How do i deter cats from "going" in my tubs?

We've a tub outside the front of out house, with crocus and daffodil bulbs planted ready for spring. It's been there about a month, but the last few days we've been finding a little present left by a local cat in the tub.

Clearly it finds it an attractive litter tray, as it goes about its business and covers up afterwards (digging up the more shallow bulbs in the process).
So i've been clearing it out each time, but this morning decided I've had enough - time to nip it in the bud early. I topped up the compost, gave it a good watering and then covered the tub with a bin bag - this should be ok over winter, or at least for the short term. I'll water it myself periorically. And the cat wont see a place to bury its mess, just a bin bag.

But what i'd really like is a way to keep the cat away. What do people reccomend? There are so many different options out there, i don't know where to start.

 

How about stretching chicken wire (or similar) over the top of the pot, raising it slightly in a convex fashion, so the wire is in no danger of touching the soil/compost underneath? The bulbs will still be able to grow up through the wire and the foliage will eventually hide it.

 

I agree with chicken wire. A water pistol, if you see the cat and can surprise it without yourself being seen, may deter it from visiting. Something smelly around the pot? We put mustard on our skirting boards when the dogs were puppies and using them as teething-rings. Dunno about cats though, so no idea if that sort of approach works for them.

I'll probably get a box full of hate-mail now :(

 

I've posted this photo before about my "anti-squirrel mesh" on our big pots. I'd guess cats would find it just as uncomfortable under their paws.

 

I like the wire idea - hadn't thought of that.

I was originally thinking of cat deterrent spray / smelly pellets / high pitched signal thing, but none of those would be effective forever without topping up / reapplying / replacing batteries.

The wire, however, once in place should do the trick. :thmb:
Anyone know a reasonably priced stockist I can pop into to pick up a small quantity. (B&Q, Homebase, Wickes, Garden Centres?) I won't be after as much as needed to actually keep chickens, just enough for this.

I'll try posting pics to show you how I get on.

 

Sounds like i'm ready to crack on with another project this week then.

Just got to check with the Mrs now - the tubs are her babies really, so I'll need her approval before I get properly stuck in.:o

 

Some independent DIY shops do small pieces of different types of mesh for people who want to make or repair rabbit hutches. The mesh I have in the photo is quite strong, I cut out a "hole" to fit round the stem of the plant (which is not always in the centre of the pot) then marked round the rim with a felt tip pen. Then cut it out in a circle. I then cut a line into the centre and bent the mesh to get it round the stem then bent it back.
It's an easy job to remove and replace it, if I want to change the top layer of compost at any time.

 

As a cat owner i sympathise. I would have no problem with anyone using a water pistol, it'l annoy the cat but not harm it. The vet told us to try this when they scratch furniture and it works. I had a big problem with people putting carpet gripper on the fence, no need.
If anyone can tell me how to stop them vomiting on the bedspread i'm all ears. Now not allowed in the bedroom.

Cheers
D

 

As a cat owner i sympathise. I would have no problem with anyone using a water pistol, it'l annoy the cat but not harm it. The vet told us to try this when they scratch furniture and it works. I had a big problem with people putting carpet gripper on the fence, no need.
If anyone can tell me how to stop them vomiting on the bedspread i'm all ears. Now not allowed in the bedroom.

Cheers
D

 

Water pistols are fine in theory, as is a handy garden hose with a trigger nozzle with the tap already turned on. But by the time you've noticed the cat, got the window or door open, picked up the water pistol or the hose.....

I'm reminded of the Benny Hill joke about the guy who gets pigeon poo in his eye and asks a friend if he has any toilet tissue who replies; "What's the point? The pigeon will be miles away by now!"

 

Motion activated water pistol :hehe:

 

Doghouse's mesh idea seems like a nice neat solution to the problem. If it's a question of keeping cats out of pots and newly-planted areas just until the plants are established, I find that sticking lots of twigs into the soil works very well. Rose prunings make especially good cat-proofing .

 

Hmm..

The problem there is it's like burglar alarms, you'll occasionally forget about it, go outside and get a soaking while your cat laughs at you.

 

Ah .. need the model with a WebCam then - the rest of us can then enjoy it too