Cats again!

[Sonata]

These fellas really get me hot under the collar, which is an amazing feat as I've not got a collar.

Normally I really like cats. However, since taking up gardening..they've become a pest. I've been trying everything to stop them pooing on my patch and using my pak choi/chinese cabbage/spinach seedlings as bog roll.

I've tried tea bags, citrus peel, fleece covering the ground (that did work, but I can't keep doing that now), netting (pea and bean stuff draped over the veg and held down by canes)...

The netting seemed to be working, and the sparrows still managed to get under ok to eat insects (yay). So the cat pooed on my lawn.

Today, I found that in the night, it had crept UNDER my netting, managed to squeeze one out AND shred my chinese cabbage leaves all over it's business.

I'm getting really REALLY sick of picking up these stinkers (they REALLY smell bad), and worried about the risk of disease to both my toddler (who runs around the garden as kids do - the lawn is especially troubling me) and to myself (still having chemo - not IV, but still..I'm at risk).

Any more suggestions? Please?

[GrubbyGirl]

Lion Poo, it really does work. It's called "Lions Roar".

[Lemon]

You have my full sympathies. I like cats too - but only the one at my mum's ('cos she lives 25miles away!) and not any in my garden!

After encountering this prob hubbs built me side panels from strips of wood to go around the raised beds. They are attached to corner posts and the panels have pea/bean netting stapled to them. Some have some other plastic green netting that we found in shed when we moved here. I throw more netting over the top and since hubbs made these last Spring, I've not had to scoop any smelly cat poop.

I've heard people say that cats are scared if they see their reflection as they think its another cat. Have you tried putting old/free cd's around the garden or full plastic water bottles?

[WeeGarden]

Hi Sonata,

I had the same problem too when I first started. They thought my veggie patch was toilet heaven with all the bare earth. I did everything - teabags with Deep Heat, grated lemon zest, black pepper, and still they kept coming. Eventually, I spent £20 on an ultrasonic emitter thing that detects motion and the cats haven't been back since.

It could be a combination of less bare earth, but I've relocated it to a new flower border I put in this weekend which is covered in bark - hopefully, they'll still keep away.

Best of luck!

[rogesse]

I've given up - my little darling has dug up so many pepper plants(and pooed there in)that I've given all but 3 to my neighbours (catless).

If I didn't love her, I'd be the proud owner of a very comfy pair of fluffy slippers by now.....

[rana]

There is so much competition for toilet space in my veg garden some of the local cats are now crapping on the lawn.

[sweetiepea]

Nice job lemon! I also use netting in this way too (but it's not as neat as yours) and it's a great success.

[Two_Sheds]

they will poo anywhere ... esp. dry bare earth, but also on the lawn and on gravel, without attempting to bury it.

Dirty little beggars.

I throw mud-bombs and make big RAARRRRR noises at them, to chase them away. (I'm never quick enough to grab a super-soaker, or they'd get that too)

[Sonata]

Lemon, your fences are lovely. No chance of me getting that here though. I think I might have to try lion poo (although I heard that doesn't work? I suppose that depends on the cats) or the emitter.

Rogesse, I would have thought your neighbours would have the same problem. We're catless, just get the poo (insert expressions of deep joy here).

TS, do you keep readymade mud bombs by the back door?

[Rabidbun]

Lion poo kinda worked for me, but ended up being a tenner every three weeks to be in sufficient strength (tried for around a month) and initially increased the pooing as they tried to out poo the lion!

I have now resorted to sticking chopsticks (disposable type ) into the border I am having most trouble with in the hope they jab their little catty behinds when they try and squat. Not sure what I'll be doing on the driveway though, as this is where they move to when I keep them off the border.

I used to have success with chilli powder (though washed off with rain, so again a bit of a pain) but have since heard that it can cause eye damage to the cats if they get it in there as some cats will scratch and scratch at their eyes. Not sure if that is an urban myth though as I only read that on a couple of sites while looking for solutions.

Szechuan peppercorns seemed to work quite well near the back door on the gravel last time I tried these.

[Lavenderblue]

There is a plant called scardy cat - it smells like errm, canabis and it seems to work. It appears that they don't like the smell at all and just one plant near our beds seems to keep them away and we are surrounded by cats - everyone else in the lane has one, we are the only ones that don't and well, you can imagine what our garden was like.... We bought it in the garden centre for about £3 or so. I am going to try and take cuttings to see if I can get more to swap with friends and replace this one should it calk it. Well worth our £3 so far!

[IgglePiggle]

There is a plant called scardy cat - it smells like errm, canabis and it seems to work. It appears that they don't like the smell at all and just one plant near our beds seems to keep them away and we are surrounded by cats - everyone else in the lane has one, we are the only ones that don't and well, you can imagine what our garden was like.... We bought it in the garden centre for about £3 or so. I am going to try and take cuttings to see if I can get more to swap with friends and replace this one should it calk it. Well worth our £3 so far!

This is it

Scardy Cat Plant

Its an annual so best save some seeds

[Polly Fouracre]

I have one persistent pussy-cat in our garden and he is after the chicks!! He is so un-afraid (cheeky? innocent??) that he waits for me to throw water over him before ambling away and is always back next day. I think a couple of muzzled whippets may be the final deterrant and I'll risk the wrath of my neighbours!

[Lavenderblue]

hmmm it doesn't look the same as that plant you posted Igglepiggle, I shall have a look at the label, it bl**y stinks.

[frias]

There is a plant called scardy cat - it smells like errm, canabis and it seems to work. It appears that they don't like the smell at all and just one plant near our beds seems to keep them away and we are surrounded by cats - everyone else in the lane has one, we are the only ones that don't and well, you can imagine what our garden was like.... We bought it in the garden centre for about £3 or so. I am going to try and take cuttings to see if I can get more to swap with friends and replace this one should it calk it. Well worth our £3 so far!

I've tried these plants and they worked for me. Easy to take cuttings but unfortunately plants aren't hardy.
Best of deterent I ever had was a very fiesty male cat who although neutered kept all other cats out of our garden and went elsewhere to do his business!