How to Stop Cats From Going Potty on Wood Chips

The problem with neighborhood cats is that they like to visit other people's backyards, where they may fight, mate and defecate. The latter is a particular problem because the cats will do their business where they choose, even on wood chips. This, of course, leaves an unpleasant odor and creates more work for the homeowner. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to train cats to stay away from your wood chips and your yard. The methods are also effective if the troublesome cat is yours.

Things You'll Need

  • Odor-neutralizing spray
  • Soda can
  • Pebbles
  • Masking tape
  • Aluminum foil
  • Citrus-scented spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up and discard any of the cat's poop from the wood chips, and then spray the spot with water to rinse it clean. Wait for the area to dry, and then use a neutralizing spray to eliminate the smell. Cats often return to areas where they have gone potty before to do it again. They are less likely to go potty on the wood chips again if they cannot find their favorite spots.

    • 2

      Spray the cat with water when it returns to the wood chips. Repeat this process until it learns to avoid the wood chips. If you do not know when to expect the cat and cannot wait for it, consider purchasing a motion-sensitive sprinkler that is designed for animal intruders.

    • 3

      Fill an empty soda can halfway with small pebbles or other noisemakers and seal the top with masking tape. Wait in a hidden spot for the cat to return to the wood chips. Throw the noisemaker close to the cat when it begins to go potty, but avoid hitting it. Such unexpected events scare cats away. Do this whenever the cat returns until it stops visiting.

    • 4

      Place items that are unpleasant to cats around the perimeter of the wood chips. According to information from UC Davis, cats do not like stepping on aluminum foil and they do not like the smell of citrus. If you choose to use foil, lay long strips around the edges of the wood chips and ensure that there are no gaps for the cat to use as a walkway. If you choose to use a citrus scent, such as a lemon-scented spray, remember to reapply as soon as the scent starts to fade away or after it rains.

    • 5

      Teach your cat to use its litter box to deter it from going potty on the wood chips. Shower it with praise every time it uses the box. Install a cat door so it can come in from outside whenever it needs to go potty.