‘They don’t like it!’ 23p hack ‘works well’ at ‘stopping cats pooing in your garden’ – and they won’t come back

IF you’re not a cat owner, then having someone else’s pet use your garden as a toilet can be extremely frustrating. 

Luckily, several gardeners shared their natural hacks to deter cats from pooing on your land. 

In a Facebook community group, Donna Maria Tina Nicol asked: "Hi, does anyone know how to deter cats and foxes from fouling on my lawn it's so bad. Thank you in advance."

More than 140 people commented on the post, and the majority recommended using citrus in a variety of ways to deter cats. 

Vivienne Lewis-Abel wrote: "[I] had this problem with cats. Put orange and lemon peel around the front garden. None since."

Jessica Debon added: "They don’t like citrus. I used lemon-scented bin smelly powder stuff and it kept the foxes away."

James Beadles said orange peel “works a treat” for stopping cats pooing in your garden. 

Jill Jones explained how she uses citrus in her garden: “Cats and dogs don't like citrus. 

“Orange, lemon or lime peel will help.

"Pure lemon or lime juice sprayed about will also be a deterrent.” 

All supermarkets sell lemons and they can be picked up for as little as 23p. Oranges are around 30p each. 

There are a few other strong smells cats are said to dislike that are also natural.

Lavender is said to be a "great way to keep toileting tomcats at bay".

also suggested using bananas.

The pet insurance company explained: "Believe it or not, cats dislike the smell of bananas, so scattering some finely chopped, overly-ripe banana around your plants might be enough to protect them from being used as a loo.

"However, it’s best not to leave banana out too long, in case it attracts pests!"

If citrus peels, lavender or banana doesn't work, why not try using pepper, garlic or chillies? 

Chris Blyth commented:: "I used garlic granules - worked in my garden."

Shelly Bond said: "Put chillies in water and spray your lawn."

Mandy Newman posted: "Pepper works for me…but have to do every couple days. When it rains do it again. Hope this helps."

You can also place pebbles or bark around your plants or in your borders.

As adventurous as cats can be, most of them don’t like paths that are rocky or uncomfortable under foot.

Placing pebbles between plants will prevent felines from fouling around your flowers.

Cats have the right to roam by law and are legally allowed to visit your garden.

Animal Friends

It is also an offence, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to harm a cat in any way (even by accident).

So, you need to carefully consider the methods you choose to stop cats who make a mess in your garden.

If cats pooing in your garden becomes a big issue, contact a local vet for advice.

Why do cats poo in other people's gardens?

Scent marking

Cats usually keep it clean and bury their pool, but some like to mark their territory.

A cat pooing in the open is called middening, and they’re telling other felines your garden is off-limits.

This type of open-air scent marking tends to happen in places with a large population of cats.

Personal preference

Cats are curious creatures and some felines find gardens perfect for pooing.