Woman at ‘wits end’ with neighbours cat using flower beds as a toilet

Mumsnet user @start90 said: ‘So I have a lovely big garden with lots of trees and plants , I love taking care of it and watching birds and wildlife in the garden. ‘However, last year my neighbours got a cat who attacks every single bird in the garden. The cat also has taken to digging up my strawberry plants and uses my flower beds as a toilet. ‘I try covering the plant beds but the cat has just torn through them. I am at my wits end so I was hoping for some help. I don’t want to hurt the cat but I am genuinely getting really upset and irritated at having to clean up cat poo. ‘I did try asking about the cat to my neighbour who told me that he got rid of his own flower beds so maybe I should too. He seemed pretty annoyed that it was my garden where the cat got the birds. ‘I don’t want to start a row but it was pretty clear that they wouldn’t consider putting a bell on the cat. What can I do?’ Woman at ‘wits end’ with neighbour’s cat using flower beds as a toilet – ‘what can I do?’ (Image: Getty) According to the RSPCA, cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they will often go into other people’s gardens or allotments. This means to some extent, Britons should put up with felines in their gardens, and only opt for deterrents to keep the cats out. Mumsnet users took to the comments to suggest a few ideas on keeping the cat out of the garden, but advised it wasn’t humane to do anything else. User @shilo98 wrote: ‘I’ve heard cats don’t like citrus so maybe plant some shrubs or trees like lemon and oranges. They are toxic to cats so make sure the cat isn’t eating them.’ Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea Another user, @diflasu, said: ‘There are many deterrents, make sure they are licensed and good to use in the garden which won’t cause harm to the cat. ‘Citrus scents work for some cats, while others aren’t bothered. There are also gels and powders you can put on veg patches which deter cats pooping which is the cheapest option.’ Other users recommended putting some fencing up around the vegetable and flower beds, because gardens are attractive places for cats so they are likely to find a way to stay in the garden. Planting catnip away from vegetable patches can attract felines and encourage them away from important areas of the garden which can also prevent damage. Unusual garden laws (Image: EXPRESS) The RSPCA also advised covering parts of the garden with stone clippings, pebbles or small rocks if you don’t want the cat to go to the toilet in the garden. Britons also shouldn’t feed someone else’s cat if they do not want the feline to come back as this will likely encourage the pet to return. The RSPCA doesn’t advise using homemade remedies or deterrents as this could be harmful to the cat.