How do I stop my cats (and I suspect dog) using my garden as a litter box?

My garden consists of a roughly 2mx2m patch of gravel with a metal table and 4 metal chairs.





(At least, this is the section of worry.)





Round the front of the house is a lawn, flower beds and even more gravel, yet my 3 cats and 1 dog continue to use my 2mx2m space to defecate.





How do I stop them?





Are there herbs I can plant in the area to make it less appealing?





(Or any other suggestions?)

How do I stop my cats (and I suspect dog) using my garden as a litter box?
I have kept my neighbors cats from doing there business in my garden by laying down peices of orange or lemon peel where they like to go. I guess they don't like the smell %26amp; it keeps them away.


I have also heard that mint will repell them, but I have never tried it.
Reply:You can use hot peppers that you get for pizzas or Cayenne pepper, sprinkle it around ind in the area you don't want the animals. Cat's especially don't like this. They always sniff before they do thier business and then they get a hot nose. Cats then also like to clean themselves and they get hot again. Hehehe they do remember not to go there again. Once I've added my amendment of this no more problems. Won't hurt your plants.


Word of warning if you work in that area make sure to wash your hands and don't rub your eyes.


Cynthia Gowin


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Reply:I use cheap chili powder or cayanne pepper from the discount stores. Pinecones also form an uncomfortable area for "relief".
Reply:There are sprays at the pet store to repel animals. I have the same problem with my dog, now that we fenced off our vegetable garden so she couldn't go in it, now she likes my new fern garden... Gotta get some of that.





About mint - I don't know if it works or not, I do know that it spreads a lot, and it hard to get rid of once established.





My mother has some, and I won't plant any because it can be a nuisance - I get it from her if I need it.
Reply:Try an ultrasonic deterrent :


http://www.safepetproducts.com/pilot.asp...





There is a spray i use on the curtains called four paws repellent - I got it at a larger pet store. It works great on the back of the couch too, and the can says its for outdoor use too.


http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attri...
Reply:There are chemicals you can buy to spray on the area that will make it unappealing to your pets. Check at your local garden center and they should be able to help you.
Reply:the sprays are supposed to be good and pepper does work just to warn you dont waste money on the electronic devises they dont work and are very dear to buy,my neighbour has one and all the cats go in to her flower beds!