Instructions
Purchase a motion sensor especially designed for cats. There a various companies that offer motion sensors for cats, though they vary greatly in the area they monitor. For example, devices made by Innotek SSSCAT Cat Training Aid monitor a 3-foot radius, those by Koolatron Inc. a distance of 85 feet and those by CatStop a range of 280 square feet. Decide which motion sensor is right for you depending on whether you keep your garbage indoors or outdoors and the size of the garbage can.
Install batteries in the motion sensor as specified in the manufacturer's instructions. Normally this will require you to remove the battery door and insert one or two 9 volt alkaline batteries.
Install the motion sensor as close as possible to the garbage can. Most motion sensors can be mounted on the wall. If your motion sensor has key holes on the back side of the sensor, drill two long screws into the wall and line up the screws with the key holes. Make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions as the maximum mounting height varies from sensor to sensor.
Push the test button to determine if the device is working. If your device has no test button, wave your hand in front of the motion sensor to trigger either the liquid spray or light on the device. Your device is now ready to keep cats away from your garbage cans.
How to Keep a Cat Out the Garbage With a Motion Sensor
Drawn by the smell, cats often lurk by residential garbage cans seeking an easy meal. This often leaves a mess for cat owners or their neighbors, as the cat clumsily knocks over the trash can or spreads trash all over the ground. This annoyance can easily be avoided by placing a motion sensor by the trash can. However, regular light motion sensors will not keep a cat away from the garbage. Thus, carefully selecting a place for the motion sensor is the key to successfully deterring hungry felines.