Outdoor Pest Control - Cats crapping in yard

I have been having a problem with cats coming in my fenced in back yard and crapping. Then my dog goes and uncovers the half buried turd and smears her neck in it. I wouldn't hesitate to give them a little sting with a pellet gun but the problem is I can't see them. They must be doing this at night. Is there anything that I can put out that will deter cats?

Hi Grayslim,

So sorry to hear this. My dogs think it's candy and eat it! There are several things you can do to discourage cats. The most effective one is a motion activated sprinkler. Here's the scarecrow. You don't have to put the face decal on it. A few sprinkles with this and they won't be back.
http://www.biconet.com/critter/GIFs/scarecrow_with_callouts.jpg

The cat scat mat also works well if it's anchored down.
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Product-SellPage?OfferID=11687&SC=]

Here's other ideas that are more low cost.
http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/pets/catpoop.html
http://www.ghorganics.com/page6.html#CATS%20and%20DOGS

I understand your frustration, especially with your dogs reaction, but using a pellet gun to shoot a cat, or any other animal, is cruel and unnecessary. If caught you could be charged. Those ideas should resolve the problem.

Newt

Is there anything that I can put out that will deter cats?
Yes, the dog.


Cats are finicky about where they go, and will gladly use whatever spot best suits their instincts. They like to paw loose soil or sand before deciding it's a good spot. Perhaps your landscaping unnecessarily invites cats?

Ha! Kobuchi has the best answer, but I have no dog:)

I searched Nextag, I found three sites with the sprinklers listed at $59.99. Searching Amazon the sprinklers are $79.99, but using the nextag search, the Amazon price is $59.99 + free shipping.
Disclaimer:
Please note, this is not an advertisement and I have no interest in Amazon, nextag or the sprinkler...I DO have an interest in saving money, though:D And I do have an interest in running those rabbits and squirrels out of my flower beds!

(And really, if some stray cat were to keep those other critters out of my yard, I wouldn't chase him away:)

Connie

Connie

I've always liked the motion activated sprinkler.

my backyard is really sandy but i'm about to put down sod so maybe that will help the problem

I don't see that making any difference.