What would stop cats using the garden as a toilet?

LizD_2

I have Guinea Pigs and lots of cats live in our area, but I've only seen one in the garden. Think I gave it the fright of it's life when I chased it off! Don't get me wrong, i like cats but if they're after my piggies its bye-bye kitty!
I think if you can surprise them it helps!

Sarahsaver

Extra hot chilli powder sprinkled on the cats fave pooping territory. Replace after it has rained.
Available in large bags from Indian grocers:)

annie-c

I have a problem with the neighbours' cats and have found cds placed on garden canes to be most effective as a short term measure (they aren't attractive long-term...). As with pop bottles , they cause a reflection that scares the cat off.

Please, please don't use chilli powder - it burns the cats' eyes and can cause long-term damage. As much as I get annoyed by cat poo, it is after all only a natural function - it seems mean to hurt a cat permanently for answering a call of nature... the trick really is to persuade it to answer the call elsewhere...

Sarahsaver

Cats carry the toxicara worm which I believe can cause long-term damage to humans.
It is about 5 years since I have used chilli powder, cats seem to have a good memory at least;)

buxtonrabbitgreen

there is somthing you can get in garden centres, I think it is called Lions wee or somthing like that. And that is exactly what it is. I have used it and it does work. I have to say if I liked cats I would get one, but I dont and imo there is nothing more disgusting than puttin your hand in cat poo when gardening.

annie-c

I've heard about lion's pooh being sold - because it makes the cat fear that they are about to be eaten by a bigger cat?

Someone recently also suggested putting branches of holly around flower beds - these will deter the cat by giving a short shock, but won't cause permanent damage in the way chilli might.

I've recently bought some gel spray from the garden centre, which you spray on the soil or onto boundary wall/fence tops etc which is supposed to neutralise the smell that the cat has previously left behind and so confuse it into forgetting that this area was previously its own 'marked territory'. details here: http://www.pestfree.co.uk/get-off-gel-spray.htm

Also have bought a few plants called Coleus Canina or 'Scaredy Cat' which have a smell that is neutral to the human nose but is said to deter cats. Problem is they are weeny plants and I am having to keep them away from slugs and nurture them until they are big enough to plant out.

thriftmonster

I occasionally loan my (male) terrier out on a lead. He scents every inch of the boundary of the garden and friends have reported rapid decline in cat visitations.

Mind you, I wouldn't trust him anywhere near a rabbit!!!!

recovering_spendaholic

Years ago someone told me that if you sprinkle shredded black bin liner on your flower beds the cats will keep away. It works for me!!!

I'mcomingbackasaman

Had a successful week (so far) 5 rabbits all safe and sound.
Found one cat lurking on top of the shed ready to pounce last weekend but I blasted it with a water spray gun and it's not been back since.:rotfl: :rotfl:
Thanks for taking the time to help, much appreciated.

Queen.Bess

Hi All, I hope you can help (and if I'm in the wrong place, could it be moved please?) I've tried another Forum but with only one, somewhat sarcastic reply!

We live in a suburban mid terrace house with a lovely little garden, that last winter and spring was full of all kinds of birds! Of course, things quietened down for the summer as they moved away from their nests and into the fields. However, with Autumn approaching I'm hoping to encourage more of the birds into our garden.

The problem is that since last winter both our neighbours now own cats, and they don't like each other! They've taken to scrapping in our garden (no-cats land I suppose!) and I worry that they might take a liking to the birds when/if they return.

Does anyone have any ways in which I can limit the use of our garden by cats by using things around the house or wherever, but definitely for as little money as possible!

All ideas and suggestions gratefully received!