How to stop cats coming into the garden
We are a nation of pet lovers, however, some decide that a family pet is not for them which is their right. So how to stop cats coming into the garden…humanely.
The thing is if you don’t have a cat, why should you put up with your neighbour’s cat fouling in your garden. It works the same way if you have a cat.
Unfortunately, cats are known to destroy gardens by ripping up the felt on a shed roof, jumping and weakening fence panels, pooping all over the garden and destroying plants. We had to replace our roof numerous times over the years and the cost and time consumed was ridiculous.
If your neighbour’s cat is doing this to your garden, it is a real nuisance. Let’s face it, cat faeces are not a good fertiliser either. Cats tend to go back to the same spot and cleaning the area is not always possible.
We are not cat “haters”, but we are unfortunately at the mercy of our neighbour’s felines and the cost is racking up quite a bit!
If this sounds familiar, follow this guide to cat deterrents that work.
Follow our guide:
- Hose down any animal faeces you find in your garden daily.
- If you have a fish pond, cover it to protect your fish.
- Keep hedging/bushes and trees trimmed and the grass cut regularly.
- Fix wire or string approx 10 cm above your fence. This makes it extremely difficult for cats to balance on the fence.
- Invest in some fence/wall spikes. Place them on top of walls or fences in your outside space, cats find these uncomfortable to walk on.
- Cats are not keen on citrus smells. Grate some lemon skin and scatter it where cats defecate.
- Invest in a humane water-based deterrent or ultrasonic deterrent.
Products you could use:
Defenders Jet Spray Repeller Motion Activated Cat Deterrent


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This device is incredibly simple to set up, all you need to do is connect it to a garden hose. After installing this device in the back garden, cats will no longer be an issue. This battery-operated device fires a short 5-second burst of water when its sensor is triggered. After a short period of time, the animal stays away so you will not need to turn it on. It protects your home, pets, flowers, trees and it waters your lawn in the Summer whilst you are at work too! It is highly sensitive so if a family pet and/or family member wanders onto your lawn, they will get a soaking too!
In any event, if you want to put an end to picking up cat/fox poo when you don’t have a pet yourself, this is the one! We cannot highly recommend it enough.
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler


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If you have a larger garden, the Orbit Yard Enforcer is the easiest and most effective way to keep animals away from the garden, repel foxes, dogs, cats and other animals off the lawn. This product offers a level of simplicity and control. The Yard Enforcer motion-activated sprinkler is the proven way to protect a 1600 square foot area. Their motto is don’t hurt em, just squirt em. Humanely repels animals and keeps them out of plants, yards and gardens using a harmless spray of water. 24-hour protection when you want it. Simply press spike into soil or turf to firmly hold the Yard Enforcer in place. Sprays up to 70 feet in diameter, covering 3,840 square feet when set to a full circle. Includes sensing technology for optimum water and battery conservation; get over 7,500 activation cycles on just 4 AA alkaline batteries and as little as 2 cups of water per activation. Intelligent Sensing technology learns the difference between trees and animals, so your water will not activate every time the wind blows.
Pestbye® Battery Operated Motion Activated Waterproof Animal Repellent


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If you do not have an outside tap and hose, this device works beautifully (we have these on our driveway). This safe and humane way to keep foxes, cats and other unwanted pests out of your outside space. With an infrared PIR motion, each sensor detects the movement and body heat (reducing fake activation, extending battery life) up to 7m away activating the repeller to emit a high-frequency sound, that is almost inaudible to humans. Includes zinc coated ground stake and tab for fitting directly to a wall or fence. This repellent is fully weatherproof. The device requires 4 x AA Batteries and battery life varies depending on activations but feedback from customers varies between 6 weeks to several months.
Cat Watch Ultrasonic Deterrent
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If you are unable to use the water-based deterrent above, this has a very high success rate of stopping cats coming into your garden. It protects up to twice the area of other cat deterrents, works in all weather conditions, tested and approved by the RSPB, inaudible to humans and easy to set up.
Cat Scat Mat Deterrent for flower beds
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When you want to protect your flower beds or specific areas of your garden, this is ideal. Cut to size, it can be placed in the ground (soil) to stop those pesky cats or other animals digging or disturbing your garden.
Garden Fence/Wall Anti Climb Spikes


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These anti-climb wall/fence spikes are made from 99% post-consumer plastic waste that has been recycled and come in a range of colours to suit your structure. This product provides an effective deterrent against cats and other animals using your fence to gain access to your outside space. An added bonus is that it could deter intruders too! The product includes warning signs. Fits to tops of fences, gates, pipes, walls, sills etc. Designed to deliver maximum discomfort but minimum harm. The unique multi-hinge design allows easy fixing to angled surfaces. The strips measure 500mm x 45mm x 15mm (50mm longer than other brands) with UV sunlight & frost protection. An ideal deterrent against animals & birds whilst being discrete and not ruining garden views, multiple colours available. Can Be screwed, nailed or glued to your structure. This product is intended to be a none lethal visual deterrent to prevent intruders and deter unwanted animal visitors.
We hope you found our how to stop cats coming in the garden guide useful.