Many gardeners have problems with neighbours' cats using their vegetable patches and flowerbeds as litter boxes. There are effective strategies for keeping cats out of gardens that won't harm people, animals, or the environment.

Water
Most cats hate to be squirted with water. Purchasing a squirt gun and squirting the invader a few times will usually do the trick. For those with a bit of money to spend, motion-sensing sprinkler systems are available. A motion-sensing sprinkler system will squirt any animal (or person) that moves in the area, so it may not be the best idea if the water can reach the front walk. Also, motion-sensing water sprinklers are not a viable solution in areas that suffer from water shortages.

Cat-Repelling Plants
Many people recommend planting rue because its strong scent repels cats, but rue can be toxic if ingested and can also cause unpleasant skin reactions in people. Planting lavender, lemon thyme, and coleus canina are safer options. A thick bed of prickly roses or some cacti around the perimeter of the yard or in the area where cats are getting through a fence can also be highly effective.

Landscaping Options
Cats love soft dirt. Covering dirt with rocks, shale mulch, or pine cones makes it far less appealing. Lining the perimeter with upside-down plastic carpet runner (pointy side up) can be quite effective, as cats don't like to walk on the points. If there is one particular area the cat favours, planting a series of upright sticks in the soil will solve the problem.

Cat Fences
Cat fences are designed to keep cats in a yard, but they are equally effective at keeping cats out. They can be purchased either as freestanding fences with stakes that anchor them to the ground or as extensions that attach near the tops of fences to keep cats from climbing over. Chicken wire can also be used to form a barrier around the entire yard or specific areas that a cat is targeting.