you a description link. You may be able to find something like it closer to your home.

Answer 2

A lady at work had the same problem and spent loads of money trying all different things, in the end it was a little metal cat silhouette with shiny glass eyes, apparently cats don't go into other cats gardens she not had any cat poo for years, they were from mail order. Orange and lemon peels work for a few days while they are fresh.

Answer 3

Pet stores and supermarkets often stock products to help with this problem - and they usually include ingredients like camphor or citronella which have a strong smell.

These are humane ways of putting the cats off. Another way to do it as well if you don't like the cats in your garden is to throw some cold water at them each time that you see them. This does not hurt them and they soon learn that you opening the window or door means that they should scram. The water trick is also good for breaking up cat fights - vocal or physical.

If your local pet store or supermatrket doesn't have any products you can also try your local hardware store or another store that sells garden products.

Answer 4

For new plantings, lay wire mesh over the dirt, cut holes in it for the plants, and cover with bark.

For existing plantings, try a thick layer of the large-size bark nuggets, or maybe some decorative rock between the plants.

There is also some stuff (available at pet stores) that you can sprinkle around your garden to deter cats, but I'm not sure how well it works.

If it's a large garden area, you could try a motion detector sprinkler. They work pretty well to deter deer - I'd think they might work to keep cats away too.

Answer 5

This column was in a recent SF Chronicle Home and Garden section:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/05/03/HO286052.DTL


-- Scatter pinecones in the areas the cats like to visit, especially under bushes. Ponderosa or other prickly cones work best.
-- Buy a commercial cat repellent and scatter or spray it in the places where the cats are doing their business.
-- Sprinkle heavy coats of pepper in those areas (I use about one 4-ounce can) where they are leaving their calling cards. fiona
We were plagued with the same cat problem (have a neighbor with 6 outdoor cats !) and our yard was a virtual litter box. We got a motion sensor sprinkler and the cats were gone in 3 days. I couldn't recommend it enough. We move the sprinkler around our yard every few months to keep the cats on their toes but, in general, the cats don't come around. The one we got was a scarecrow from www.frontgate.com and cost about $ 100 (you could probably find something cheaper if you shopped around). Best of luck.

Answer 6

Hi there,

This is really annoying I know, I have 2 cats but all the other cats poop all over but I have a good and free solution, if you invite the cats over they will class your garden as their own territory, for example you wouldnt poo all over your carpet they wont poo on their lawn. If you dont want to do that you can get cat deterrents but they cost, just chuck orange peel out.

Answer 7

You need to have a talk with the neighbor and ask her to take responsibility for her animals, and respect your property. Are you out of city limits or in city limits? In the limits, there are usually leash laws- and if she won't listen you can always let her know that you may have to call the catcher or call to complain if she doesn't comply.
If you out of limits, something I can suggest is putting up a light electric fence. A few low shocks to the cats will keep them wanting to not come back.
There are also outdoor sprays you can use to keep animals away. You will probably have to experiment among brands to find what works best. The latter is probably the most useful, and cost efficent way to do this on your own.

Answer 8

For about 4-5 years I have been plagued with getting rid of cats and have tried every type of spray etc. 2 weeks ago I bought a sensor especially designed to deter cats in B&Q (it cost about £30) and have not have one cat poo since. (You need to place the sensor off the ground for maximum affect). I promise you, it really works and I am one happy gardener now!

Answer 9

I bought a water spray with a sensor on it off ebay when a cat walks in front of it the sensor picks them up and sends a spray of water over the garden a bonus is the kids love playing in it as well

Answer 10

Cats usually bury their deposits unless they are frightened or disturbed.. But don't be too hasty, it is good for your garden and plants.. If they done it on the pavement like dogs and humans would you not complain more?? Give the cats a break and watch your garden grow, they have no choice and it saves on the carbon footprint... (Cat litter) :-)