How to keep out cats?

[YouthworkersWife]

We've recently moved house to a place which has been empty for a while. Hence all the neighbouring cats seem to treat the garden like a free-for-all. We've got a small toddler (16months) who we thought would scare them off. But this only seems to work in the daytime, and the cats then spend all night pooing in my flowerbeds.

My local garden centre does (probably toxic) pellets to deter cats - not good with a toddler about, or one of those sonic thingys which would probably upset next door's dog as well as scaring off the cats.

Do any of you have any decent toddler-friendly and neighbouring dog-friendly ways of reclaming my garden from the cats? I am fed up of picking up cat poo every morning.

Thanks in advance,

YW

[BloooCowWonders]

My cat-loving friend suggests using a water pistol. It gives the cats the right idea (and will entertain your toddler!).

The blue pellets are supposed to be safe for children and animals and I've always found they work. Just need to reapply after rain.

[YouthworkersWife]

A water pistol might do it - at least it would give me an excuse to just camp out in the garden 'waiting for cats' for a day or two.

I just don't trust my toddler to not sit and eat all the pellets. He seems to be eating his way through the earth in the beds anyway. This might just be earth with pretty sprinkles. Not a habit I want to encourage!

[InMySpareTime]

Olbas oil infused into tea bags works quite well as long as it's not too rainy, as does chilli liberally sprinkled on the flower beds (that would deter your DS too - he wouldn't try it twice).
The most effective method I've found is to "plant" old tiles etc. sideways into the ground so there's not quite enough space for them to "assume the position". It's not pretty though but as my neighbour has 7 cats, the poo was less pretty

[YouthworkersWife]

Chilli ... there's a thought. I have chilli flakes in the cupboard. Might go and see if it works. At least I wouldn't be buying something new/expensive only to find that the cats think it enhances the experience!

[PetiteRaleuse]

I seem to remember someone advising orange peel round the edge of the garden. Cats hate the smell.

[YouthworkersWife]

Just a quick update to say that the chilli flakes seem to have done the task! I've also gone for buying a plastic 'border' to keep the toddler out of the flowerbeds just in case the chilli flakes don't work.

Thanks for all the advice!
YouthworkersWife