Cats and foxes can cause chaos in gardens, using them as a giant litter box and a fighting arena, but there are ways to deter them
Cats and foxes can cause damage in gardens(Image: Dgwildlife via Getty Images)
Cats and foxes can rapidly cause chaos in gardens as they regard them as ideal spots for their behaviour, treating them like enormous toilet areas and battlegrounds. Plants become contaminated with excrement, whilst these animals dig up freshly planted seeds and bulbs.
To combat this issue, Matt Jordan, horticultural specialist for The Greenhouse People, has revealed his leading strategies for preventing these nuisances from soiling gardens, reports Birmingham Live.
He explained: “Much to the dismay of their owners, many pets will eat their own poo and other animal faeces. However, this is a very dangerous habit for your pet animal poo can host a variety of diseases and parasites.
“One of the deadliest for dogs is parvovirus which is highly contagious and often fatal in unvaccinated dogs.
“Poo is not only dangerous to pets, but can also harm humans. Cat stool poses a serious threat to humans and other cats alike and should never be left to fester in the garden.
“Toxoplasmosis is an infection which infected cats can pass on to humans through their faeces and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women or weakened immune systems. Follow my top five tips to prevent cats and foxes from pooing in your garden.”
His tips come as a gardening expert revealed the common watering mistake could be killing your orchids.
Foxes like overgrown spaces(Image: (Image: Getty))Maintain neat borders
Foxes and cats are comfort-seeking creatures, hunting for secure refuges, and an overgrown garden can provide precisely the hiding spaces they require.
For those determined to prevent these animals from establishing themselves in their outdoor spaces, regular maintenance is essential.
Gardening expert Matt has offered a crucial tip for those battling with unwanted furry visitors, he said: “Foxes love overgrown areas, so keeping your garden neat and tidy is a sure and effective way to help deter foxes from doing their business in your backyard.
“Focus on keeping your grass trimmed short, cutting back any overgrown bushes or shrubbery and keeping planting schemes tightly packed to avoid attracting foxes to den in your garden overnight and encouraging cats to come and dig in your garden.”
However, it’s worth noting that these untidy areas provide havens for various other wildlife, including hedgehogs, whilst allowing wildflowers to flourish supports numerous pollinators.
Create a DIY deterrent spray
The horticultural specialist recommended making a homemade deterrent, highlighting foxes’ keen sense of smell and their opportunistic feeding habits.
Gardens containing chickens or rabbits, bird food, accessible rubbish bins, and vegetable patches may attract these creatures.
He cautioned: “Pests like foxes use scents to mark their territory to return to at a later date, which unfortunately for your garden means it’ll become that fox’s personal toilet.
“Spraying a vinegar mixture over your plants and lawn will help rid your garden of any marking scents and stop them from returning.”
Furthermore, vinegar doubles as a cat repellent.
Gardening specialists at Primrose emphasise that white vinegar is one odour that cats “detest”. Using a spray bottle for the solution makes application simple throughout the garden just spritz near the areas where cats frequent, such as plant pots, the patio, or even indoors.
Motion detectors can scare off cats(Image: (Image: Getty))Purchase motion-sensor deterrents
Matt suggests investing in motion-activated deterrents for an advanced solution.
Matt said: “Foxes and cats are more likely to move on from gardens where they don’t feel secure, so sudden lights, noises and sensations should scare off unwanted guests and prevent your garden from becoming a public toilet.
“Motion-activated lights are not only a good investment for your home’s safety, but they also conveniently keep foxes, cats and other pests at bay without bringing animals to harm.
“Alternatively, sprinklers are a popular option for struggling gardeners. Cats infamously aren’t fans of water, so making sure your grass and flowerbeds are damp will deter them from toileting in your garden.”
Users should note that persistence is key, as animals may eventually become accustomed to certain deterrents; therefore, it might be beneficial to employ a mix of strategies.
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