Cats are one of the most beloved pets in the UK. However, they have a tendency to deface and relieve themselves in neighbouring gardens.
Cat poop can wreak havoc on gardens and damage plants as it carries harmful bacteria.
Taking to her TikTok page @alittlecotswoldhome, Becky shared her tried and tested method that works to deter felines.
Becky started the video by saying: “Ok so here’s my number one tip if you, like us, have issues with neighbouring cats trying to use your lovely planters or pots as a blooming litter tray.
“Coffee grounds! Literally, take your coffee grounds crumble them and put them on top of the soil. Apparently, the cats don’t like the smell.”
Cats are repelled by harsh aromas. Fresh-brewed coffee smells fantastic to humans, but cats have a sense of smell that’s much more developed.
Cats have 200 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to our measly 5 million), meaning that every scent is heightened and much stronger to them.
Becky continued: “Ever since we’ve started doing this we’ve had no more issues [with cats]. It’s also meant to be really good for your plants too.
“Let me know if you give this a go or already do this. It has been a godsend for us. No more cat poo.”
For those worried about the risks to cats when using coffee grounds, Becky took to the comments saying: “Little risk. We have a cat ourselves and upon doing lots of research decided this was the best option to deter without injuring.”
Fellow TikTok users shared their thoughts on this tip in the comments. @Chloe said: “Good way to keep cats away without harming them. I understand it’s annoying but it’s cruel to hurt the animal, this is a great alternative.”
@snippetsofem wrote: “I’ve read that cats think it smells similar to their poo so they hate it. Lots of cafes give it away in bulk too for fertilisers.”
@sashalucy91 commented: “I already do this because I know it’s good for the soil but had no idea about it keeping the cats away too!”
@Lucyjsampson: “I cannot tell you how much I needed to see this today. Found a cat pooping in our garden this morning and our indoor cat isn’t happy! Thank you!”
