You help so many people through your column. I hope you can help us. My daughter has a nice yard and works hard in the garden. The problem is there are several cats that are allowed to roam free through the neighborhood. They use our yard as their litter box. She has to "pooper-scoop" every day. Is there anything we can spray that will keep out the cats without ruining the garden? We love animals, have always had a dog or cat, but we picked up after the dogs and kept the cats inside.
A.
Cats are very independent and like to mark their territory, just as dogs will. A dog in the yard is one way to keep the cats away but, although you like dogs, you may not want to get one. They require much more attention and care. With all the plants and flowers, a cat probably finds the yard an alluring place to look for birds attracted to the yard as well.
Many people have written to me about various remedies from cayenne pepper, to capfuls of ammonia, cucumber peels, and my favorite, the guy who spreads human urine (I won't tell you how). Prickly roses do not work, although planted beneath windows, they will keep a potential burglar away.
I have found one source that may be helpful for your dilemma. You can order "Dog and Cat Repellent" (catchy name, eh?) from Jerry Baker's Gardening For Life Catalog. Call 1-800-888-0010 and tell them it is item no. 1609. The cost will be about $8.95 plus shipping for a 2 pound shaker canister. Determine what size area (square feet) you plan to cover before you call so that if you need more, you can order more at a discount. This may be the purr-fect solution. Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559
Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.
