how to keep cats out

kharrima

How can I keep my neighbors cats from peeing in my flower beds?

~NB~

Ask your neighbor.

Snowful

I don't think there's any foolproof way to keep cats out, but a few things might help... I've been working on stray cats wandering through my yard for over a year now. 

1.  Some people like to use cayenne pepper.  This works for some, and not others.  To keep it effective, you must reapply often.  And don't breathe if it's a windy day when you're applying!  (ouch)

2.  I like chicken wire.  Granted, it's not attractive, but I spread the chicken wire around my veggies and such so the cats won't go poo near them.  Last year they never walked across the wire at all and were completely out of my garden.  This year they seem to enjoy the chicken wire obstacle course and it's become less effective.  WTF? 

3.  This is way tackier than the chicken wire and way unattractive, but I heard if you bury some plastic forks in your yard so just the head of the fork sticks up, it deters the cats b/c they don't like walking through that.  MIL has done that in her yard and it's pretty hideous looking, but I suppose it's effective.  IMO, I'd rather rent a cat trap from the animal shelter and start turning the cats in if your neighbors are going to be irresponsible about their pets. 

agoodse

I've always heard that moth balls will keep the cats out of the flower bed.  However, I would do some research, as this might be poisonous to both cats and flowers.

Me and My Luv

this may sound crazy, but my DH read that cut up orange peels are a "green" alternative to stop cats from peeing/pooping in your flowers/yard.  Our neighbors have about 5 cats and they were using our front yard as a toilet, they no longer come around since we have done this, I guess the citrus smell is not attractive to them.  HTH

kharrima

Thanks guys! I think I am going to try the orange peel first just for attractiveness and being easy. Thankfully I bought oranges at the store today!

shammy79

Let me say I walk the line between love and hate of my neighbor's cat. For some reason, my front garden was his prime spot 2 years ago. This was me as my bushes and flowers started to die before I figured out how to keep him away.

Now, as angry as I was, consider what happens if/when you use cayenne pepper as a deterrent. The cat walks on it, licks paw, wipes face/eyes, and possibly does severe damage to eyes. Same as with the moth balls.  The goal is to deter the cat, not maim or kill it, right?

Like PP mentioned citrus is a good option. Instead of forks, I have used egg shells (good for the nutrients anyway). Cedar mulch is an option, and an oldie but goodie- water! Get a squirt bottle or hose, when kittie comes over, give him a good squirt. After a few times, he won't want to visit you anymore. (I did this and my poor neighbor on the other side inherited the problem )

HTH