Three ‘easy’ methods to ‘deter’ cats from fouling in your garden

Spring has arrived in the UK, which means many people will be spending more time outdoors, enjoying their gardens. This can make it frustrating when you find cat mess in your garden, especially if it is in plain sight. Preventing cats from using your space as a toilet in the first place is the best way to keep your garden neat and tidy.

Cats are allowed to roam and enter gardens as they please, which means to some extent, Britons should expect them to use it as a toilet.

However, it can still be incredibly frustrating when they do, as they can permanently damage plants and contaminate the soil.

Not only this, but their mess can also attract flies and other bugs, especially when the weather is hot. Luckily, gardeners have taken to a Facebook page to share top tips on preventing cats pooping in your garden.

Posting on the Gardening Tips For Beginners, Thomas Winn, wrote: “Hello, does anyone know how I can stop a cat pooping on my flower beds?”

The post attracted various comments from fellow gardeners who have also experienced the same problem.

1. Keep the soil dry

Annie Matthews wrote: “They like dry soil to poop it so keep it moist where they are pooping and it’ll deter the animals, it’s easy.”

Lionel Reynard said: “Water the soil, keep it wet and they will go to other gardens. Should keep them away long term too.”

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), cats prefer loose, dry earth, mulch and compost.

2. Cinnamon

Amanda Carpenter commented: “Sprinkle cinnamon around your garden. It’ll keep the cats away because they don’t like the smell.”

Tina Benson added: “Sprinkle cinnamon around the garden, won’t harm them, will just deter them.”

Strong aromas such as cinnamon can help to keep cats away, although it isn’t recommended to use cayenne pepper or chilli flakes as this could potentially harm them.

3. Strong scented plants and oils

Strong smelling plants can also deter cats, including lavender. Felines reportedly hate the smell of lavender and are much less likely to go to the toilet around areas with this beautiful flower.

QVC’s gardening expert Richard Jackson, said: “Spray old tea bags with deep heat type muscle treatment.

“Then place it in problematic parts of the garden and, if needed, cover with a sprinkling of soil to disguise them.”

Tea bags can also be dabbed in peppermint or eucalyptus oil and the strong smells should help protect the garden for up to two weeks.

According to the expert, they will work even if it rains. Any toys and shoes should also be kept away from the garden as these can keep animals like foxes entertained for hours.

The RHS explained: “If you own a cat, correctly fit it with a collar and bell to reduce its hunting efficiency and save wildlife.”

However, it must be an easy break collar in case the cat gets stuck. Some felines may also not like the sound of the bell as it can hurt their ears in some cases.

The RHS also recommended using one or more of the cat deterrents on the market if you notice cats messing up the garden.

They explained: “They fall into two groups: repellents that are supposed to offend the cat’s sense of smell or taste, and electronic scaring devices that produce a sound that may cause cats to move on or a motion sensor to release a spray of water.”

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