Is your garden being terrorised by a neighbourhood cat? Whether the local stray or a neighbour’s pet, many people must deal with cats pooing in the garden, while they can also cause all kinds of mischief like digging up flower beds, scratching and spraying all over the place, and generally being a nuisance.
While cats are definitely cute, loveable companions, it’s hard to deny how annoying it is when there is a cat using your garden as a litterbox. Cats aren’t picky when it comes to pooing in your garden, going anywhere from the lawn to flower beds, sometimes even on the patio or decking, so it’s something that you obviously want to avoid!
But how exactly do you stop a cat from using your garden as a toilet? There are several methods that you can try and you’ve probably heard of a few homemade remedies that have questionable results at best.
The best cat deterrents and repellents can help you with your feline problem! Check out the reviews of some great products to help deter cats from your garden, along with a handy buyers guide for how to choose the right one for you!
- Uses Ultrasonic Soundwaves
- 110-Degree Detection Angle
- 10m Detection Range
- Works on Cats, Dogs, Foxes, Squirrels, and Rodents
- Battery Operated
The PestBye Ultrasonic is one of the best repellents currently available, effectively deterring cats and various other unwanted guests such as dogs, squirrels, foxes, and rodents.
Using infrared sensors to detect movement, the device produces an ultrasonic soundwave that will scare off cats while being inaudible to people. There are several settings that allow you to adjust the frequency of the device to deter different animals, with the 3-5 setting working for cats.
The sensor covers a 110-degree arc and has a range of 10m, so it should have enough coverage for most gardens. Two devices are included, allowing you to double the coverage of the sensor, with the option to insert them directly into the ground or mount them to a wall or fence using the hanging hole.
This ensures that the two repellents will cover gardens of most shapes and sizes, scaring off anything brave enough to enter the garden. You can even adjust the sensitivity so that the coverage area is smaller but more intense, which is a unique feature not found on most other ultrasonic deterrents.
Each one does require AA batteries though, which is somewhat of a nuisance but they are usually more reliable than solar panels, so it’s not really much of a negative – just remember to change the batteries!
- Keep unwanted pests out of your garden with Pestbye Cat Repellent - safe and...
- Infrared PIR motion sensor detects movement and body heat up to 7m away,...
- Emitting a high-frequency sound that irritates cats and is almost inaudible to...
FITFORT Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Features
- Uses Ultrasonic, Electromagnetic, and Bionic Waves
- Covers Areas of 1000-1200sqft
- Three Modes – Green, Blue, and Red Light
This deterrent from FITFORT uses an innovative design to repel all kinds of pests including rodents, insects, squirrels, dogs, and cats. It is intended for indoor infestations but its large area of coverage (1000-12000sqft) will reach most gardens too.
Rather than relying on just ultrasonic soundwaves, this device also uses electromagnetic and bionic waves, which significantly improves the effectiveness of the repellent. It also makes it highly versatile, with this being one of the few cat deterrent devices that can also deter all kinds of insects like spiders, mosquitos, and cockroaches.
When activated, the device constantly produces ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves that affect the animal’s auditory and nervous systems, trigging a flight response that makes them run away.
There are three modes to choose from, with the green and blue light options using ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves, while the red light offers a more intense bionic and ultrasonic wave for more problematic pests.
It does require mains power to operate, so you may want to use a plug close to the garden, preferably near the back door leading outside, which will increase its effectiveness, especially on those elusive cats!
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Zonpor Cat Repellent
Features
- Uses Ultrasonic Soundwaves and LED Lights
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Frequency
- 110-Degree Detection Angle
- 10m Detection Range
- Solar Powered
- USB Charging
This cat deterrent from zonpor uses ultrasonic soundwaves to effectively scare away cats, dogs, and various other pests like rodents and squirrels.
As a solar powered device, simply insert into the ground or mount on a wall in a sunny area and leave it do work. You can also charge it with the USB slot, which is ideal for shorter days during the winter where it may not be fully charged from the sun.
The device uses an infrared motion sensor angle to detect movement and release the high frequency sound, with the senor covering a 110-degree arc and 10m distance. This should be more than enough coverage for most gardens, although make sure that the motion detector is facing the right direction!
Better still, the sensor’s sensitivity can be adjusted to different intensities, letting you change it to the exact requirements of your garden space and the problem areas where cats are defecating.
You can also adjust the frequencies to deter certain pests, with second frequency using high-frequency soundwaves to scare off cats. There is also a strobe light function that can be combined with ultrasonic waves, which can help to make the deterrent even more effective.
- Adjustable sensitivity and frequency: can adjust the sensitivity and frequency...
- WIDE RANGE - Infrared pir motion sensor angle up to 110 degrees and detection...
- Easy setup: just place the cat repellent pointing towards the area you want to...
MOHOO Solar Cat Repellent
Features
- Uses Ultrasonic Soundwaves and LED Lights
- Solar Powered & USB Charging
- 120-Degree Detection Angle
- 10m Detection Range
The MOHOO cat deterrent uses a combination of ultrasonic soundwaves and LED lights to repel cats and other pests from the garden. Just insert into the ground and adjust the settings to your needs and watch unwelcome cats become a thing of the past!
You can use both the sound and light deterrent together or separately depending on what you want to keep away. The light function is quite unique in that it combines 12 white flashes and 4 red flashes for a highly effective deterrent, although it may scare off birds so keep this in mind.
Both the sound and frequency settings are completely adjusted to suit different requirements, with the infrared sensor having a 120-degree detection angle and a maximum range of 10m. These can be adjusted depending on the shape of the garden or to target the area the cat frequents.
It’s IP66 waterproof so can handle being left outside, while you can charge it using the solar panels or a USB charger, which is handy for those overcast days where not enough sun is present to charge the battery.
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PestBye Jet Spray Motion Activated Cat Scarer
Features
- Uses Water Spray to Deter Cats
- 120-Degree Detection Angle
- 10m Range
- Covers 100sqm
If you are looking for an alternative to an ultrasonic cat repellent then look no further than the Jet Spray Cat Scarer from PestBye.
Rather than using high pitched sound waves to scare off a cat, this device uses a spray of water whenever its motion sensor is activated, which is a highly effective deterrent because most cats hate getting sprayed with water!
The device works very similarly to ultrasonic deterrents, using an infrared motion sensor to detect movement from a cat but spraying them with water for five seconds instead of making a noise.
It has a similar range as most other repellents, with the motion sensor covering a 120-degree angle with a range of 10m.
This translates to roughly 100sqm of coverage, which is a fairly large area and should be able to detect the cat in most instances. You can also adjust the sensitivity settings to scare off different animals.
As it uses water sprays, the repellent needs to be attached to a garden hose for it to work, so make sure you have access to a garden tap!
- Keep unwanted animals away with a range of up to 10m in a 120-degree arc
- Cover a large area of at least 100sqm with this effective cat deterrent
- Triggered by motion, this repeller fires a 5-second burst of water to scare off...
Fence Wall Spikes
Features
- Hard plastic wall/fence spikes
- Includes ten 45cm long strips
- Works on walls and fences
- Comes with a warning sign
Wall and fence spikes are an increasingly popular option for cat repellents, preventing the animal from scaling surface areas that lead into your garden. This brand of spikes is the highest overall quality, with the hard-plastic spikes only causing mild discomfort and no harm to the cat or any animal that walks over them.
Basic packs include 10 strips, with each strip measuring 45cm in length and 4.5cm in width, while there are options to buy packs with more strips depending on how large a surface area you need to cover.
To install, simply screw, nail or glue spike strip to the fence or wall. They can be fitted to most surface materials including wood, brick, and concrete, although different tools may be needed to install them.
It is recommended that you create at least 6ft of distance from the spikes to the position where the cat jumps from, otherwise the impact may not be strong enough to deter them.
Installation is quick and easy, so these are certainly convenient and quite effective, although it’s a good idea to combine spikes with other types of cat repellent to increase its effectiveness.
- NOT LOW COST 99% RECYCLED PLASTIC WHICH WILL AGE / ROT AND FALL OFF YOUR FENCE
- Effective AGAINST Humans, Cats, Foxes and Large Birds
- Can be divided into single strips for narrow widths
Common Cat Problems in the Garden
Anyone that has a garden has probably had a cat visitor at some point. While a very friendly and lovable animal, cats do cause all kinds of problems in and around the garden, which can be very annoying for anyone trying to maintain their garden.
Defecating
The biggest issue cats cause in the garden is pooing. It’s a horrible sight and even worse when you stand in it, giving plenty of reason to prevent cats from using the garden as their personal toilet. There is nothing worse than opening the curtains and looking out into your garden, only to be greeted with the sight of cat poo on your lawn or patio.
However, the look and smell of a cat poo isn’t the only negative – the poo can be highly toxic!
This means that the faeces may cause some damage around the garden if left for too long, such as ruining the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile and ruining the overall health of your plants and flowers. Sometimes nothing will ever grow in areas where cats frequently defecate due to the toxicity!
Destroying Things
The mess a cat leaves behind may not be the only issue you deal with in the garden, as they have some destructive tendencies too.
For instance, cats love to dig up dirt, meaning they can get in and around your flower beds, vegetable garden, and even on the lawn and dig up a whole new mess. Sometimes they may even eat the flowers or plants!
Combined with the toxicity of cat faeces that can damage plants and grass, cats may be causing all kinds of damage throughout the garden, giving you all the incentive you need to get a decent repellent to keep them away.
Fighting
Have you ever heard two cats fighting? It’s quite the noisy encounter and they often knock things over when chasing each other and fighting for territory. The noises often come late and night and can last for some time, making it an annoying disturbance that most of us can live without.
Related: Fox Deterrent Guide
Also, fighting cats means there is a battle for territory and that more than one is visiting your garden. This means more cats pooing and more mess you are left to deal with – the last thing you want is for your garden to become the neighbourhood litterbox!
How to Keep a Cat Out of Your Garden
So, how exactly do you keep a cat from pooing in your garden? It’s an old debate that’s been going on for decades, with all kinds of methods supposedly working, although the effectiveness of these homemade techniques is often questionable.
Always Remove Faeces Quickly
Before touching on homemade deterrents, it’s worth mentioning that you should always remove cat poo as soon as you find it. Cats are less likely to return if you remove the poo quickly, so act fast any time you see something around the garden.
Remember, they may go to the toilet in a more secluded area of the garden, so keep an eye out for this. If peeing is the issue, then try to wash it away using soapy water, as this helps to remove the scent that may cause them to come back
Homemade Deterrents
Perhaps the most widely known homemade cat deterrent is the old water bottle trick. Fill an old bottle with tap water, leave it outside in the garden and the cat won’t be interested in visiting anymore. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book but one that rarely seems to work!
In any case, there is no harm in trying this technique as its basically free to do using an old bottle you have and water from the tap. It may work for some people, although you may want to combine it with some other methods.
For instance, citrus peels are said to deter cats, as they don’t like the strong scent they produce. So, you could try leaving old orange and lemon peels or slices around the problem area. Some try using lemon juice mixed or vinegar with water and then spraying this around.
Similarly, there are essential oils that produced scents that cats aren’t the biggest fan of. Lemongrass and bergamot produce citrusy aromas so may work well, while other oils like peppermint and lavender may be effective.
The thing is, every cat is unique and may not be repelled by these homemade remedies, although given the low cost and effort to use them, there’s no harm in trying it out!
Plants
There are various plants that may work as a natural deterrent for cats. Again, the effectiveness will vary but these can work and maybe a good solution to the issue you’re having. Plus, the plants will add a nice touch of colour and even some herbs depending on what you plant!
For example, cats often dislike the aroma of rosemary, so planting a rosemary bush can act as a natural repellent. You can also harvest the rosemary herb for use in the kitchen – a two for one!
Other plants that may work include lavender, peppermint, rue, pennyroyal, curry herb, and anything thorny. Cats don’t like uncomfortable surfaces, so thorny plants may work as a good deterrent in certain areas, especially if planting thorny hedging as a perimeter to keep them out of the entire garden.
Netting and Chicken Wire
If the big issue you’re having is that the cat is getting in amongst your flowers or vegetables and causing all kinds of damage, then covering them with some netting can be a great way to keep them out.
While it’s not a good idea to cover plants with chicken wire, you can place it on the ground where cats are going, especially if its on flower beds or vegetable boxes. Cats hate the feeling of chicken wire and will avoid walking over it, so it’s worth laying this down in problem spots to try keep them away.
Choosing the Right Type of Deterrent Cat Repellent
As mentioned, you should never rely on just a single method to repel a cat, as the chances of it working drastically improve when combined with other deterrents. It may seem like more effort than it’s worth, but by combining various repellents you have a real chance of getting rid of unwanted cats.
So, it’s a good idea to try some of the natural and homemade remedies mentioned above and then combine them with a proper repellent or deterrent. These are easily found online and there are many options available, so you can try a few methods to increase the chances of success.
But what’s the best cat deterrent you can buy? How do you know what’s right for you?
Cat deterrents use various methods to keep cats away from your garden. Some will work and others won’t, so it’s a good idea to understand your options so you can choose something that is suitable for your garden environment.
If one doesn’t work, consider trying another time – perseverance is key here!
Ultrasonic
One of the most popular types of repellents for cats, ultrasonic sensors use high pitched soundwaves that scare away cats when they get too close to the device.
They come with a sensor that detects the cat from a distance – usually a metre or two – which is triggered when the catwalks too close, producing the noise that scares them off.
These devices are inserted into the ground using a spike and are usually solar-powered, meaning they don’t need to be plugged in or have batteries replaced. It’s important to place them somewhere the cat is likely to walk by, otherwise, it won’t be triggered.
Also, because they are solar powered, you need to place them in a sunny spot or they may not have enough charge.
Cheap and easy to use, these repellents are possibly the most effective option available, making them a great buy for anyone looking to keep cats out of the garden.
Water Sprays
Water sprays are a less common option but one that can still work to keep unwanted cats away. They are similar in design to ultrasonic repellents, being inserted into the ground and triggered by a motion sensor, although what happens next is quite different!
Rather than producing soundwaves to scare the cat, this device sprays the cat with a liquid solution to scare them off. Just connect a hose to provide a water source and its good to go! Most of these create an arching jet spray that can reach several metres, hitting any cat that gets too close.
Wall Spikes
Fitting spikes to the top of walls and fences are a common method for deterring cats and it is known to be effective in many cases. These stop cats climbing over walls and fences, preventing them from entering the garden in the first place.
Plastic spikes should always be used as these are non-harmful and just make the cat uncomfortable, so avoid any metal spikes as these can hurt the cat!
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
