Gardeners urged to spray 1 natural solution to stop cats pooing on their property

Cats are notorious for fouling in garden beds, but experts say a simple homemade spray may help deter them from your outdoor space.

Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter

02:56, 22 Mar 2026

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Gardeners urged to spray 1 natural solution to stop cats pooing on their property(Image: Jonas Rönnbro via Getty Images)

Whilst cats are cherished companions for many, they can prove troublesome for others. Whether stray, feral, or belonging to neighbours, cats frequently select gardens as their toilet of choice.

This habit can create several problems. Firstly, cat faeces produce powerful odours that make enjoying your garden difficult. There are also hygiene concerns, as cat faeces may harbour parasites and pathogens that present health risks to both humans and other animals if not handled or cleaned properly.

Cats scratching and defecating in flower beds can damage plants, potentially stunting their growth or killing them entirely. Finally, the sight of cat faeces and disturbed soil can diminish your garden’s overall appearance.

When it comes to tackling the issue of cats in your garden, specialists at garden retailer Primrose suggest creating a batch of homemade cat repellent with a strong scent.

A cat’s sense of smell is 40 times more effective than a human’s(Image: krblokhin via Getty Images)

A cat’s sense of smell is 40 times more powerful than a human’s, which explains why scented solutions prove so effective.

They recommend making a homemade spray using lemon juice, rosemary and white vinegar as these are “three things cats detest”.

For this mixture, combine equal quantities of those ingredients and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle for convenient application around the garden.

Simply spray the solution where the cats frequent – on plant pots, the patio, or even indoors. Remember to reapply the spray regularly to maintain its effectiveness.

Alternatively, experts suggest another natural method: laying out sandpaper in your garden. Cats have incredibly sensitive paws and will avoid walking on uncomfortable surfaces like sandpaper.

The professionals advised: “Placing a few bits of sandpaper around your flowerbeds should keep cats from clambering around where they are not welcome.”

For those who prefer to keep their garden looking tidy and natural, planting some cat deterrent flowers is an option. Primrose recommends rosemary, lavender and the scaredy cat plant as their top three cat deterrent flowers.