Remove attractants: stop leaving food, water, and pet bowls outdoors
Keep trash secured in closed bins
Clean up fallen fruit, spilled birdseed, and compost scraps
Use motion-activated sprinklers
Install motion-activated ultrasonic devices designed for cats (use where they won’t trigger on pets or people)
Add physical barriers: install fencing with a cat-proof design (tight gaps, topped or angled inward)
Use garden netting over vulnerable areas (especially beds and planters)
Block entry points under decks, sheds, and porches with lattice or hardware cloth
Seal holes and gaps around structures and foundations
Use abrasive deterrents in problem zones (paver sand, crushed rock, or gravel with minimal flat footing)
Apply commercial cat-repellent granules or sprays labeled for yards and follow label directions
Maintain repellent reapplication schedule after rain or irrigation
Plant cat-deterring vegetation (e.g., rue, lavender, coleus canina) where suitable
Reduce hiding spots: trim dense shrubs, remove leaf litter, and clear tall grass
Keep landscaping tidy to remove cover near fences and garden edges
Consider outdoor lighting with motion sensors to discourage roaming at dusk and night
Train your own pets to discourage cat visits (if applicable)
If cats are persistent, contact local animal control or a humane animal deterrence service for guidance