Cats are great pets, but they aren't always the greatest companions to your indoor or outdoor gardens. From digging to urinating and defecating to chewing up your crops, it can be frustrating to deal with animals in your yard. And if you don't have a keen eye, you won't always be there to shoo them away.

Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions to ensure your yard and garden stay fresh and clean all summer long. And whether you've got a feline friend of your own or an outdoor cat has made your garden its personal bathroom, these tips and tricks will help you keep your yard free of kitty waste.

Tools You Will Need to Stop Cats from Pooping in the Garden

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Stopping cats from defecating in your yard means making it an unappealing spot to turn into their personal bathroom. So what exactly will you need to make this dream come true? Find all the tools and essentials down below.

• Citrus peels
• Mulch
• Sound motion sensors
• Essential oils
• Spray bottle
• Soap and water
• Motion activated sprinkler
• Litter and litter box

How To Stop Cats From Pooping In Your Garden

1. Citrus peels

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Like many animals, cats have a strong sense of smell. So, it only makes sense that if there's a scent they don't like in the garden, they'll stay away. As it turns out, cats dislike citrus, which includes lemons, limes, and oranges. This means that you can use peels or chopped citrus fruits in the soil to deter cats.

Using orange peels as a deterrent is also a great way to reuse your waste and use compost in your garden, which actually aids in the growth and maintenance of your plants because they are so high in nutrients. You can also tuck them beneath bushy plants to ensure your yard looks clean and well-maintained!

2. Sound motion sensors

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The element of surprise is another great way to keep cats out of your garden. This idea involves the installation of a sound motion sensor, which will pick up any movement and let out a high-pitched sound. The sound should be inaudible to humans but it will likely surprise your kitty, in turn deterring them from returning to the garden. Plus, they're usually quite minimal and won't affect the appearance of your garden.

3. Mulch the garden

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Cats like to use soil as a bathroom for a few reasons: they can easily hide it while also marking their territory. But if you cover the soft soil with something that's more uncomfortable to walk on, such as straw or rocks, your feline friend is more likely to avoid the area.

Mulch is also a great choice because it is beneficial to your garden. It saves water, keeps plants hydrated, provides nutrients, and prevents erosion.

4. Deterrent scent sprays

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As you already know, scents such as citrus work well to deter cats. If you're not interested in placing a few citrus peels in your yard, you can always make a mixture with water using essential oils! Lavender, peppermint, citrus, and cinnamon essential oils are the best options.

Some essential oils can be toxic if the cat ingests or inhales them, so it's important to ensure they are diluted. Mix a few drops of essential oil into water and spray the soil directly, avoiding the foliage and flowers of the plants. Your kitty friend should steer clear once they walk nearby and get a whiff.

5. Keep the soil clean

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Keeping the soil free of waste and clean from any scents of urine or fecal matter could stop them from returning. Once they've marked their territory, cats tend to revisit the same spot. So, while you try other options detailed in this guide, it is also beneficial to clean the soil with a mixture of soapy water.

6. Motion-activated sprinkler

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It's no secret that cats don't like water, especially if it takes them by surprise. A motion-activated sprinkler is a great option to keep cats out of the garden since it will turn on every time it detects movement, in turn wetting the cat. This should continue to scare them away and they will eventually associate the garden with getting a spritz of water.

Installing a sprinkler is also efficient since your plants will get a little drink at the same time. Plus, it should keep other animals out of your garden as well. Just be sure that the water will cover all the areas you're trying to protect!

7. Install an outdoor litter box

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If your cat (or any felines nearby) happen to be turning your garden into a bathroom, chances are they're in need of the loo! The simplest solution here is to provide them with a litter box. There are plenty of aesthetically pleasing options and you can keep it out of sight by placing it behind a tree or plant. While you'll be on clean-up duty, it should at least keep the cats out of your garden!

In Summary

As it turns out, there are plenty of ways to keep cats out of your garden safely and easily without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Many of these options are completely natural and you may already have them in your own home. Otherwise, you may have to spend a few bucks on a sprinkler or motion sensor!

And if you really want to ensure that your cats stay clear of your garden, try using a few of the options in conjunction with one another. A scent deterrent, as well as uncomfortable ground and a sprinkler system, will definitely ensure they turn the other way!

So, let us know down below, which of these options will you try in your garden? For more pet-friendly landscaping ideas, check out this guide.