How do I stop cats from using my backyard as bathroom?

Monica
by Monica

How do I stop cats from using my backyard as bathroom? I've tried home depot repellent hasn't worked, I've been told about spraying vinegar or pepper and it still hasn't stopped it. Tried plastic fork and nothing. Any other suggestions?

  7 answers
  • Gathered In The Kitchen Gathered In The Kitchen on Apr 28, 2019

    Are they your cats? or someone else's? If they are yours, you could try adding a litter box. I know it's not ideal, but just a thought!

    • Monica Monica on Apr 28, 2019

      Hi, they're someone else's and I just don't want them to use my house as a bathroom. Don't want cat feces in my backyard or front yard anymore. Thanks you.

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Apr 28, 2019

    Who claims ownership of these felonious felines?


    If it's a neighbor, I'd politely ask him to not let Tigger roam. If they are not the responsive responsible type, I'd resort to investing in a cat trap.


    You can buy the traps many places. I got mine in a farm supply store, labeled as a skunk or raccoon trap. It's a long wire cage with a trap door at each end. Put some fragrant tuna or sardines on the locking plate in the center and leave it in a quiet, frequented spot in your yard. When the cat eats his midnight snack, he joggles the plate and releases both trap doors. The trap doesn't hurt the kitty.


    Then I'd call Animal Control or drop the cat off at your local (no-kill) shelter. Municipalities make a good bit of revenue from fines for letting housecats roam, not having them licensed, not having their rabies and other shots up to date.


    If the cat is a danger from not having current shots (or spreading ticks), you've done the cat and the community a favor.


    If the animal is unclaimed, the shelter has a new adoptee for a responsible pet owner.


    If your neighbor has to pay a fine, he will most likely learn responsibility or surrender the cat.


    Yes, this takes a bit of vigilance and effort on your part, or on your child's part, if you can bribe him to set the trap and watch it. Dont let any child go near if there is a trapped animal inside. Even domesticated cats may claw and fight to get out of a trap. Throw a large tarp, old moving blanket or canvas over the trap before coming near it.


    I live in a spread-out low-population area and my "straw" was when my young son picked up animal feces in the yard and said, "Look, mommy, Tootsie Rolls!" I became known as the mean neighbor who had Animal Control on speed dial. However, a $50 fine or two (1980's pre-inflationary $=a good chunk o' change) and the offenders found a nice chain for Fido's yard. Neighborhood gossip took care of the rest of the problem; they weren't the nice neighbors who'd shovel their own walk, let alone yours, so no great loss. My son is now grown; the neighbors moved on; my reputation and problem-free yard remain; and I'm fine with that. Good luck with yours!

    • See 8 previous
    • Shuganne Shuganne on Apr 30, 2019

      Lynn, hello to your high horse. Ask him to let you dismount and have a reasonable conversation.


      Everything that you shared with me is common knowledge and surprisingly also well known to me. The only thing you added to the discussion is your anger at my solution to my problem.


      I have done nothing illegal and I suggested similar solutions to Monica, after she checks with her local law enforcement, Animal Control department, and local shelter.


      Yes, most states do not require licensing of cats. Many smaller municipalities do. My county does and I get my annual license for my cat along with his annual rabies vaccine and other recommended shots.


      If my pet-owning neighbors do not conscientiously care for their animals, then, yes, they run the risk that the animal may be euthanized at Animal Control. There is usually a week's delay required between their receiving the animal and deciding what to do next. That is plenty of time for the pet owner to call to claim his animal.


      I feel no further responsibility nor regret for these poorly cared for animals. My Animal Control always checks for micro chips and diligently tries to locate the listed owner. It's not my job to check for this information nor am I going to waste bullets on removing unwanted animals from my property. That would only further obligate me to dispose of the animal in a legally appropriate manner. I trap unwanted animals and ask Animal Control to legally remove, relocate and otherwise care for them because their legal "caregivers" did not.


      Oops, I ran my mouth again. Maybe this time you could listen with an open mind and find a little empathy for Monica and other parents who shouldn't have to deal with the filth left behind on their property by unrestrained animals.

  • ☘️ TxBella ☘️ TxBella on Apr 28, 2019

    Hi Monica I’ve been told Mothballs will do the trick. I’ve never tried it myself as I have dogs.( that’ll help too! Lol) It couldn’t hurt to try though.( the mothballs ) 🍀

  • Monica Monica on Apr 28, 2019

    Hi!! I've tried mothballs and nothing, it doesn't work. Thanks anyways

  • Oliva Oliva on Apr 28, 2019

    Try planting numerous pots of rue in or around your yard. Until it's well established, soak a handful of cloves (not the crushed type) in water for several days. Load this into a garden sprayer with some crushed garlic in water or tea tree oil mixed with lemon essential oil and water and liberally spray your yard.

    For hard surfaces, pour steeped clove water or rosemary steeped in water over surfaces.

    You're having this problem because you have either feral or neighborhood cats vying for territory, due to incredibly ignorant neighbors who believe cats should roam free.... Either way, you may need to set traps.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Apr 28, 2019

    motion sensor sprinklers--education not cruelty is the key to stopping feral cat populations

    • Oliva Oliva on Apr 30, 2019

      Lynn,

      Given the costs of water in some areas, the size of some people's property, the physical limitations/health issues of some property owners and the annoyance of having to move hoses to mow the lawn, I completely disagree with this idea of using motion sensor sprinklers.

      Some communities are overrun with inconsiderate pet owners who ignore their neighbors' rights to own property free of this problem. As concerns feral animals, spaying and neutering should be a mandate.



  • Anonymous Anonymous on Jul 11, 2020

    Sorry for chiming in to this thread so late, but I just had to share this in case it helps someone out. I wish I had gotten this advice years ago as a cat owner.


    My best advice?


    Give the book " Ultimate Cat Secrets" a read.


    It really is the only long-term solution to discipline your cat, OP.


    This might come as a surprise to you, but your cat actually wants to obey you.


    It’s kitty’s independent, sassy nature that makes you fall in love with him, but it’s this very attitude that makes it frustrating to train fun behaviours into your favourite feline.


    Cats respond best to positive reinforcement – yelling, punishing or disciplining your cat just won’t work.


    In my opinion, Ultimate Cat Secrets is a must-have for all cat lovers. It's not just a cat training manual – it’s one of the quickest and most comprehensive guides to living with a cat that I’ve ever seen.


    The easy access audio format makes it a breeze to digest from your computer or your mobile device and the lessons inside are easy to implement. And if that’s not enough for you, ordering now will score you FIVE great bonuses:


    1) How to toilet train your cat and get rid of that stinky litter box forever.


    2) Extra tips audio program which includes basic first aid and tips on my favourite kitty calming remedy.


    3) Pet medical recorder – an absolute essential for parents of asthma cats or any kitty with a chronic medical condition.


    4) Downloadable transcripts of the entire program and all the bonus materials.


    5) 100 recipes to pamper your feline friend.


    I HIGHLY recommend it.


    Here's a link to their site