The Grass Doctor

How do I keep cats from using my new sod, soil and grass seed as a litter box?

We just paid a landscaper $2300 to install a stone patio and new sod, soil and grass seed in our shady back yard. We need to grow grass quick! The problem is that every time I go back there, the neighbor's disgusting cats have dug holes and defecated-gross! I sprinkled some hot pepper capsules(humane) from Home Depot around the perimeter, but its not working...HELP!

Public Comments

1. beat them
2. Cats don't like strongly smelling substances, so your pepper should have helped. They also hate moth balls for the same reason, and these are more water tolerant than the products being sold for cat deterrent. Some thorny twigs should prevent them digging too. Final solution is a motion activated watering system, which will deter them quickly! As they are creatures of habit, breaking the habit will help them form a new one of going somewhere else. Remove any scents that they have left, as these are marking points - this does mean washing away thoroughly, though I know that you're having to clean up after them anyway. Blocking entrance holes that they are using would also be useful, as well as any fences that they may walk on - again smells will be a deterrent here. It may help even to leave some other animal manure on walk ways, for a while, as they will detest it. Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob