Cat-friendly Methods to Prevent Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but we are only human. Having another animal defecate amongst your prize tomatoes is enough to drive anyone up the wall. While we agree that it’s important to keep your garden clean, it’s equally important to do so in a way that’s safe and humane for the cats. Here are some cat-friendly methods to prevent cats from pooping in your garden.

1. Create a Designated Area for Cats

Sometimes, giving cats their own space can deter them from using your garden beds. Create a small area with loose soil or sand in a corner of your yard, away from your plants. You can even add some catnip to make it more appealing.

We realize not all folks, even cat owners, want what essentially amounts to an outdoor litter box, it really can be the difference-maker. By providing a more attractive alternative, you can keep cats away from your prized plants.

2. Use Natural Deterrents

Cats are known to dislike certain scents and textures. You can use easily acquired natural deterrents to keep them out of your garden:

• Citrus Peels: Scatter orange, lemon, or lime peels around your garden. The strong citrus scent can deter cats from digging, and since they are organic, they will break down into the soil.

• Coffee Grounds: Spread used coffee grounds around your plants. Not only do cats dislike the smell, but coffee grounds also enrich the soil as they break down.

• Vinegar: Spray a vinegar-water solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) around the perimeter of your garden. The scent is unpleasant to cats but dissipates quickly for humans, and while it smells awful, it is natural and non-toxic.

• Herbs: Plant cat-repelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, or rue around your garden. These plants have strong scents that cats tend to avoid.

3. Install Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can effectively keep cats out without harming them:

• Chicken Wire or Mesh: Lay chicken wire or mesh on top of the soil in your garden beds. Cats dislike walking on the uneven surface, making it less likely they’ll dig there. The small openings also make it harder to dig.

• Garden Fencing: Install a low garden fence or netting around your plants. This creates a physical barrier that cats are unlikely to cross.

• Twigs: Insert twigs or other dull, small sticks into the ground around your plants. The obstruction makes it difficult for cats to find a comfortable spot to do their business.

4. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

Motion-activated devices can be very effective in deterring cats. Ideally, they will interact with them a handful of times and stop returning:

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers activate when they detect movement, giving an unexpected but harmless spray of water to any intruding cats.

• Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans. Place them around your garden to keep cats at bay but be sure when you buy them that they are not harmful.

5. Provide Alternative Resting Spots

Cats may be using your garden because they find it a comfortable place to rest and play. Provide alternative spots in your yard that are more appealing:

• Cat Houses: Set up a cozy cat house or shelter in a quiet part of your yard. Add some soft bedding to make it more inviting.

• Shaded Areas: Create shaded resting spots with outdoor cat furniture or shaded areas under trees or shrubs.

6. Use Commercial Cat Repellents

Several commercially available cat repellents are safe and effective:

• Granules and Sprays: Look for environmentally friendly granules or sprays that can be applied around your garden to repel cats.

• Repellent Mats: These mats have a spikey texture that is uncomfortable for cats to walk on but won’t harm them.

7. Community Engagement

If neighbourhood cats are the issue, engaging with your community can help:

• Talk to Neighbors: Communicate with the people in your neighbourhood about the problem and work together to find a solution. They may be willing to keep their cats indoors or help with creating designated areas.

• Community Cat Programs: Support or initiate community cat programs that manage and care for stray cats. These programs often include providing outdoor litter boxes, which can reduce the likelihood of cats using your garden.

Final Thoughts

By using these friendly and humane methods, you can enjoy a cat-free garden while ensuring the well-being of the cats. A little effort and creativity can go a long way in maintaining a peaceful coexistence with our feline friends.

At The Hervey Foundation for Cats, we frequently advocate for keeping all cats indoors. While they may not understand the importance of staying inside, it is up to us, as their owners, to ensure they are safe and cared for. There are far too many risks to the outdoor cat for it to be safe.