How to Defend against Pooping Cats

Eatslikeacat on 28/06/2022 - 12:46

The neighbour's cat likes to poop in the soft soil in my garden at the back. It also likes to poop on my lawn at the front. I left the front door open once and it snuck in and if I didn't shoo it out it probably would have pooped in the house. It likes to sunbathe on my front porch. I don't know what it eats but the smell of the poops pack a wallop. How can such a small thing produce so much poop and smell? I bought a solar powered motion activated sprinkler. At first it kept the cat out of the garden but then it worked its way around and started pooping again. The sprinkler just made me wet and not the cat. I started calling that dastardly cat the Delta cat (now Omicron cat). I purchased plastic cat spike mats to put at the front but I can't mat it all so the cat just lounges on clear spots. I tried scaring the cat away but it hardly puts any effort into running away from me. It's making itself at home. I don't want to hurt it I just want it to stop pooping.

How do I defend against a pooping cat?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Xyzzy on 28/06/2022 - 12:48
    +6

    Citronella supposedly keeps them away.

    https://www.vetinfo.com/using-citronella-oil-cat-repellent.h…

    • scottishdave on 29/06/2022 - 14:35
      +3

      Mothballs. I've been using them for years. They take months to break down.

  • bobbified on 28/06/2022 - 12:48
    +42

    Grab the cat, grab its deposits and shove it back in. It'll learn its lesson!

    Ive heard that full water bottles can deter cats.

    • Ocker on 28/06/2022 - 13:08
      +10

      Depends on how accurate you can throw

    • cameldownunder on 28/06/2022 - 19:38
      +18

      DO NOT GRAB A CAT. I did that, and spent 4 days in hospital.

      • bobbified on 28/06/2022 - 20:17
        +4

        haha do share the rest of the story. I'm sure I'm not the only one that wants to hear it! 😂

        • try2bhelpful on 28/06/2022 - 20:54
          +7

          I had a friend who got bitten by a stray cat. His hand blew up like a balloon because it got infected.

          • ozbjunkie on 29/06/2022 - 10:45

            @try2bhelpful: Poor bugger. Cats will tell you if they want you to touch them…

            Now we know …

        • cameldownunder on 28/06/2022 - 22:27
          +22

          The neighbour cat had mine pinned down in a corner. So I had enough of him, wanted to grab him and throw out on the road ( or something else ). He bit and scratched and bit. Washed it out and put hand sanitizer on. Next morning went to Doc. to get Tetanus and Antibiotics. Nevertheless the hand did swell up, and in the evening I was in Hospital. 2 Washing out ( twice under ) and 5 days later I can leave the hospital. The cat did injure a tendon ( pinkie ) but 4 month later the hands are 95%. Some scars are still there.

          Was a big cat. Actually still is, don't know for how long …..

          • try2bhelpful on 28/06/2022 - 22:42
            +5

            @cameldownunder: Should’ve gone the “throw water” route. Both cats would’ve separated and run away.

            • cameldownunder on 28/06/2022 - 22:43

              @try2bhelpful: He would have come back again. Done the water/slippers/runners/spoon throwing already

              • try2bhelpful on 28/06/2022 - 23:00
                +5

                @cameldownunder: More the way to separate them at that instant. The dynamics with cats is quite complicated. It might be your yard but it is the other cat's territory.

                We have two cat sisters; same litter. They were great together, when they were little, and now the relationship is more difficult. One of our girls was the runt and the other girl chases her around and hassles her; unless they are eating in which case the runt pushes the other one out of the way and steals her food. We tried yelling at the non runt but all that has happened is she's learnt to hiss at us before she hassles her sister. Frankly, cats do what they want to do.

              • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 23:02

                @cameldownunder: Brick?

          • airtime on 29/06/2022 - 16:23
            +5

            @cameldownunder: This is unexpectedly common.

            I also was bitten by a cat on my hand. Went to GP next day, GP told me to go immediately to the nearest Emergency Department. By then my hand was getting pretty red and swollen but I wasn't too concerned. When the emergency doctor saw me he said I would be put on the priority surgery list. I couldn't believe how seriously it was being taken, I thought I just had a standard infection. Docs and admin staff were calling around hospitals to find theatre availability for me. Ended up having op under general anaesthetic the next day to clean out the hand. Talking to the doctors they said they get cases like that several times a month.

            The reason why it is so serious is due to the length of cat canine teeth. Couple that with cats carrying a lot of bacteria in their mouth. Cat bites deliver bacteria deep into the flesh and the infections grow fast and become serious quickly. Don't underestimate a cat bite.

      • Franc-T on 29/06/2022 - 13:14

        I once washed (a long time ago) stinking cat. She was a little thing, very pleasant and harmless.

        Needless to say my arm looked like it was used as a prop for a zombie movie.

        Now we have a huge male stray (I mean physically large, not a chonk) and he is fine with being cleaned and only rips shreds when he wants to play. Figures.

      • quanticism on 29/06/2022 - 22:37
        +1

        Wow, never knew cat bites could be so serious. Good to know.

    • RolandWaites on 29/06/2022 - 14:20
      +1

      Otherwise known as the Grab 'Em By The (profanity) method.

    • nobro25 on 29/06/2022 - 22:19

      Are you suggesting a Poop Enema?

    • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2022 - 06:40
      +2

      Ive heard that full water bottles can deter cats.

      So THAT'S why there's never any cats in the spring water section of the supermarket.

  • Headless on 28/06/2022 - 12:49
    +16

    Get a water gun - cats hate being sprayed

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 12:51
    +3

    Buy a Laser Pointer, one that is bright enough to work in sunlight, and have some fun. Send it back home (or across the road….).

    • Logical on 29/06/2022 - 10:38
      +9

      Hopefully in peak hour traffic

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/06/2022 - 10:39
        +2

        That's not very nice. :)

        • Logical on 29/06/2022 - 10:44

          I thought I was completing your sentence?

          • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/06/2022 - 10:49

            @Logical: Good call, and I know it's what some people are thinking.

            Laser Pointers - An essential cat toy.

      • WT on 29/06/2022 - 10:45
        +2

        look guys, we did it. Satan has joined ozb!

    • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2022 - 06:42

      Since it lays down on his front porch, buy a high power one and seal up the offending orifice.

  • CrowReally on 28/06/2022 - 12:52
    +1

    Cheapest/easiest solution would be buy a cat litter box, fill it with stuff and then you've contained all the poop to one source (that you can then dump out).

    (The expense of) Chemicals, discussing it with your neighbour, flinging it over neighbour's fence and other variations on the theme probably won't address the issue.

    • AustriaBargain on 28/06/2022 - 13:23
      +1

      Cat litter probably cost more tham chemicals. And who wants to be handling someone else's cat poop litter daily, plus smelling it. Bad enough changing your own cat litter.

      • CrowReally on 28/06/2022 - 13:28
        -3

        Shredded newspaper works fine, for instance. I'm not pretending it's going to be enjoyable changing another cat's litter tray, but it fixes the "I'm not at home and a cat is coming into my yard and pooping everywhere and I don't know what to do" issue that's not "Spend hundreds of dollars on cameras, water sprayers and other equipment that may or may not work". Isolate and contain.

        • UNO on 29/06/2022 - 21:34

          You still get a newspaper?

    • coffeeinmyveins on 28/06/2022 - 14:08
      +22

      Why is it his responsibility to pick up after a neighbours cat?

      • CrowReally on 28/06/2022 - 14:19
        +7

        It isn't. Have you got a simpler way to fix the problem?

        I see below you've got: "Everytime it comes onto your property, take it to the local vet and report it as a lost cat."

        You are aware the cat is pooping when he's at work/not at home? What then, it happens most the time and you can't do anything about it, but sometimes when you're home in the evening, cat happens to come and poop, somehow catch it (hope you have a cat carrier ready) and then find an after hours vet? Probably burn an hour or so doing all of that?

        Is that seriously your proposal? Because if so, here's some equally bad ideas you could have come up with instead:

        • Convince Philip Glass to move in and compose minimalist soundscapes that will create a sense of feline unease that will repel defecating cats
        • Forge evidence 'proving' the cat is complicit in planning the Sept 11 terrorist attacks, leak same to CIA
        • Post-it note that says "Please don't poop in my yard" on a stick
        • Post-it note that says "Please don't poop in my yard" on a stick but after you teach the cat to read English
        • Post-it note that says "Please don't poop in my yard" on a stick, but written in cat, after you learn how to write cat
        • Soft-drink bottle filled with water (which won't work, but will give the cat something to look at while it does its thing)
        • Get cat subscription to Sky News Australia, point it in direction of OzBargains forums with search terms "millenials", "inner-city rent" and "COVID conspiracy theories" already loaded in the forum search bar so that it can post its sh!t there
        • Paint mural on garden wall that will make the cat constipated
        • Order cat mind-control ray that doesn't work from Wish, tie piece of paper to it saying "Stop your cat pooping in my garden or else", throw through neighbour's front window
        • Go to Subway and order the footlong Meatball sub with everything, when they're at the final stage asking if you want salt and pepper say "No olives, why did you put olives on, I don't like olives" and they said "You asked for it with everything. You saw me reach for the olives, why didn't you stop me if you didn't want them?" you can say "I DON'T THINK AHEAD NOW TELL ME SOME BAD IDEAS ON HOW TO STOP A CAT POOPING IN MY YARD" and write down anything they say.
        • brendanm on 28/06/2022 - 16:39
          +25

          Cat trap, take to pound. I like cats, buy I sure don't want others people's animals shitting in my yard.

        • gentlecrack on 29/06/2022 - 08:24
          -1

          That’s enough logorrhoea for today. I’m out.

        • Franc-T on 29/06/2022 - 13:12
          +1

          You forgot to construct a moat, cat chasing robot and also remove all the soil from your property and replace with smarties

          • Skinnerr on 30/06/2022 - 12:50
            -1

            @Franc-T: And Viet Cong style bamboo stake pits smeared with the cats own shit to infect its wounds.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 28/06/2022 - 12:54
    +2

    I have a similar problem with my two a-hole neighbours who let their cats roam the neighborhood. Cat poops all over my back patio area. Have bought it up numerous times with both neighbours and both have said they will take measures to keep the cats within their properties but yet here we are with me looking at cat poop all over my patio area.

    • kabammi on 30/06/2022 - 01:42

      Defcon 5 time

      • kabammi on 30/06/2022 - 01:43

        Don't let it get to Defcon 1

  • ozwog05 on 28/06/2022 - 12:55
    +4

    Is this the title of David Thorne's upcoming book?

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 12:58
    +3

    You will need to break the cycle, as it is now comfortable in your area, due to any previous smells when marking its territory. Bunnings sell various repellents, but if possible, buy a large bird net, to use temporally, to prevent any revisits.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 13:05

      Then maybe add a kitty litter box as suggested previously

  • Eatslikeacat on 28/06/2022 - 12:58

    I'm hardly at home so I think that's why it likes to hang out at my place. I can't be there to spray it with a water gun. I see it doing its thing on the security cameras. I tried essential oils like peppermint oil and orange oil. It smells lovely when I drip it onto the soil but it doesn't last long and the rain just washes it away. I've been looking at a device on Amazon that's motion detected that flashes lights and makes ultrasonic noise when the cat's near.

    • Xyzzy on 28/06/2022 - 13:44
      +3

      Amazon have these cat repellant crystals on sale, might last longer in rain:

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Aristopet-Garden-Repellent-400G/dp…

      • Eatslikeacat on 28/06/2022 - 13:56
        +1

        Ohhh, I didn't know such a product existed. Looks interesting.

    • FirstWizard on 28/06/2022 - 16:13
      +6

      Motion detection ultrasound device from eBay worked well for me. However, you could hear the cat run away screaming for life when it activates.

      It never back came after a few attempts.

    • WT on 29/06/2022 - 10:48
      +1

      Do you have holes or gaps in your fence/gate? Plugging them can help

  • jv on 28/06/2022 - 12:59
    +2

    How to Defend against Pooping Cats

    this…

    • iDroid on 28/06/2022 - 19:31

      Replace a small pooper with a much larger pooper…

      • Yummy on 28/06/2022 - 19:58

        Aquaaaamaaaannn

  • Archi on 28/06/2022 - 13:02

    I don't know what it eats but the smell of the poops pack a wallop

    have tried asking yourself

  • SF3 on 28/06/2022 - 13:03
    +7

    Eatslikeacat

    Username checks out.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 13:05
      +3

      LOL

    • iNeed2Pee on 28/06/2022 - 13:29
      +2

      😂😂 Scrolled down waiting to see this!!!

  • Eatslikeacat on 28/06/2022 - 13:07
    +13

    Yes username is ironic, but to avoid any confusion I'm not the cat lol

    • Flying Ace on 28/06/2022 - 13:39
      +30

      That's exactly what a cat would say

    • cashless on 28/06/2022 - 17:03
      +3

      Asking for a friend?

  • mapax on 28/06/2022 - 13:08
    +10

    Call your council and ask what their procedure is. Some of them will lend you a cage trap and others will send out a ranger to set a cage a trap. Others are useless profanities and will tell you nothing useful.

  • lunchbox99 on 28/06/2022 - 13:16
    +15

    You need to mark your territory by pooping all around your property.

    • CocaKoala on 29/06/2022 - 09:19
      +2

      You need to mark your territory by pooping all around your property.

      This must be done while the cat is watching so it knows you mean business. Would be better to do it from the roof so other cats in the neighbourhood can also see.

      Please note that unlike elephants, cats have a short memory so they do need a reminder of territorial ownership once a week or so.

      Helpful tip: Screaming "this is my territory" for each log dropped would send shivers down the spines of 'em felines.

      • cookie2 on 29/06/2022 - 19:46

        And the neighbours too.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2022 - 07:21

        they do need a reminder of territorial ownership once a week or so

        So no need to clean his toilet bowl for the foreseeable future. Bonus!

  • try2bhelpful on 28/06/2022 - 13:20

    Cats like freshly tilled earth so they don’t have to dig too much. You do not need cat spikes you could, probably, get away with wet newspapers or something similar. Just for a while to get the cat out of the habit of using your place. However, the newspaper also works well as weed matting. Just cut a hole for your plants.

    • Eatslikeacat on 28/06/2022 - 13:26
      +2

      That's worth a shot except I don't recall the last time I held a newspaper. I don't even get the local newspapers or supermarket catalogues in my letterbox anymore :S I'll go to Aldi and walk out with 50 weekly special catalogues lol

      • kimbo56 on 01/07/2022 - 10:55

        Alternative to newspaper is cardboard. Does the same thing and same as newspaper.

    • WT on 29/06/2022 - 10:49
      +1

      actually wood chips in the garden bed will probably work

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 28/06/2022 - 13:22
    +17

    The cat has obviously won this battle. Your only recourse is to sell and move.

  • Quantumcat on 28/06/2022 - 13:40

    Try mulching your garden beds with rocks.

    You can also bury chicken wire under the soil (just place it on top, some rocks to hold it down then some fresh dirt over the top so you don't have to look at it).

    Wood chip mulch might also be successful, but will take some time of adding layers once a year as it breaks down, so the top few centimetres is partially decomposed wood chip so it isn't so attractive to the cat.

    Try2behelpful's suggestion of newspaper is good too. Though you'll have to replace it 2-3 times a year as it breaks down.

    • NatoTomato on 28/06/2022 - 14:13

      Ideally after a few months the cat would have moved on.

    • skid on 28/06/2022 - 14:45
      +1

      Good ideas, but I know from experience that wood chip mulch won't work. The cat seems quite content to lay on the wood chip for warmth.

      • Quantumcat on 28/06/2022 - 15:27

        Do they want to do their business in it though?

      • WT on 29/06/2022 - 10:49
        +1

        thats true but if it lays there it wont poop there

  • Leanne59 on 28/06/2022 - 13:44
    +9

    Does your local council not have any rules or regulations regarding cats. In my area cats have to be keep indoor or in a run and if they roam on your property the council will provide a cat trap to trap the cat and the owners receive a fine.

  • Drakesy on 28/06/2022 - 14:00
    -3

    Do as they'd do in America

    Grab a 22 magnum
    Sorted

    (I do not condone this though).

  • coffeeinmyveins on 28/06/2022 - 14:09
    +3

    Everytime it comes onto your property, take it to the local vet and report it as a lost cat.
    If it's microchipped they'll call the owner and they'll have to come get it.
    Rinse and repeat several times until they (hopefully) get the message that their pet shouldn't be left to roam outside

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 28/06/2022 - 14:13
      +1

      The vet will just point you in the direction of council.

    • Drakesy on 28/06/2022 - 15:05
      +16

      *take it to the pound not the vet.

      And yes this would be effective, it's their cat, not the neighbourhood's cat.

      IMHO cats should be kept indoors, or if outside watched so it doesn't escape.
      I'm all for councils bringing in large fines if someone's cat comes into someone else's property.

    • raspudala on 30/06/2022 - 22:22
      +1

      How do you 'take' a cat? We have 3 neighbours around us so 3 cats roaming free. Every time I see one it runs away scared, till next time.

      Other than shooting damn things I've no ideas how to fight them. Super annoying finding cat shit in our veggie garden, front lawn, even on top of pergola!

  • Pungentia on 28/06/2022 - 14:22
    +3

    bikies

  • [Deactivated] on 28/06/2022 - 14:23
    +3

    We have a considerate visitor cat who likes to lounge on our back verandah and thankfully wees/poops elsewhere.

    If the owners haven't been receptive to your complaints so far, just print off the evidence of their pooping cat & mention the council as being your next contact due to the inconvenience.

  • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 14:32
    -3

    Have you tried 🐀 or 🪰 paper?

  • SmiTTy on 28/06/2022 - 14:41
    +4

    I used to buy chili powder and sprinkle around
    Another thing I considered is one of those contraptions that spray water when there is movement. So when cat comes around they'll get sprayed and run away

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 15:25
      +5

      Or Cayenne Pepper?
      Buy the Cayenne Pepper from a food wholesaler in Bulk, Asian/Indian Grocer or Amazon

      Do not buy the little jars from Colesworth, as they are a Rip Off.

      Work on $2 to 4.50 per 100g

      • dirtybigbjelke on 29/06/2022 - 09:02

        Yes go to the local indian grocery and buy the 500g bag of ground chilli. Then apply making sure you are upwind :)

    • lateralus45 on 01/07/2022 - 17:06
      +1

      Yep Blended up dried chillis worked great for me.

  • Archi on 28/06/2022 - 14:55
    +1

    scare the cat enough times it'll never come back.

    or just adopt the thing and it will never go back to it's real owners.

    or drop it off far enough it'll never find it's way home..

    put that in writing and give it to the owners…
    whether you actually do any of these things is up to you.

    • raspudala on 30/06/2022 - 22:25
      +1

      Scared neighbour's cat > 20 times, I guess this one has short memory..

  • nfr on 28/06/2022 - 15:15
    +3

    Maybe try those motion activated sprinklers designed to repel pests.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 28/06/2022 - 15:22

      And water the garden at the same time.

      OP did say they had one and was not successful

      "I bought a solar powered motion activated sprinkler. At first it kept the cat out of the garden but then it worked its way around and started pooping again. The sprinkler just made me wet and not the cat".

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