I have no problem with cats, and enjoy snuggling with a fine feline friend at the end of a hard day’s graft.
But, I don’t like cats on my lawns.
Unfortunately most cats like to use neighbouring gardens as lavatories, often instead of doing the deed on their own doorstep. They also like to eat the grass, like having a salad with the beautiful sparrow they have just murdered! Yep, cats are a catastrophic influence on our wildlife too, and estimated to kill 55 million birds each year and a total of around 275 million animals.
When the remains of these animals comes out the other end, it causes more problems in the garden. Cat faeces is not only really stinky, but it can carry harmful parasites, and is often buried in a hole in the flowerbeds which really messes up the border. Cat urine is equally smelly and equally damaging. The nitrogen in it can be absorbed into the lawn, and cause dead patches.
So if you’re sick of cats pissing and pooing on your lawn, and wondering why your neighbours can’t teach them to use a litter tray, it’s time to take back control and free yourself from having to deal with this unpleasant problem.
Here are some of the best cat deterrents to stop cats pooping on your lawn and messing up your prized garden. Be aware that while these products might work alone, for best results you should combine them to fortify your whole garden against those beastly felines!
Which is the Best Cat Deterrent for Your Lawn?
Table of Contents
I looked at all the most popular cat repellers, and considered the quality and effectiveness. The following three options are the best cat deterrents.
Best cat deterrent with flashing lights and sound
- The safe/humane way to keep cats and other unwanted pests (Dogs, Foxes, Squirrels, Rodents, some insects) out of your garden with fully adjustable sensitivity and frequency
- Infrared PIR motion sensor detects the movement and body heat (reducing fake activation, extending battery life) upto 7m away activating the cat repeller to emit a high frequency sound, irritating to the cat and almost inaudible to humans
- Easy set up - Includes zinc coated ground stake and tab for fitting directly to wall or fence. This cat repellent is fully weatherproof, you may leave outside in all weathers.
Put down the crossbow, the shotgun, or the bear trap. This cat repeller from Pestbye does a good job of humanely keeping cats, and foxes, squirrels etc, out of your garden with high-pitched noise that is irritating to cats and almost inaudible to humans. Typically you cannot hear the sound unless you get very close to the device,and even then barely.
It is easy to set up, and can be left outside in all weathers.
You can adjust the sound frequency to experiment, as all cats are different and may have different hearing levels.
For best results, buy a few and strategically place around the lawn for max coverage. Then watch and wait until the feline critters come to play.
On the downside, this runs on batteries which do require changing, typically every 4-6 weeks.
Note: Some users have reported that cats have not been deterred by the device initially, and have in fact tried to assert dominance by pissing on it or pooing near it. Never fear! This is normal behaviour and is simply the animals trying to send off a competitor, according to Pestbye. To allow this period to pass, you should wait at least 4 weeks before giving up on the device.
Best cat deterrent for fences
- EFFECTIVE AND HUMANE BIRD SPIKE: Stainless steel bird spikes are effective and humane that not only deter birds and other animals from landing and perching, but not cause serious damage to them. They act as a visual and physical deterrent which don’t allow animals to have access to a certain covered area. The pins on the bird deterrent spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land. These menacing looking bird barrier spikes also prevent burglars and other intruders from climbing on your fences.
- 14 BIRD SPIKE STRIPS WITH 15 FEET COVERAGE TO FIT ANY SURFACES: Each stainless steel bird spikes kit includes 14 strips. The size of each bird spike is 13" length X 1.1" width X 3.94" depth. You can use multiple rows of bird spikes strips for wider surfaces. With 15 feet coverage, these robust bird deterrent spikes for large birds and small birds can effectively stop different animals from landing on your window ledges, fences, rooftops, patio or anywhere they land or roost to avoid damage.
- EASY TO INSTALL&MAINTAIN WITH MINIMUM COST: The spike strips for birds have pre-drilled holes along the base.They are designed for fast and easy installation. For permanent placement,zip ties, screws or nails can be used for these bird repellent spikes. Compared with other bird deterrent products, these bird spikes for pigeons and other small birds require little or no maintenance, which is cost-effective. Note: The spike should not be installed until the waste and debris is properly removed.
Most gardens are surrounded by wooden or metal fences that represent no obstacle for lithe cats. But they will if you place these spikes on the top.
Simply screw in (or glue) these spikes to the top of your fence and deter cats from walking along the top of the fence.Yes, this may not prevent them getting in, but it’s an extra defence. (This is a war, remember!) Additionally, you will also give roosting pigeons a surprise! Soon your garden will be a sterile hellscape free of all animal life (only joking…).
Oh, and for those feline friends concerned for the cat’s health, the steel spikes are uncomfortable for a cat, but they shouldn’t cause damage. They are also easy to install, durable, and require no maintenance.
Be aware however, that some very clever cats have been known to outsmart the spikes,or simply vault over them with their superior athletic ability.
Best chemical cat deterrent for plants and flower beds
- Biodegradable deterrent granules coated with an effective natural active ingredient to humanely repel cats and dogs from gardens
- Easy-use shaker cap for effortless distribution of cat deterrent granules for gardens
- Treats up to 150 sq m of outdoor, garden areas including patios, lawns, flower beds and seed beds
These fragrant cat granules can be scattered in problem areas to deter repeat visitors, but you must clear out the poop first (wear gloves, and goggles, and a mask for the highly toxic stuff). With all traces of cat poop gone, scatter liberal amounts of the granules and hope for the best.
Be aware however, that some users have reported affecting other wildlife, including bees – which we really should be trying to protect!
Cat Deterrent FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about deterring cats from your garden.
Does catnip work as a deterrent?
Catnip actually contains nepetalactone, a chemical that often attracts cats. It won’t work as a deterrent, but perhaps you could convince your cat-owning neighbours to fill their own garden with catnip so their cats will roll around there instead of entering your territory.
Are cat deterrent spikes legal?
Cat spikes are legal, assuming they are not harmful to the cat. If a cat is injured as a result of your spikes, you may have a problem.
Are coffee grounds a cat deterrent?
Cats hate coffee grounds. They simply can’t abide that lovely earthy smell. So you could also try scattering coffee grounds in problem areas to keep cats away.
Will cat deterrents affect other animals?
Both cats and dogs can hear high frequencies, so an ultrasonic cat repeller might also repel dogs. Foxes, rodents, moles and other critters might also be affected. Sonic deterrents are not thought to affect birds.
Is there a plant stop cats pooing on my lawn
Lavender can be a good option as the fragrant aroma is pleasant for people (but not for felines)