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Thread ID: 87076	2008-02-06 23:17:00	My front path as a litter box...	johcar (6283)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
638161	2008-02-06 23:17:00	Rather than drag up this (forums.pcworld.co.nz) thread, which contains many comments from obvious non-cat-lovers, here's a new one. I have recently put 4-5cm depth of smallish pebbles () on a path that leads to our front door. As of shortly after that, what I suspect to be a neighbour's cat (the poo is too big to be a hedgehog), is regularly leaving partially-excavated depressions with a very unpleasant mess in the middle. These messes are deposited at night, usually after 11PM and before 6AM - I know because I have taken to checking the path before I go to bed and first thing in the morning. I know it's not our cat, because she is 'put to bed' in the garage every night. I have tried: Skunkshot, the spray from the garden centre, and a green gel (also from the garden centre) - nothing seems to work. The thread linked above suggests a few things that might be useful (sonic deterrents, motion activated spray systems, placing food in the same area), but I would like to hear from anyone with a success story, especially if it is a cheap option. Don't want to have to spend heaps to deter an animal that isn't even mine! Don't need to hear about water pistols or pellet guns - not that I wouldn't consider using them, but the fact is this animal is functioning when I am asleep, so these sorts of solutions aren't practical. Also, would prefer not to have to pave the pathway... but that may be the only long term option...	johcar (6283)
638162	2008-02-06 23:26:00	We use pepper or hot curry powder. Also dry teabags soaked in spirits of Ammonia. PJ	Poppa John (284)
638163	2008-02-06 23:55:00	Is it possible to give this cat a better alternative? I.E. it is obviously doing this because your new pebbles are the best/nicest thing it's found to dig in. If there were a better alternative around - some freshly dug dirt in a garden, or perhaps a section of garden where you dig in some sand - it might be diverted away from your pebbles? Better than elaborate systems designed to scare it off this pebble patch.	Biggles (121)
638164	2008-02-07 00:01:00	Don't know whether you can get this stuff any more, but Jeyes fluid mixed in water and sprayed over the pebbles every night. After a while the cat should get the message and go else where. :)	Trev (427)
638165	2008-02-07 00:08:00	The motion-sensor water sprinklers are the way to go. :thumbs: Also will keep your lawn nice and green if you position it 'right'.	wratterus (105)
638166	2008-02-07 00:16:00	Is it possible to give this cat a better alternative? I.E. it is obviously doing this because your new pebbles are the best/nicest thing it's found to dig in. If there were a better alternative around - some freshly dug dirt in a garden, or perhaps a section of garden where you dig in some sand - it might be diverted away from your pebbles? Better than elaborate systems designed to scare it off this pebble patch. Maybe - but I'd prefer it if the offender did it's business within the property limits of it's slave/owner (impractical, I know), or at least NIMBY (or front yard in this case). I'm not particularly keen on providing a litter box for potentially ALL the neighbourhood cats! :) I also have a small petanque court in the back yard (filled with small lime chip) which is used (sometimes by my own cat), but apparently not by the front path offender. Size and consistency of deposit differs (I know - too much information! :D ).	johcar (6283)
638167	2008-02-07 00:33:00	Ammonia encourages them Because it smells like wee to them. A better deterrent would be to let your cat out at night, then it could explain to the other who owns which territory.	pctek (84)
638168	2008-02-07 00:36:00	Think catlike. Get some lion pee from the zoo and sprinkle it sparingly on the path. The skid marks from a departing cat should only happen once.	R2x1 (4628)
638169	2008-02-07 00:38:00	Our other cat stayed out one night, didn't come when called like she usually did. Found her on the side of the road next morning - bowled by a car. Kids were upset. So we keep our other cat inside for two reasons. Limits the damage she can do to the local birdlife and for her own protection from vehicles travelling at speed at night (she's black, so doesn't show up well at night...)	johcar (6283)
638170	2008-02-07 00:47:00	Ammonia encourages them Because it smells like wee to them. Bu that's about marking territory, not a basic comfort stop. When it comes to a serious loose-bowel call of nature, cats will go for patch of ground that they can dig with their paws, since they naturally will try to cover up the deposit. Sounds like these new pebbles really appeal to someone's paws - easy to shift, nice texture. Another alternative might be to replace the lightweight pebbles with something a bit heavier and less easy to shift? Or something less comfy to dig in - harsh scoria or a sharp-edged stone?	Biggles (121)
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