Not everyone who wants to discourage cats from defecating in their garden dislikes them, but cat faeces is not only unpleasant, it can cause serious conditions such as toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic disease that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
Therefore, keeping cats out of your garden can be crucial. Gardening expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk, a UK-based landscaper with over a decade of experience in the industry, has shared some of the best humane methods to prevent cats from defecating in your garden.
Humane ways to stop cats pooing in your garden
There are numerous ways to deter cats from defecating in your flowerbeds or borders. However, some internet remedies can be harmful to cats, so avoid using very strong smells, especially garlic and onions, which can make them ill.
Cayenne pepper, vinegar, bleach, coffee grounds and essential oils should also be avoided.
Cat-repellent plants
There are many flowers that you can plant in your garden that will help to repel cats.
This includes the scaredy cat plant or Coleus Canina, which has a strong smell of urine and will put cats off as they are very territorial. Other plants that cats dislike include geraniums, lavender, lemon balm, curry plant, rosemary, quince, shrub roses and pyracantha.
Cats avoid these plants either because of their scent or, as in the case of roses, because of the thorns.
Cat sprays
If you’re looking to keep cats away from areas other than your flower beds, consider using cat repellent sprays. These are readily available in pet stores and often contain ingredients such as peppermint oil, citrus scent, citronella oil or ammonia.
They can be used around hard surfaces like driveways, paths, garages, greenhouses or sheds.
Water sprinkler
A safe and humane method of deterring cats from your garden and flower beds is the installation of motion-activated water sprinklers. When a cat triggers the sprinkler, it will be startled and run off.
Over time, they’ll learn that your garden isn’t a suitable toilet area. A water pistol can also be used for this purpose, but remember not to aim directly at the cat – a general spray in their direction should suffice.
Ultrasonic cat repellent
Cats are not only sensitive to strong smells, but also to ultrasonic sounds. By installing motion-activated ultrasonic repellents at entry points to your garden, you can discourage cats from entering.
The high frequency sound emitted by these devices is barely audible to humans, but can be heard by cats and dogs. However, they only cover a small area, so choose the location where cats usually enter your garden.
Pebbles around plants
Another option is to place pebbles around your plants.
Cats are known to prefer using freshly turned, dry soil as their lavatory. Any material that hinders them from digging can serve as a deterrent.
Pebbles not only make it challenging for cats to defecate in your flower bed, but they also aid in moisture retention for your plants.
Crushed eggshells
Crushed eggshells can be an effective deterrent as well, given the sensitivity of cats’ paws to rough and sharp surfaces.
The calcium in the eggshells is also beneficial for your soil.
Wire fencing
Regular fencing may not keep cats out of your garden due to their climbing and jumping abilities, but a wire fence could prove more effective.
Use ground cover plants
Ground cover plants can prevent cats from reaching and digging in the soil.
Bananas
Banana peels, particularly ripe ones, can repel cats due to the ethyl acetate compound they emit.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits can also be used as a deterrent.
Many creatures, including cats, are put off by the pungent scent of citrus fruits. By utilising the juice or peel of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, you can deter cats from using your flower beds or borders as a loo.
Scatter chopped-up peel around the base of your plants or on top of your bare soil. Alternatively, mix some citrus juice with water and spray it around your garden.
For more specific areas, soak cotton wool balls in citrus juice and place them around your plants.
Manure
You can simultaneously deter cats from defecating in your garden and fertilise your soil by applying actual faeces to the garden. Specifically, chicken manure, a non-chemical fertiliser, can be used to provide nutrients for your plants, but its odour will also discourage cats from using the area.
If you’re trying to keep other cats out of your garden, scoop up some of your own cat’s faeces from their litter tray and place it on your flowerbeds. This should deter them, as cats are territorial.
Bark or wood chippings
Use bark or wood chippings in your garden as mulch, which will prevent cats from using the area as a toilet. They prefer direct access to soft, dry soil, so this barrier will act as a deterrent and help retain moisture in your soil.
Consider using drip irrigation
As previously stated, cats favour dry soil. Therefore, maintaining dampness in the areas you wish to safeguard should deter cats from using them as a toilet.
A drip irrigation system could be installed to keep the soil moist. Naturally, this will also reduce the amount of watering your plants require.
Keep the garden clean
Lastly, if cats are invading your garden and using it as a lavatory, it’s crucial to remove the faeces and clean the area with soapy water. This should help eliminate any odours that might entice the cat to return to the area and mark it as their territory.
