Cat spikes around garden

[VividDenimTiger]

So, we live in house with a small garden. The neighbours cats have been shitting in our garden every day for literally 5 years. We have tried EVERYTHING to deter them- sensors, water sprays, planting cat deterrent plants, lion poo, spraying stuff. You name it, we have tried it.

Our garden stinks of cat shit all the time. The neighbours who own the cats- sit outside in their garden all the time enjoying life because their cats don’t shit at home.

It’s broken me - we can’t actually use our garden at all at the moment as it’s terrible- they shit in the beds, dig up our plants and spray against the shed.

So we have put up cat spikes to try and deter them as a last resort. I hate them and they look awful but I am hoping it might deter them. Neighbour has already made it clear how unreasonable we are - they are on our side of the fence so no boundary issues. I am trying not to fall out with them but we have asked them many times to try and contain their cats- they have 4.

so AIBU? I am literally at the end of my tether. My kids can’t play in the garden as there is constant shit. It’s stressing me out so much - we just want to use our own garden so this is honestly last resort. I am really upset by it all.

Yes, it would need to be daily at least

Jeyes fluid sprayed on hard surfaces works well, and has the added bonus of being a disinfectant. Like you we had tried everything, Jeyes is the only thing that works.

have you tried jeyes fluid?pour all around perimeter of garden fence and shed.

Sprinkle extra hot chilli powder where it shits. Then watch it lick its paws.

i did this and kitty stopped coming over.

You didn’t even read the “research” you presented. Maybe read it again slowly 😉

Away you go, it’s taken you all day to come up with this. This was one example. Don’t try to patronise me

Really? That's your solution to stop cats coming it to your garden? Commit yourself to 15+ years of looking after and caring for a high maintenance pet?

I haven't read all of the posts so sorry if this has already been suggested. We had a cat issue, after a lot of research we got a cat sensor that emitted a high pitched noise, we couldn't hear it but the cats could. It took a few days of them trying to come in still but they hated it and moved onto the next garden after a week max. It was expensive. We paid about £50 for it but worth every penny. We haven't had any poo since and its been years.

Op here with a 💩 update.

We haven’t had any fresh poo for 2 days which is the first time in 5 years + so it’s a good start. I hope it lasts.

The neighbours were outside loudly gobbing off about the spikes and said they were outrageous on Friday. They don’t seem to understand that 5 years of cat shit that makes our garden unusable is more outrageous tbh.

Cat owner here. Totally sympathise with OP. We have cat proofed our garden to keep our cats INSIDE our garden. They are safe and able to enjoy the garden. We don’t let them out unless we are home and we check on them often when they are outdoors. No going outdoors at night either.

This is being a responsible pet owner. I’m not British and I’m amazed at how British people think it’s ok to let cats roam. There are great systems available to make gardens escape proof, people just can’t be bothered.

really sorry you’re going through this OP, there is plenty your neighbour could do to stop their cats wandering if the cared enough - they are irresponsible and selfish, alas. Definitely return the poo to them.

Good result, may it last!

You can tell if a house has a cat living in it as soon as you walk through the door I'm afraid.

You absolutely cant! Unless the litter box is dirty or the cats peed in the house or something disgusting. . Dogs smell, so often you can tell by that wet dog smell when you walk, in but cats just dont

Good for you OP, if the neighbours complain to your face about the spikes give them both barrels about 5 years of cat shit and stinky garden.

Anyone who doesn't have cats can, no matter how clean the house is.

It depends. Blunt plastic spikes are ok, jaggwd metal ones, are not and could land you in serious trouble.

Sorry. This is nonsense.

When I met my ex DP, he had 3 cats. I walked into his house and had no idea. No cat smells at all.

You are NOT being unreasonable. THEY are unreasonable for other people having to tolerate THEIR pets. They get the advantages, while you get the 💩 end of the deal. I'm sure others have said this but there are safe dererrents you can use. Fresh orange peel placed where they enter your garden. A big water pistol always at hand. Placing bird boxes and feeders high up, away from trees and shrubs and high birdbaths that cats can't climb on. Shout at them, chase them off if you are sat out there. Remove their deposits and spray either aromatherapy orange or grapefruit oil, or bleach on the spot and where they enter. The worst is when an unneutered Tom decides to mark it's territory. It b*oody stinks. Good luck.