How to Keep a Cat out From Under a Deck

Cats are notoriously prone to making themselves at home in places they are not welcome -- such as under your deck. But do not despair. Whether you are seeking to prevent your own pet from hiding away under there or deter unwelcome neighborhood felines, there are a range of tried and tested methods for persuading them to stay away. The key thing to remember is that cats are constantly seeking out comfort. The more uncomfortable you make the area under your deck the less likely a cat is to shelter there.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken wire
  • Pine cones
  • Small sharp sticks
  • Holly leaves
  • Thorn clippings
  • Cedar compost
  • Citrus peel or other strong-smelling materials
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cover the entire area under your deck with a layer of chicken wire. Ensure it lies flat on the ground and is firmly anchored round the edges with tent pegs or similar fixers.

    • 2

      Spread a thick layer of thorny or spiky materials such as holly leaves or rose bush clippings on the ground under your deck. This can be done in addition to or instead of the chicken wire.

    • 3

      Cover the area under your deck with strong-smelling materials such as pine cones, which are also uncomfortable for cats to lie on, or cedar compost. This can be done in addition to or instead of the chicken wire or thorny, spiky materials.

    • 4

      Insert short spiky sticks into the ground under your decking. These do not need to stick more than two inches out of the ground, but should be placed close enough together -- no less than six inches apart -- to prevent the cat using the area as a toilet.

    • 5

      Plant or spread the strong-smelling oils and spices around your deck. This is particularly useful when space under your decking is too tight to place items under the deck.