How do I keep an unknown neighbor's cat from peeing on my front porch, furniture and cushions?

by Kelly S

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We can't use a motion sensor water scarecrow because it would get the delivery people all wet too.

how do i keep an unknown neighbor s cat from peeing on my front porch furniture and, We now have a gate across the stairs at the top but it just weaves around it from the steps

We now have a gate across the stairs at the top but it just weaves around it from the steps.

91 answers

Jeanette S on Oct 19, 2012
Move? I am not a cat person, but I don't hate them either...have actually seen some that I might have like to have had but their famlies would not give them to me...but I do hate the way cat people do not think they are responsible to keep their cats in. From the look of your place, you can put a barrier attached at the bottom of the railing. They sell materials for this or you can make your own. Cats cant climb up and backward too...it would be like their walking along the bottom of a limb...they can't do it. Then put in a solid gate that swings in with the same treatment on top. Making your own should not be expensive once you get the concept. Paint to match.

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Linda@nothingbutblueskyes on Oct 19, 2012
moth balls??

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Kelly S on Oct 19, 2012
@ Jeanette S I thought about 2 gates but the cat apparently has learned how to get up on the stairs from the side, walk the stairs and then maneuver to the deck around th gate at the top. It's a big fluffy thing but I can't tell which house it belongs to. With all the peeing I think it's an unfixed male. I don't hate cats, just cat pee.

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- Hershel on Jan 11, 2022
  
  12 GUAGE
  
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Kelly S on Oct 19, 2012
@Linda Matson , I'll try the mothballs after halloween. I don't want the little goblins and princesses to pick it up thinking it was stray candy.

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Linda@nothingbutblueskyes on Oct 19, 2012
Yes, I understand. I have 2 Huskies. They are always sniffing out the feral cats in my yard and under my deck. If I put down the moth balls, I think I will have 2 very sick dogs. They will eat almost anything!!

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Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls on Oct 19, 2012
What a great question Kelly, I too have this problem and would be interested to know if there is a solution. To keep unwanted critters away from ponds we use something called a scare crow that is a sprinkler that senses motion and turns on for a quick blast of water and shuts off again.

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Sharron W on Oct 19, 2012
Go to the "Hunting store" or Sporting goods area of your Walmart, Kmart...whatever... and get some bobcat or cougar urine....put in on cotton balls and throw them on the ground around the bottom of your porch. If it rains replace them, do this for a month or so and the house cat will think a larger predator has moved in and will stay away...Also keep a "Super Soaker" on the porch full of water and if you happen to see him approaching shoot in his direction....this also will let him know you do not welcome his visits....I used the Bobcat urine and It got rid of the neighbor cat from our yard for several years....he's only recently started coming back cause he's getting old... and I haven't done anything to keep him away in 4-5 years...

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TRD Designs Ltd. on Oct 19, 2012
Spray No Chew around the couch legs and apron.....that should work.

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Home Repair Tutor on Oct 19, 2012
I feel your pain Kelly, we've had the same issue. Let us all know what the outcome is after Halloween :)

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3po3 on Oct 19, 2012
I'm not sure how well this applies to a porch, but I had a neighborhood cat using a planter out front for its bathroom (grrrrrrr). I sprinkled cayenne pepper and citrus peels around in the planter, and that kept the cat away. Maybe you could put pepper and citrus in some containers on the porch, so you don't have rotting fruit and staining spices on your furniture.

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Kelly S on Oct 19, 2012
@ Sharon W, I'll try that. I also thought of other large predatory animals myself. The scarecrow sprinkler will also get the FEDEX and postal delivery people so I don't want to do that. lol The cat is pretty but won't come near when we are out there. It only seems to come around at night, the cushions are soft and out of the weather so I can't blame it but grrrrr it could go home to pee. It used to make our dog, Harley Bear <3, mad and she would bark at it. We had to put her to sleep Tuesday night so now it's even more frustrating.

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Kelly S on Oct 19, 2012
@ Steve G, will try this when I bring a couple of the pots and the potato bag up on the deck for the winter. Not bad cat, just bad cat servants.

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Sharron W on Oct 19, 2012
Cat's CAN be carriers of Toxoplasmosis, a seriously dangerous disease if you are unlucky enough to get it from them using your planters for their bathroom...Don't use the cayenne pepper, it causes burns on their skin that look like cigarette burns on their skin...but it doesn't happen fast enough that they "learn" to equate the punishment with the "deed". Use your Miracle Grow sprayer to put lysol 4-1 Orange or Lemon in and hose off your porch and outdoor furniture to get rid of the smell otherwise it will always attract him once he's marked it. If you suspect that he's used your pots for the bathroom, dump the dirt and use boiling water and lysol to scrub the pots. ANY time you are doing yard work or work in the flower pots, WEAR GLOVES, and scrub your hands throughly when you finish. When you repot your planters, use PINE CONES on top of the dirt, it pricks their feet and they don't like it...they also don't like "sticky" so many people use Tape double sided or scotch tape in various places , for example if he squeezes between your posts on the porch rail....you could try using scotch tape and running a couple of rows in and out...weaving it among the posts where he enters...he may still come in , ONCE, but usually once they get in the "sticky" they won't come that way again. AND of course you could always put up Plexiglas ...effectively "screening" in your porch...

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LandlightS on Oct 19, 2012
As the old joke goes....leave out a bowl of milk with some gasoline added. Eventually the cat will run out of gas........Sorry, but good luck with your neighbors cat. Gary

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- Beans on Jul 09, 2022
  
  I seem to have a terrible time putting aπtifreeze in my car. I'm always spilling it in the driveway.
  
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Anna Marie A on Oct 19, 2012
Bitter Apple spray from Petco or Petsmart

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Anna Marie A on Oct 19, 2012
Will not harm the cat and it works. Bitter Apple spray every day

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Kelly S on Oct 19, 2012
I'll try the double sided tape on the stair treads and pinecones around the railing. I also could use duct tape inside out. I don't want to plexi off my railing because I shouldn't be held prisoner on my own porch. I want to be able to sit in the chair and enjoy the sound of the chimes and the smell of the fresh air not the neighbor's cat. I planned on cleaning the furniture with Dawn dish soap and using and enzime cleaner on the cushions and then drying them in the dryer. If that doesn't work I'll try the "big" cat lure or maybe "big" dog. But then I could end up with half the neighbor hood up there lol.

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Sharron W on Oct 20, 2012
Well they also sell Wolf Urine and other animals....I know the Bobcat did the trick for us....I would want something not just to get rid of the smell on the porch and cushions, but also something that is a germicidal....PLUS the Lysol contains the citrus scent that Steve said helped keep them off his porch, that's why I suggested that....But if you throw the cotton Balls on the ground down below your porch, then I was thinking you might keep them from ever going all teh way up there.... Plus when I was suggesting Plexiglas....I really meant on the inside of your porch railing and as a "gate" at the top of the stairs...it's clear, it's smooth and if it only goes to the top of the rail you are still out in nature... If you put it on the street side of the rail....it's also slick and smooth and doesn't give them anything to help them climb up on the porch...so it was just an idea...And Bitter Apple as someone suggested sprayed on the lower steps and in the area you know they climb on the porch couldn't hurt...The idea is to convince him that he'd be happier almost ANYWHERE Else! LOL LOL Good luck let us know how you do....

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Kelly S on Oct 20, 2012
I'm going for everything but the lure this weekend. It's raining all weekend so I have to wash everything on the porch and let the furniture air dry. I will let all know how it works. I never see the fluffy bugger since it's started getting dark shortly after I get home but I can see the spots on the deck and know he's been there.

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Jeanette S on Oct 20, 2012
Keep in mind that some of those sprays to ward off animals smell bad too. We tried one in our house to stop our puppy from peeing in the house and my friend told me to stop using it because it was worse! We trained the puppy and sprayed Odoban. You might find this at Sams club or walmart...if not, get it on line! It is the best for removing smells!

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Laura D on Oct 20, 2012
Cats constantly left their fur on my from porch seat cushions where they made a lovely bed...fortunately they didn't urinate on them! But I was constantly having to monitor and shew them away, finally I decided to simply flip the cushions up when I was finished sitting on the porch, the cushions were no longer enjoyable to them in that position and I wasn't having to vacuum fur constantly!!! I am curious to see how you stop them from urinating, the ones around me are fixed so maybe that is why they don't...good luck!!

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Kelly S on Oct 20, 2012
I think it's an unfixed male. My husband suggested putting metal screen material on the railing going up the steps and along the porch. That would physically keep the cat out so that we can enjoy our porch. We can try the sticky stuff and the pinecones at the same time. If it manages to get around all that then mothballs and other nasty smelling stuff will be next. The last resort is a live trap. I would then take the cat in the trap door-to-door to find out which neighbor I need to have a talk with. I won't hurt the cat, it's just being a cat. They don't know what he's doing or where he's at obviously.

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KMS Woodworks on Oct 20, 2012
A Sling shot and some BB's...and a 14 year old neighbor kid. By "unknown" the cat does not have tags?...if it has tags catch him and call the neighbors and tell them their cat has ruined your stuff. Tell them to keep him inside or you will take him to the pound. no tags take him to the pound...some shelters require that they get neutered as part of the retrieval process. around my house cats are either indoor pets or fox and coyote food.

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Sharron W on Oct 20, 2012
The Pinecones have to be "fixed" in place or they will simply kick them off....that is why I said put them in your flower pots and/or flower beds....cause you can push them into the dirt so the cat can't move them....

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Kelly S on Oct 20, 2012
@KMS Woodworks I only saw the cat once but my hubby has seen him several times. I couldn't get him to come to me to check for tags. I don't want to take a known pet to the pound but I will if everything else fails, and I can get him in a live trap. @ Sharon W My plan for the pinecones is to wire them in bundles and then wire the bundles to the deck and railing. Thanks for the reminder to secure them. Lots to do today on top of the regular laundry and cleaning stuff.

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Sharron W on Oct 20, 2012
@Kelly S Pretty smart to Wire them in place..... realistically....you "Could" make tehm look like you are starting to decorate for christmas....LOL Also someone above said they "stood" the pillows up when they left the porch and the cat couldn't enjoy them so it quit coming.....what about a storage bin on the porch that you could put the pillows in when you left? or each night before you went to bed?

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Vicki on Oct 20, 2012
we do have plms w/ loose dogs or dog owners not to clean up after their dogs "droppings" on my yard. I was told to use black pepper and it worked! When dogs or cats try to sniff first to use bathroom and they ended up to achoo and left right away.

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Sherrie S on Oct 20, 2012
I've been working on a heron issue and found a Solar Rotating Head owl. It scares birds, dogs, cats, etc., Hope it scares the heron. I bought it on Amazon.

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Sharron W on Oct 21, 2012
@Sherrie S Oooooh that's an idea! I didn't even think of the Hooting owl that rotates his head....I bet that would scare a cat....especially if you move it regularly so it's not always in the same place...

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Kelly S on Oct 21, 2012
Thanks Sharron W and Sherris S. I thought of a barking dog or a snarling hissing big cat motion sensor thing but don't know where I could find that. Solar powered items don't work as well here, this time of year, because our sunshine if mostly filtered by lots of clouds.

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TJB-INC Landscape Contractor on Oct 22, 2012
Trapping and relocating is always an option. We had a problem with a neighbor who had 36 feral cats who thought my yard was the best place to go to the bathroom. I called the local animal control and was told to either trap or eliminate the cats by putting out dishes of green antifreeze flavored with tuna oil. (sorry cat lovers) In our town, cats are considered wild animals not domesticated so these methods were allowed. Needless to say, I was able to reduce the population in a matter of a couple of weeks. As a animal lover, I had trouble with the methods but 36 feral cats can turn a vegan into a meat lover very quickly.

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WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson on Oct 25, 2012
A call to your local animal control will probably be able to outline your options.

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Kelly S on Oct 25, 2012
Moving the gate closer to the steps and scrubbing the deck with enzyme cleaner has worked so far. Keeping my fingers crossed. It's a neighbor's pet so a live trap and a trip to the humane society is my last option. I just don't know which neighbor.

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Sharron W on Oct 25, 2012
Well I was going to suggest that you put a note on kitty, then I remembered you said you couldn't catch him...

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Kelly S on Oct 25, 2012
The stinker is only out there in the day when we are at work or at night after we go to bed. No stains for a week, yaahooo.

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Sharron W on Oct 25, 2012
Well if he actually DOES show back up....you could "trap" him and put a sign on the cage in your front yard....if you own this cat....come and get him...and lets talk...LOL LOL!

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Kelly S on Oct 26, 2012
I was thinking of going door to door and say if this happens again I won't be keeping him that I would take him to the humane society for them to handle because obviously they( the human servants) can't. Dogs have human parents, cats have servants. lol I love most all critters but not when they are damaging my property.

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Bernice H on Jun 24, 2013
Hey @Kelly S did you solve your problem????What worked? I also have a neighbor cat who likes to mark my slider..i spray every couple of days with vinegar, he doesn't seem to spray again until I forget long enough . I can see his spray on the slider. But the vinegar seems to get rid of the smell while at the same time seems to make it uninviting! And is not bad smelling for me either, it dissipates, but cats have much better smell than we do. I recently had a very young cat, show up at my door.After a couple of days I started feeding her, I couldn't bear it. She was so sweet. However after a week I understood we had been adopted, so not knowing to whom she belonged..i took her and got her spayed and shots..i could just envision all the kitties she could produce just like her, uncared for. Then the next week I took her to the humane society and they took her to petsmart for adoption. I miss her, but my old cat wouldn't eat with her here. BUT if that other cat shows up AGAIN, I will trap him with tuna and take him to the pound, then let the neighbor know where he is!!!! I have spoken to her 2 times about this. And also the manager. He is still running loose. I LOVE CATS! but not sprayers!

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Teri on Jun 24, 2013
My friend HAD the same problem. He went to garage sales and 2nd hand stores and picked up those motion fish that hang and sing "Don't worry be Happy". When the cats showed up the fishes started singing and scared the cat away.He also hung them by his garden and it worked on the deer too.

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TJ on Jun 24, 2013
Teri - I had a good chuckle over your suggestion - Its the best reuse for those motion fish that I have ever heard. I am going to try this in my gardens to scare off whatever it is that loves to bed down in the middle of my white bleeding hearts. I had a problem with a neighbor's cat thinking that my bird feeders and bird houses were set out for its recreation and dining pleasure. I had to live trap it and take it to the humane society before my husband shot it with his air rifle.

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Bernice H on Jun 25, 2013
@Teri too funny!! @Kelly S There you go! Singing fish! ha. You could put them on your totems! hahah Sorry..but I am getting a chuckle over this! ♥

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Jeri Turner on Jun 25, 2013
what can you do when the cats are using your flower beds as a litter box? The flies are driving us crazy!!!!!!

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Kelly S on Jun 26, 2013
I put small square lattice about 30" tall around the flower bed at the old house to keep the cats out. They were too big to jump it or crawl through it. 30" is my inseam so I had to stand on tip toes to get over it to work in the flower bed. It worled. Live trapping seems to have worked as the cats haven't came back. I did spot a raccoon walking through the front yard 2 days ago. I hope it doesn't decide to like my front porch with the rest of it's family. Love the idea of the fish but I know hubby wouldn't.

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Donna A on Jun 26, 2013
This is a horrible problem I also have been having for at least the last 10 years ..The cats have ruined the dirt in my front yard and whenever we have a heavy rain you can walk outside afterwards and smell the cat urine. I have talked to the neighbors and told them I would call animal control but it hasn't made a difference except the neighbors now do not talk or wave to me.

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Vicki on Jun 29, 2013
same here w/ donna a, I asked my side neighbor if he could keep his cat inside his house or have his cat on leash and he told me that he could not. Naturally, I called animal control because we were getting tired of bury dead song birds almost every day and he came to collect those dead songbirds which proved that it was from the cat bites. That day he was here and happened to see his cat walking across the road to his front yard. he asked me if that was his cat and I said yes. he went over but he was not home and left "ticket" on his front door. Sure enough, he was mad and screaming over my side fence and we just walked inside quiet. Also, his other side neighbor told him not to leave dried cat food at his back yard deck that caused more problems with stray cats, Chipmunk , rats, etc...... we do love cats very much. I used to have my cat for 22 years that lived inside my house. he does not talk or wave to us for years. that is ok with us.

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Squirlan on Jun 29, 2013
Folks, there is a hot pepper I have sprinkled in my flower beds in the past, but cannot find it in my spices. Wish I could remember it and also to keep them out of your flower beds....moth balls work wonders, but you will also have to smell them.

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- Donna A on Mar 11, 2014
  @Squirlan Moth balls do not work either.
  
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Sharron W on Jul 01, 2013
I just bought a "scarecrow" that hooks to the hose and sprays water at anything that moves...50 bucks it was a GREAT investment...LOL I heard the neighbors cat Mewing today, but he won't come near my yard...lol

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- Lisa Best on Feb 26, 2014
  @Sharron W where did you get this
  
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Charlene Myers on Jul 02, 2013
I installed an inexpensive camera by the porch glider that is accessible through my computer. It was motion activated. When the cat did their business I had proof as to which neighborhood animal was not a good neighbor. I sent a CD copy and a bill for replacement cushions to the cat's owner. The neighbor paid and the cat was sent to a farm out of town. No argument, no tolerating obnoxious odor and we are still good neighbors towards each other.

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TJ on Jul 02, 2013
Squirian, could it have been Cayenne Pepper that you tried before? I have used that for a few applications like when one of my dogs started digging holes.

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Teri on Jul 03, 2013
The only thing about Cayenne pepper is if it rains you have to put it down again. So where I live it really doesn't work well. My mom tryed to use it but she had to put it down every night.It still didn't work for her. They do have now all kinds of stuff at our local pet store just for cats doing their business. My niece works at pet-smart and said they have a few that really do work. There's nothing worse than cat urine smell. Yuck!

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Sherrie S on Jul 03, 2013
@Sharron W I have that waterblast scarecrow for my KOI pond & it works. Glad it worked for you.

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Kelly S on Jul 03, 2013
I don't want to get any delivery people all wet, otherwise I would use the scarecrow. We used a live trap and so far none of them have came back. I guess they didn't like being in kitty jail. It doesn''t look like they are using the flower beds either since I haven't found any evidence.

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Sharron W on Jul 05, 2013
@Sherrie S Thanks to Your suggestion! I LOVE that thing, I've been trying for years to keep that cat away from my birds...this is as good as it gets as far as I'm concerned...

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Sharron W on Jul 05, 2013
@TJ, @Teri The thing about Cayenne is it BURNS the animal....I had an issue with critters in the compost bins and because they are 4'x4'x4' I thought it was either squirrels or raccoons...OR (god forbid) Rats! Turned out it was my very athletic Rottweiler....and she had what appeared to be cigarette burns on her belly, and it took weeks to get them completely cleared up...and it was from the cayenne pepper...I've never put it out again and never will...The idea that it would make tehm not want to be around because of the smell obviously didn't work and I had no idea it would produce skin blistering...but it was seriously bad...

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Sharron W on Jul 05, 2013
I don't think the water scarecrow is out of the question, I adjusted mine so it moves exactly to the edge of the driveway...it's the noise and the spraying water that will startle and confuse him and if it happens often enough, he'll find somewhere else to go...hopefully home to his own house!

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Mabeline on Feb 24, 2014
Go to the pet store and ask about the products to get cats to stop "spaying". They are a bit pricey. Look at the ingredients - basically thyme and other spice oils are in them. You can probably make your own concoctions at a better price.

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Kelly S on Feb 24, 2014
Well at least one of them is back or we have a new sprayer getting on the porch. Time to break out the kitty jail again. They don't like the live trap and are usually glad to get out and stay out. I'm also going to check on the water scarecrow to see if they can be on a timer because the mystery sprayer only shows up at night. I just wish people would keep their critters contained. I love animals but not when all they do is pee on my cushions and furniture.

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Sheryl Johnson on Feb 26, 2014
It's so unfortunate that people decide to keep pets but don't invest the time to train them. I've kept cats since I was a child growing up on a farm. The solution to owning a cat in "town" is very simple. Don't let them out. Or, if you choose to let your pet out, you go out as well. Period. You get a half hour sitting on the back porch with an ice tea, and the cat stays out of mischief because you are there to keep an eye out. All my cats through the years caught on very quickly to the fact that if I wasn't outside, they weren't supposed to be out. Of course there were times when one would get past me as I leaned through the door to get mail, etc. But if I didn't notice, and shut them outside alone, my cat would and DO stay at the door and cry. So long as owners provide outdoor attention and indoor toys for exercise no kitty should be a neighbor's problem.

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- Donna A on Mar 03, 2014
  @Sheryl Johnson The world would be a better place if more people were like you. Not only do you take of your pets you obviously love and care about them too.
  
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White Oak Studio Designs on Feb 26, 2014
We live in the country and "the cat lady" lives down the road. She will have 12-15 or more cats at any one time-not trained, not kept on her property no tags/bells, no shots. Her cats comes to our yard/garden and kills our birds and tempts our Labrador retriever (which is a hunting dog that is licensed and well cared for) to chase it and run out into a main roadway-which is dangerous. Last year this cat came and killed all the baby birds in nests low enough to the ground to reach. I am furious. We have tried every other option. This may offend some of you, and I apologize if it does, but this year my husband is going to shoot and bury this cat. In this county the law says you have a right to do this on your property. I'd rather it be less violent but nothing else has worked. Why do we have to be held hostage by her cats that she is not caring for?

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- Rhonda Nusom on Feb 27, 2014
  @WIhite Oak Studio Designs
  
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- Milagro C on Mar 07, 2014
  @White Oak Studio Designs I totally agree with you. I too have a neighbor that feeds and houses the feral cats in her garage. When she leaves for work, she leaves the a space between the garage and the ground slightly open so that the cats can have access. They come over to my yard to kill the birds and defecate on the ground. Someone said that if I use moth balls they will not bother coming around. I have had several discussions with this person, but to no avail. She currently is housing four cats in her house, and about 3-4 that come around for the food.
  
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Sharron W on Feb 27, 2014
@Lisa Best Amazon sells it, it's called the scarecrow...

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Sherrie S on Feb 28, 2014
Yes that scarecrow does work & I also like that awful Singing Fish - that's enough to get rid of all wildlife including humans @Sharron W

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Kelly S on Feb 28, 2014
I've never tried the singing fish, I bet I could find one at a thrift store since there's no way I'm paying full price for it. lol

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Janet Smith on Feb 28, 2014
I would set a humane animal trap and capture that kitty. Return him to your neighbor the first time. The second time he pees on your porch, take him to the pound and let the neighbor pick him up and pay the fine. We had a problem with neighbor's cats pooping in our flowerbeds. We tried everything (sprays, pepper, squirt bottle with water) and finally did set a trap (recommended by animal control). In our city, cats and dogs are not allowed to roam freely. We had no more problems with cat poop in the flowerbeds after animal control picked up the cat and the owner was fined.

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- Kelly S on Feb 28, 2014
  @Janet Smith we trapped 3 different ones back in 2012 but I think one is back or we have a new visitor. we'll be setting the trap again if the water scarecrow doesn't work. I don't know which neighbor the night visitor belongs too; however I can go door-to-door with the trapped cat and return it. If no one claims it then it will have to go to the humane society.
  
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Janet Smith on Mar 01, 2014
We caught 5 cats over a two week period.. Three were feral and very wild, one was tame but had no collar and one belonged to our neighbor down the street. We took all of them to the pound. We had repeatedly asked the neighbor to keep his cat at home, but he wasn't terribly concerned or cooperative so Animal Control said to just bring him in to them and they'd take care of it. The neighbor did retrieve him once. The second time we caught him and took him in we didn't see him after that. Either they got rid of him or were keeping him inside. Having that many cats in my yard was terrible because of the smell and because I am highly allergic to them. If I'm around a cat too long or even where a cat has been, I start having serious problems breathing so it was difficult for me to work in my yard.

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Katie on Mar 01, 2014
I live trap them and take them to the local Humane Society (even if I know who they belong to). Eventually, the owners get tired of paying to get them back and keep them inside. It's incredibly irresponsible and disrespectful to neighbours to let them roam free. They are part of the reason for the declining song-bird population. Can you imagine the outcry if I simply pushed my dogs out the front door every morning?

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White Oak Studio Designs on Mar 02, 2014
Here in SW Michigan we have to pay to take an animal to a shelter as it costs a lot of money to keep an animal in a shelter these days. We ONLY have a kill shelter too. Too many folks in my community who own these animals won't pay to retrieve them, they just get another animal. At our township meeting a report told us that there are hundreds of stray animals in my township taken to the shelter - MORE than any other township in the entire county. It's very sad. Most of the animals here are not spayed, are not licensed or have any vet care. Too many "watch dogs" are chained outside all winter long in the bitter cold. As a responsible animal lover, I find this very, very sad.

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Kelly S on Mar 02, 2014
That is awful. I used to have indoor/outdoor cats and now I understand what problems they can be. If we ever got another cat and my husband says no, it would be an indoor cat only or I would build a cat run. Our Big Boy was a rescue from the neighbor who had him in an outdoor kennel 24/7. It was a nice kennel but he wasn't socialized with the family much, not chipped, not fixed and not housebroken. He's all that now. He'll steal you spot on the couch or bed if you get up.

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Jan B on Mar 07, 2014
@30 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.Katiefrom Canada, I'm with you! Why it's ok for cats to roam is beyond me. I have an indoor cat, which people say is an invitation for outdoor cats to spray my front & back porch furniture. Our humane society doesn't seem to offer suggestions, and they ask for $$ when you turn in a trapped cat. I have petless neighbors who throw cat food out on the main sidewalks because they feel for these pests. If they only saw the cats eating the birds & lizards in my backyard! I hate that my patio cushions are constantly destroyed.

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White Oak Studio Designs on Mar 07, 2014
It's a rough situation for many. I wish that animal control was more cooperative but they have more cats in the shelter than they can feed. Without being spayed, the situation will only get worse.

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- Linda C on Mar 10, 2014
  @White Oak Studio Designs I have the same problem here in Trowbridge Township with my neighbor. He thinks a cat should roam. It scratches my car, gets into everything that's not nailed down and scatters it all over, poops in my barns, eats my birds and chases my chickens when they are out. He won't do anything about it. It is a nice cat and it's not the cats fault but I've about had it!! I have lots of flower and vegetable beds so pepper is out and as you say the animal shelter won't do anything.
  
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Don Payne on Mar 10, 2014
Sprinkle red pepper powder, cat walks in it then lickes his paws and will never come back there again

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- See 1 previous
- Allison Robbins on Mar 14, 2014
  @Don Payne That's inhumane. The scarecrow is better.
  
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- Irene on Apr 06, 2014
  @Don Payne It wont hurt the cat and if it keeps the cat out why not do it.
  
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Donna A on Mar 11, 2014
I have tried the red pepper and it doesnt work. :(

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Allison Robbins on Mar 14, 2014
The cats aren't going to know where it was from. It's the owner you should be cruel to, not the animals. Try the scarecrow, maybe even wind chimes (for the neighbour)

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Kelly S on Mar 14, 2014
The front of my porch is lines with wind chimes which don't repel, the critters. I'm getting the scarecrow sprinkler on payday and see what happens.

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Bernice H on Dec 03, 2014
Hey @Kelly S , this conversation came up again, have you solved your problem?it was fun rereading it all again. I think the singing fish is a great idea! And i bet your hubs has a sense of humor too, so not to worry! What's the status now?

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Kelly S on Dec 03, 2014
We left them in a live trap all day and then released them. None of them have came back. I never did get the scarecrow sprinkler. Now that it's cold again we are checking the camera we mounted above the entrance every day. So far no feline visitors.

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- Angela Harris on Dec 08, 2014
  @Kelly S We did the same. Caught the neighbors cat from next door. He hasn't come back. We are also careful with disposing our cat's waste. It seems to attract other cats. A territory thing I suppose.
  
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- Allison Robbins on Jan 14, 2015
  @Kelly S Hope you don't leave them to freeze. People that abuse animals will be reported.
  
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- Kelly S on Jan 14, 2015
  @Allison Robbins it was dry late summer weather. They had water and were in the shade. I do not abuse animals or tolerate those that do. I have reported other neighbors for leaving their dogs outside in the heat or cold with no food, water or protection from the elements. 2 of the cats actually belonged to someone in the neighborhood that just let them run free all the time. The cats have not came back yet and this was posted over 2 years ago.
  
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- Allison Robbins on Jan 15, 2015
  Sorry Kelly, my mistake. I really love cats and I jumped to conclusions. I think I must have brain freeze up here in Canada.
  
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Suzette Trimmer on Dec 04, 2014
After reading the variety of good answers to what is an Absolute Awful problem , I noticed no one mentioned the use of anything strongly acidic .Felines are genetically geared to be offended by the scent of citrus. Another item cats do not like to walk on is aluminum foil. try that as well. Whatever happens I hope this stops for you, it happens far to often.

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Marjo on Dec 04, 2014
I kept my cat from jumping up onto my computer desk by setting plastic car floor mats with the back side that have little points all over them onto it points up. This would work for furniture and countertops too. Since they are plastic its not going to hurt them but they sure dont like the feel. In my flower beds I used to collect gum tree seeds which had points all over them and scattered them in my flower beds, pinecones work well for that too. They soon learn to avoid them altogether.

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- Kelly S on Dec 06, 2014
  @Marjo , we bout one of the floor savers that is slick on one side and spike on the other to put in the chairs but we decided not to because we would forget it is there and sit on it ourselves.
  
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Thomas Wilson on Dec 06, 2014
Did you know that spayed cats can stii spray also and they will do it anywhere they want to if you do not watch thim closely . But you always can not watch them.

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- Deb on Dec 11, 2014
  @Thomas Wilson Thomas, normally a spayed cat will not spray at all if it has been spayed at the right age. Some people wait too long to have it done. One should always check with the vet to see when the proper time is to spay or neuter. On the other hand if you have a male cat neurtered too early it can prevent his urinary tract from fully developing properly and cause many problems later on. A neutered cat (male) is more likely to spray than a spayed (female) cat. I've had cats for nearly 60 years and I've never had a female spayed cat spray. But it's true that some of the males will if you do not do it at the right age. Just sayin'. . . .
  
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Marion Nesbitt on Dec 07, 2014
Very annoying. Have an indoor cat that I take out on a leash for a walk weather permitting. Too bad your neighbour wouldn't do the same.

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Jeanette S on Dec 08, 2014
If you really want to stop the cats, consider screening the porch from the inside. Then put up a gate also screened. Cats can climb up, but the can't clime backward. Google cat fences and you will see what I am talking about. You could put a band around the top of your porch and gate that would not be unattractive. Swing the gate into the porch to allow room for entrance.

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Deb on Dec 11, 2014
A motion sensor scarecrow can be turned off during the day when deliveries are usually made or when you are expecting guests. I have heard there are products on the market that will prevent the cat from spraying. I've never tried them because so far we do not have that problem. All my cats have been spayed and neutered at the proper time, so males don't usually come around. But I know this can be a difficult problem at times.

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Deb on Dec 11, 2014
The products I am talking about are usually sprays that you can use on your porch to deter the naughty male sprayers! They are trying to mark what they consider to be their territory so other male cats will not invade what they think is theirs! If you have an unspayed female cat, this is probably the reason your neighbor's cat is spraying.

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Kelly S on Dec 11, 2014
I thank you all for your suggestions. I can't use chemicals, natural or otherwise, because I have a dog that likes to be with us, including on the porch. He would eat the citrus peels and mark over anything else, even though he has been neutered. So far using a live trap and waiting for several hours to release them has worked. We will be keeping an eye on the cushions for evidence and on the outdoor camera. Yes we put up a camera to monitor the front door/porch area and so far no new "visitors".

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Beau Heau on Jan 13, 2015
A motion sensor sprinkler would do it. Have it turn on whenever the porch is approached.

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- Kelly S on Apr 09, 2015
  @Beau Heau in order to deter the cats it would also deter the FedEx person! The cats have learned to climb the gate and front porch railings and flower trellises.
  
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Sue on Apr 09, 2015
Very clever using the live trap. It's humane and apparently got the point across if they haven't returned. Essentially you made it an inhospitable place by confining them (safely and humanely) so they would not want to return. Now that it has been over two years I'd say it's safe to deem your method a success. Although, outdoor cats statistically have much shorter life spans than indoor cats. Outdoor cats are faced with unspeakable dangers, from other creatures as well as humans that aren't nearly as considerate as yourself. That being said, I'm choosing to believe that your solution was effective and the ultimate reason they didn't return. I will share your idea the next time I am asked for advice on this subject.

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Susan on Mar 28, 2016
Wolf urine? you can buy this I use it to deter the coyotes from eating my chickens. It comes with pads that you soak in the urine and hang, them up with twist ties.

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Suzette Trimmer on Mar 29, 2016
Yes ! After some hundred various answers, the one guarantee for this to finally stop once and for all, is to either 1) Get a real DOG! Or 2) get a noise activated barking dog device. Good luck...

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Paul Hammond on May 06, 2016
Just place moth balls around in a small jar so your dog can't get to them. The cat will never come back. Cats really dislike the smell.

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Lin on May 06, 2016
I've had good luck with soaking orange peels in water and then spraying around my patio and windows. I have trouble with cats coming to irritate my indoor cats. You'll have to spray again after it rains. I've also dried the orange peel and placed it around my windows to keep them away. It works for me!

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Nina Alexander on Oct 24, 2016
Put Cayanne pepper around your steps

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Johnavallance82 on Apr 14, 2023

Maybe get a guard dog or take the cushions in when not in use (a fag, I know) but better than the smell of urine on your cushions!

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