I still haven't completely solved my cat problems. However, what seems to work best for me is the SHAKE AWAY natural predator scent repellent,  SCARECROW motion-detector sprinkler and the ELECTRIC FENCE around the pond.

The Shake Away does work (it uses the urine of a natural predator) but can be expensive and rain will wash it away quickly. It works best if you can shelter it (maybe put it in an open coffee can turned on its side so that it doesn't get wet.)  And it's too expensive to use over a large area. So  it may be good for keeping cats out of your garage or shed or from under your back porch.

The high-pitched motion-detector device doesn't really work more than a couple of times before the cats get used to it. Plus, the batteries are always dying.

So, if your situation allows for a Haveahart electric fence (you don't want your own pets or any children to be able to come into contact with it, and of course you'll want to make sure there are no code restrictions against them if you live in the city, and you'll want to put up warning signs nearby) then for about $80, you can protect a large area of your yard from cats, racoons, and other pests.

Please share what's working for you here at the blog.

Thanks,

MJ



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Post Title. 01/03/2010
 
Steve, thanks for your question about the Cat Stop maybe bothering animals in the neighbor's yard. 

I'm not sure if that would be a problem. You can shield the high pitch beam somewhat. Or, since you have a small yard, you might place the unit at the edge of your property pointing BACK TOWARDS YOUR YARD (away from the neighbor's yard) if it turns out to be a problem.

 I, too, have animals in the next yard and worried about the dogs howling or being affected by the Cat Stop but they never seemed bothered by it (though I probably have a bigger yard and also pointed the unit  somewhat in a different direction.

I have used the Cat Stop but ultimately have been disappointed with it. It seems to work sporadically. It worked at first but then the "problem cat" seemed to get used to it and would ignore it.   

I'd recommend the Scarecrow sprinkler unit (though it, too, uses a motion detector, it doesn't put out the high pitch sound as a deterrent--it just turns on the sprinkler briefly.)  But that doesn't do you any good in the winter months.  (It's made by the same company.)

My suggestion is to go ahead and buy the Cat Stop and if it doesn't work for your purposes, return it for a refund.  I've found the customer service at the manufacturer to be excellent.  Or, you may call and ask if you can trade up to the Scarecrow unit.  

Good luck.
Hope 2010 will be a cat-free yard for you.
MJ
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