cats

dambuster wrote (see)

Hi, I have a BIG problem with cats messing on my garden. It doesn't matter if the soil is freshly dug or not, does anyone have a proven solution? Thanks.

This subject come up every few weeks-if you use the search facility at the top of the page you will find links to previous discussions-here is just one

http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/problem-solving/cats/5487.html

Wherever there is any exposed earth (usually freshly turned, but not necessarily) I stick short lengths of bamboo cane into them (the earth, not the cat ) and so they can't get in to dig.

I also found that pepper dust (from garden ctr) works well to deter, though you do have to apply after rain.

There is one cat in particular who is very brazen and she additionally needs the odd squirt of water from the hose to keep her at bay

I've also heard that you can buy animal deterrent sonic machines, from places like Robert Dyas, which work by emitting a very high frequency burst of waves that animals such as cats, dogs and foxes dislike, without causing them any harm - battery or main operated.

Luckily for me I never had to resort to this, as the cats have now gotten the message.

I see.

My garden is small, so it's a bit easier.

Between the roses I have lots of small canes and I also liberally sprinkle pepper dust - works very well there.

If your garden is large, perhaps the sonic repellant is for you - it only switches on when it detects movement. My parents have it on their patio and balcony, where it works 100%

Good luck!

I find twigs work just fine - used prunings from large fuschia in the spring - but was surprised to find lots of them started growing.  Not sure if this is a good or bad thing!

i agree about the pepper it has worked very wel for me.

Orange peel,soot,a water pistol or you can get a sort of hooter that frightens them off.Cats can be annoying and their pooh uninviting but they will keep those rats and mice from multiplying.never a easy solution.

@ Carolinesmith & flowering rose

Twigs would do exactly the same asmy chopped up bamboo canes.

It's a question of interrupting their habit really - once they are irritated by your efforts to deter them, they'll figure it's easier to go elsewhere (like a neighbour's garden instead ) and stop coming to you.

I've had cats of my own and did the same with them.

As a cat owner [my sons] I have no problem with squirts of water, or even a sponge ball, but please do not use those laser beam lights or throw stones like my neighbour does [his garden is 100% decked]. The laser damages the cats eyes and the stones have cut and injured my cats numerous times [he caught the corner of ones eye]. He has the laser sound thing but has it set on loud which is unneccessary apparantly. I prefer my cats to go in my garden and one way of keeping other cats out is to have cats of your own. I would suggest underplanting things like roses, perhaps with cranesbill or something [Rosemoor does it to great effect] as cats like open soil. Pea netting just laid on the soil is quite good. I am sorry that cats aren't more controllable but my cats belong to my son and I got him them when his father left 9 yrs ago so they do mean a lot and I believe that caring for them has helped him be the kind, considerate 15 yr old he is now.

I have 3 cats and i dont mind the neighbours squirting them with water. I keep pots around the garden with soil in that mine use. Throwing stones is just cruel. Have put sticks etc in some pots to stop them and they all rooted. Yet more plants to find homes for.

Orange peel cut up into tiny pieces seems to be working for me and looks quite decorative around my miniature roses.