I've been having a real struggle with cats taking over my garden. Every time I tend to it, within a day, it seems like the local cats turn it into their personal litter box. They've even managed to break my fence, burying their waste among my crops like it's no big deal! I've tried putting chicken wire over the soil, but it looks awful and doesn't even stop them from messing in the grass nearby. I can't use spikes or barriers, and while I've experimented with ultrasonic devices, they haven't worked either. Spraying them with water relies on me being there to catch them, which feels guilty when I do. I've also utilized scents that are supposedly unappealing to cats, but they don't seem to mind, especially when it rains. I'm looking for humane ways to deter these creatures and am curious if anyone has a method that actually works!
5 Answers
Having a dog has also made a huge difference for me; they keep the cats away naturally! I'd recommend considering getting a pet if it's feasible.
Have you thought about encouraging the cats to use a specific area? I set up a covered litter box at the edge of my garden. Also, physical barriers like spiky holly twigs work wonders. Adding noise-makers like wind chimes can also help.
I totally sympathize! I use bamboo sticks pointing upward around my flower beds. It’s an easy fix that doesn’t hurt the cats but keeps them at bay. I also chase them off when I catch them—if only people could see how disgusting cat poop is!
What worked for me was laying bird netting over freshly dug soil and securing it down with tent pegs. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it's more effective than other methods I've tried. Just be careful because cats can be sneaky!
That’s interesting! But if they want to lounge on the netting like it's a hammock, I guess you’re back at square one with squished seedlings!
Honestly, if you want a quick fix, some people around me say that peeing around the borders helps deter cats. It’s a bit unconventional, but it might be worth a shot!
I do the same with sticks! It looks pretty natural, and as long as they’re close enough, the cats won’t want to bother. I let them do their thing in wildflower areas though; oddly enough, they tend to avoid those.