How to discourage cats?

blue_haddock

I find landmines work wonders!

ladypinkof66

We have recently tidied up our garden and put bark out at the front just below our kitchen window.
I like to have the window open when i am cooking and now find that the two cats next door are using my bark as a litter tray. I can tell when and where they have been due to having the bark all pushed up in a pile.
The cats mess smell is disgusting - god knows what she feeds them on as it is bright orange and all runs.
I know it is her cats as i have seen them doing it.
Anyone got any ideas as to what i can do to put them off littering here.
whenever i see the cats in the garden i always send out dog out to chase them away.
I religiously always pick up behind my dog and i know it is difficult to pick up after your cat but i would rather my dog littered my bark at least i know it would be solid and not runs.
I am at my wits end when i walk down the garden path to the front door or as i said open my kitchen window the stench hits you especially on hot days.
Anyone suggest anything.

Thanks in advance

Savvy_Sue

Someone near me put bark down a few years ago, and I noticed quite a few white 'stones' dotted over it. One day they were in the garden when I passed so I asked what the white things were, and was told they were mothballs, to deter cats messing.

Please would all those who know about these things not shoot me down in flames if there is some problem with this! There's no sign of the mothballs any more, so I don't know if they gave up because it didn't work, or if the smell is still lingering!

ladypinkof66

Thanks for your reply Sue i was told by someone that i should get a man to urinate in four corners as the cats do not like a mans scent - i did ask my other half to give it a try but said he might have to do it in the dark when no one is watching in case he got in trouble !!!!:o
Have not put this to the test yet as just waiting for any other ideas.

Savvy_Sue

Oh, another one I've heard suggested is lion or tiger poo ...

I've just found another thread on a similar topic so I'll merge these.

Joyful

When I used to have problems with Foxes I used a liquid called Renardine. This also deterred cats. You can either put it on sticks in the garden or paint it onto fences. I will warn you that it is a very strong smell for a couple of weeks but it worked like a dream.

Fritha_2

We have a bit of a problem with cats here as well, the nice man from the council suggested:

Orange peel
Bits of hosepipe or rubber snakes
Tiger poo (it smells stronger than lion poo) in a tupperware box with holes in the lid
Pepper
A water pistol sprayed at or preferably on them when you see them (he said this was most effective)

My neighbours recommended curry or chilli powder

My Gran swore by moth balls

I've tried the scent off crystals which have worked incredibly well, we put them down every other day for about three weeks and they've not come back since. (I do still occasionally apply it now just so they don't start coming back) I've also hissed loudly out the window at the them whenever I'd seen them (or come charging out the door hissing and clapping, considering I'm eight months pregnant atm I make a formidable sight!)

To be fair the cats around here are extremely dim so that may have a bearing on why my attempts are working!

naturally_2

Could you bear to "sacrafice" a small corner of your garden with freshly dug earth to try to keep it to once place?

A water pistol is a very effective way of training cats - we have them and have always squirted when they do something naughty and they soon learn. please just don't use a supersoaker that will hurt - a cheap and small plastic toy one from the pound shop will be just as effective for a short sharp shock!

Kimberley

Can you not get a dog, no cats come in my garden since i've been fostering

Sazzyukrafc

The problem with cats is that owners cannot clear up after them since they wanderer around!

Someone on my mum and dad's estate has CDs hanging in the garden, which supposedly puts them off....?!???? lol!

Please do be careful what you put down, as some things maybe poisonous to them.