If you've found this site because you have unwanted cats visiting you, then this is the section for you. We know that not everyone likes cats. To some, they're considered nothing but a nuisance. The Marmite pet.

Firstly, and most importantly - please DO NOT consider using antifreeze. It's not a deterrent - it's a killer. It causes a long, slow, painful death - something no creature deserves (okay, perhaps wasps, at a push). And if you're caught deliberately poisoning an animal, it's a criminal offense. And you'll be hated about 100 times more than that woman who put a cat in a bin.

There are lots of other ways to deter cats from coming onto your property. Here are a few to try:

  • The bottle trick
Get an empty 2-litre plastic soft-drink bottle and fill it half to two-thirds with tap water. Put the lid on and lay it in your garden. Larger gardens will need more than one bottle. Light reflecting from the water spooks the cats and this method tends to work very well. If you're placing them on grass, remember to move them every few days to prevent lawn damage.

Old CD's have a similar effect if you hang them from hedges and lower tree branches. And they look kinda cool.

  • Cayenne pepper or mustard powder
Another easy one. Cats find the scent really unpleasant and will generally be deterred if you sprinkle this in areas you want to deter them from. This is best for smaller areas, such as flower beds, etc.

  • Scaredy-cat
If you're the green-fingered type, then this one's for you. There's a plant now available at many garden centres called Coleus Canina, also known as 'Scaredy-cat'. It yields small, attractive spikes of blue flowers and releases a stench that cat's simply can't stand. The best bit? It only smells for humans when it's touched.



  • A good soaking
It's pretty well-known that cat's don't like getting wet. Have a water pistol near the door/window and hit them with a blast of water whenever you can. They'll associate you and your garden with the soakings and before long, they'll decide it's just not worth it.

A cleaned-out washing up liquid bottle makes an ideal alternative if you don't own a water-pistol. Fires out a right jet, let me tell you.

  • Electronic deterrents
There are a variety of electronic deterrents available - a quick Google search should help you find the right one for you.

  • Silent Roar
There's no easy way to say this. Silent Roar is made using lion poo. And it scares the crap out of cats. Watchdog did a cat repellent test in August 2000 and Silent Roar aced it - 3 hours after application, no cats visited at all, and it can last up to 3 months. Get it here.


If you have any other tried and tested, humane deterrents, let us know by emailing antifreezekills@ymail.com