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-   -   What will keep neighbors cats from using bathroom in your flower pots (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/what-will-keep-neighbors-cats-using-bathroom-your-flower-pots-t97332.html)

Nolee 02-07-2011 06:58 AM

a gun?

Psychomomquilter 02-07-2011 07:00 AM

if you have those horse chestnuts, y'know the ones that have spines all around them? put these in flower pots! I finally stopped the stray cats to stop sleeping in them and using the bathroom. Someone else mentioned cayenne pepper or some hot sauce on the pots...
the moth balls didn't work for me..And quiltfor me when I discovered that they were toxic I did stop!, oh and by the by, putting mothballs around your house keeps bugs away.

off topic next one
anyone have tansy, keeps fleas away too, and rub it on coats of pets too. that will keep fleas off them.

nativetexan 02-07-2011 07:09 AM

I like the Citrus suggestion. i'd rather smell that than mothballs. good idea!
we put white rocks in our front garden and that did the trick!!

mhansen6 02-07-2011 07:10 AM

You are lucky it is just cats. I have deer. I have given up on trying to grow flowers except on our second floor deck. Flowers of any kind are just deer food. My husband thinks it is entertainment to watch me chase off the deer. Last summer we had orphan twins take to living in our back yard. I have given up. I am letting it go natural.

Daisydoodle 02-07-2011 07:12 AM


Originally Posted by stewyscrewy
A great big ole Doggy

Yep! I live in the country where people thing they can drop off cats and dogs. Having a big dog in the yard keeps the cats from coming into the gardens and porch.

Lady Diana 02-07-2011 07:23 AM

My mother was having the same problem. We brought her a bag full of pear cactus "paddles" from our ranch. She used a pair of tongs and placed them around her flowers. Not only did the cats stop coming, but the cactus set roots and she now has them growing along with her potted flowers.....I like the chicken wire idea too.
D in TX

lovingmama 02-07-2011 07:28 AM


Originally Posted by costumegirl
Cayene pepper actually is a very cruel option. If it gets in their eyes it will hurt them badly and they could scratch their own eyes out tryig to get relief. If you research it a bit, you will see that although some suggest it, it can be a very deadly alternative and is not recommended for any animals. Remember, some cats are pets and they may be someone’s best friend - harming them would be cruel.

Mothballs are also very toxic and when it rains their odor will be very strong and that is all that you will smell. It's not good to have in the soil when they break down.


The chicken wire is a good alternative. Cats don't like to step on rough substances and their paws can be sensitive. Also after trimming evergreen bushes, roses or some other thorny type plant use the trimmings inside your pots on top of the soil. This will make it unpleasant for them to stand on. Stones and large pieces of rough mulch could also be used.

As mentioned citrus will also work since cats hate the smell. Sprinkle good-sized pieces of rind over the cats' favorite spots. Keep replenishing them as they will breakdown and add nutrients to the soil.

There are other herbal alternatives that are nontoxic and there are also commercial products available that will deter them from using your pots. There are also some plants that will deter them - perhaps your local nursery could give you more info on these.

Very good, humane solution. Thank you for posting it!

jme 02-07-2011 07:31 AM

Anything pricky feeling, cats don't like to walk on it. My friends used, seashells and pinecones. Generally anything you wouldn't want to walk barefoot on. I've also heard they don't like orange peels. Good luck!

dojo36 02-07-2011 07:34 AM

i have a dog that goes out in the fenced back yard only and a cat that never goes out. i used to have outdoor carpet on my front porch but the neighborhood cats peed all over it and the cat hair was just atrocious. i pulled it up and painted. i decided to do away with a bunch of cats, i got a cage, in all i caught 18 cats and sent them to the pound. i had tried moth balls and they didn't do a thing. the pound even called me back after taking one cat in that it had rabies in case it had bitten me or my dog - fortunately it hadn't. none of those 18 cats had a collar and about half of them were ferral. i still have a problem with a neighbor's many cats, but i just run them off with the water hose or let my dog out to chase them off. my dog is a 9 lb. maltese - as if she could or would hurt them, she just likes to bark them over the fence then strut around. but her and my cat are best of friends. i love animals but get so tired of the irresponsible owners.

arbed31 02-07-2011 07:37 AM

Lots of black pepper and no it's not cruel to the animal. One sniff it they will leave it alone. It is time for the pet owner take responsibility for his animal.


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