How to stop the cat using the kids area as a toilet?

[mamababa]

Hi all, we have a play house and bits and bobs for the DC in an area in the garden. It's basically mud. I would like to cover it in bark clippings or similar to make it look nice and stop the DC getting filthy. DH reckons the cat will think it a great big litter tray. Can't do stones or slate as DS 2 is likely to chuck them on the grass an it will screw the lawnmower. Is there anything I can buy to stop the cat shitting on the bark? That's child safe obviously!

Tia

I'm not sure there is - and remember that it's not going to be just your cat but every other cat in the neighbourhood who might decide to have a go. Bark is one of those things that might look nice for a day or two but could then start to be pretty tired and messy - and rather inviting as a litter tray I suspect. Cats aside, it would also retain rain water and might take a long time to dry out after a shower creating its own problems.

Have you considered putting down some child safety matting? \link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubber-Childrens-Playground-Garden-Matting/dp/5674523525/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400467050&sr=8-2&keywords=child+safety+mats\This} is the sort of thing I'm thinking of although this is just one example and I should imagine that it's possible to find a good range of prices and types elsewhere. That should be possible to hose down if it became dirty, could be moved around easily and would help with the mud issue.

Other posters may have other ideas also.