Are you fed up with going into the garden and finding that the local cats have left a present or 2 in your flower beds? Below we have some tips to help you keep those pesky felines out of your garden so they can do their business elsewhere.
Why is Cat Poop in the Garden Bad?
Cat poo can be a real pain and it is known to harbour diseases such as toxoplasmosis which is particularly dangerous for those that are pregnant or with a lower immune system, so if you have a cat poo problem and need to stop cats from pooping in your garden, it is a good idea to try and deal with it immediately.
Toxoplasmosis can also remain in the soil, so if a cat has taken a dump near your vegetables, ensure that you remove a little of the surrounding soil too.
How to Stop Cats Pooping in Your Garden?
There are many tried and tested ideas that have been known to work although they do experience a varying success rate depending on where you are so it may be a little trial and error to solve your problem.
1. Chicken Wire
Prior to making their deposit, cats will look for a suitable spot and dig so it is a good idea to lay some chicken wire over your flower bed.
If laid correctly, the chicken wire can be hidden just beneath the soil and prevent the cat from finding a comfortable spot to do their business. It is best to lay chicken wire before you see the first shoots in the spring so that your plants and flowers are still able to grow as normal.
2. Electronic Devices
There is a range of electronic devices (Amazon link – opens in a new tab) that are specifically aimed at keeping cats from pooping in your garden.
They will emit a high-pitched noise barely audible to humans that cats will hate. Some of these devices remain on consistently and others are motion-activated so they will only go off once they sense movement in sensor range. The efficiency of these devices for these devices is hotly debated and are best used when directed at entry/ exit points to the garden or at the problem area you are trying to protect.
3. Smells
Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and there are a few homemade remedies that can be sprayed to keep cats away.
Citrus, Lavender and Peppermint are three things that cats really hate and can be sprayed on your garden to stop them pooping near your prized begonia. Do not forget though, when using natural remedies sprayed on your garden, you will need to respray after each rainfall as the odour will not last.
4. Motion Activated Sprinklers
Yes, motion-activated sprinklers (Amazon link – opens in a new tab) are great at keeping cats off your flower beds. They will pulse jets of water around the garden when they sense movement.
One thing that we know is that domestic cats do not like to be sprayed with water. The good thing about this is that it keeps foxes and other visitors away too.
Added Bonus: A motion-activated sprinkler system will also keep your plants and flowers well-watered too!
5. Dummy Cats
You can purchase dummy cat ornaments (Amazon link – opens in a new tab) to stop cats pooping in your flower beds.
Some even have glowing eyes and they can be placed around the garden to deter unwanted visitors. Dummy cat ornaments are best used in conjunction with other methods such as odours that cats dislike. Remember to periodically move the ornament around the garden as the cat will soon realise that your ornament is not real!
6. Dog
Last, but not least, having a dog is the best deterrent to having visits from cats that want to leave droppings in your flower beds.
When you have a dog, a cat is far less likely to see your garden as part of its territory, but it does involve having another mouth to feed. If you have a dog, you will still need to pick up poo but at least it will be located on the lawn and not next to your fresh carrots.
Conclusion
As you can see, we have laid out some of our top tips for keeping cats out of your garden. From motion-activated sprinkler systems to chicken wire in the soil, I’m sure that one or a combination of 2 or 3 will keep your garden poop free.
Garden Doctor Tips
“Let your dog out into the garden regularly, even the front garden if that is where your cat issue is!”
“Sprinkle cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or vinegar around the edges of your garden as cats hate those strong smells!”
“Motion-activated sprinkler systems are a great way to scare cats away. They will soon learn not to come back!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep cats away?
The best solution to deter cats from entering your property is a motion-activated sprinkler system. Cats do not hang around for long and they soon get the message.
How to keep cats off my flower bed?
When planting your beds in the spring, lay some chicken wire down and lightly cover it soil. The cats will not like the feeling of this and will not walk or do their business on your flower beds.
Author
Trevor Wright is not just a seasoned horticulturist; he’s the esteemed Garden Doctor. With a BSc in Horticulture and years of hands-on experience in the soil, Trevor has become a trusted mentor for all things gardening. As the founder of Garden Doctor, he’s committed to clarifying the intricacies of gardening, offering straightforward advice that’s rooted in years of practice. His writing is a garden of how-tos, savvy insights, and comprehensive guides that enable individuals to nurture and grow their garden dreams. When he’s not knee-deep in garden beds, Trevor is at his keyboard passing on his green-thumbed wisdom to budding gardeners, ensuring that the legacy of sustainable and joyful gardening blossoms far and wide.
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