Deterring cats from pooing on bare soil

[Neilsfavouritechilli]

I have a small front garden, which is currently bare whilst I decide what to plant. However, it has become a cat toilet (to at least one with clear digestive issues). I'm going to clear it all up tomorrow with big gloves and a spade but is there anything I can do/plant quickly to deter the local pussies. I'm reticent to use the ultrasonic things as I'm on a road and don't want to scare them in front of a car/bus - they're a pain with their pooing but I'm a cat lover with my own two indoor overlords.

I've got cobblestones covering the bare soil in my flowerbeds, it's a bit of a pain because you can't easily weed in between, but it does stop the cats (mine!!) from doing their business there.

Netting suspended from canes?

Chilli flakes generously sprinkled over the area should work. You may have to repeat once or twice over a few weeks, but it should break the cycle and the cat / cats will learn and stop.

Scatter holly leaves across your bare patch. It works!

Sticking in upright sticks at 4inch centres would work, but that’s a big area to cover. I’d go with holly.

Thank you all for your ideas. I think I'll try a combination of them in the hope that I deter the pooey creatures.

Orange peel works very well scattered on the bare earth. It’s unsightly but we did it only once and the cats have not returned.

If you had a real christmas tree, I'd cut all the branches off and lay them over the soil while you figure out what to plant.