I've recently started harness training my indoor cat and letting him enjoy some time in the backyard. While he loves chasing flies and trying to stalk birds, I'm noticing other stray and neighbor cats coming into my yard, which has led to some unwanted messes like cat poop. My main concern is to keep my cat safe and avoid any potential health risks. I'm exploring options like SonicBarrier to repel them with sound, but I'm not sure it really works. Are there any effective, non-harmful ways to keep those cats out without having to build a fence? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you don't want a fence, ensure there are no gaps in your current fence. You can look at something like a coyote roller, which prevents cats from climbing over. Plus, I've noticed just being out there with my own cat tends to scare off the other strays. It might be worth spending some time outside with him when he's out to see if that helps.
Those sound repellents can actually be pretty loud and annoying, even for us humans! Instead, I’ve had success with motion-activated sprinklers. They give stray cats a little surprise and keep them at bay without any permanent setup. You can also try scattering citrus peels or using pet-safe spray in areas where they’ve been doing their business to keep them away.
Yeah, I agree! The ultrasonic stuff can make your garden feel like a weird concert. But those sprinklers are super effective! I’ve also read that some scents like citrus can help—cats usually hate those.
If you see a cat you want to keep out, a simple spray from a hose can work pretty well! Just be consistent with it for a few days. It’s a harmless way to let them know they should avoid your yard without causing any harm.

Great tip about the roller! I’ve heard those can be quite effective. Also, yeah, just hanging out with your cat can make a difference. Cats are territorial, so having you there might keep strays away!