Need help keeping neighbours cats away from my house

[Fairydust84]

Hi everyone.

Sorry I know this has been asked before - I’ve been researching - but can’t find anything that works for all/brand names

I’ve lived in my house for over 6 years (originally rented, bought in May. Problems started a few weeks ago. Typical!)

At least one of my neighbours cats has been using an area at my living room window (where the gas box is) as it’s litter tray. I know at least one of the culprits as I’ve seen it in action!

I also have had problems with various cats trying to climb in through the living room window whilst it is open (a neighbour has warned me about one, stating it will “mark” if it manages to get in)

Most recently over the past few weeks I’ve been having problems with opening my front door in the morning to find “gifts” quite literally on my doormat of mice, shrews, etc (and most recently, what appeared to be some poor creatures intestines 🤮 which also left lots of blood staining)

I’m at my wits end now. I know people will say “cats will be cats” and they can roam free but in a way, I’m feeling trapped. It’s got to the stage now where i feel that I can’t even open the windows in my own home through fear of a cat crawling through and not only marking the inside of my house, but bringing one of its little presents in with it! Not only that but as their litter tray, sorry, I mean my gas box is directly below the window it results in a not so nice aroma!!

On top of that I’m getting fed up clearing up their mice, shrews, insides and blood from my front door.

I’ve seen suggestions for water pistols. That won’t work as I don’t have time to wait for them (plus the gifts seem to be left throughout the night). The cat I’ve seen going to the loo is also quite timid and will bolt as soon as the door/window is opened.

I’ve tried a spray. Watched the cat come over, sniff at the “boundary” I’d created with the spray and walk away. Thought I was on to a winner... until I looked around 10 mins later to see said cat staring through my window 🤦🏼‍♀️

Getting a cat myself is out of the question. My problem is I don’t want to clear up cats mess or have them climb through my window, particularly with a small friend. Not sure getting my own car would help with these problems lol

The motion sensor water sprayer looks great, but I don’t have a garden as such, just a very small paved area, so anyone coming to my house would activate it, and I quite like my friendly postman and would rather not give him a fright/soaking 😂

I’ve read about other things online such as plants, lion poo, ultrasonic repellents etc but they get hit and miss reviews and if I’m honest, I’m already feeling slightly aggrieved at having to fork out money save myself having to clear up after other people’s pets.

Does anyone have any recommendations of anything that they have used which has had positive results and if so, can you provide the name/brand of this item so I can easily locate it.

Sorry this is long but thought giving details now would be beneficial. PS I have never ever fed any of the neighbours cats nor have I ever let any of them into my home do not sure why I’ve become the “chosen one” to receive a free meal delivered to the door!