Cats and foxes can quickly ruin gardens as they find it suitable for their business and use it as a giant litter box and a fighting arena. Plants end up getting pooped on, and new seeds and bulbs get dug out by them. 

To finally put an end to this, Matt Jordan, gardening expert for The Greenhouse People, shared his top tips for deterring these pests from fouling in gardens.

He said: “Much to the dismay of their owners, many pets will eat their own poo and other animal faeces. However, this is a very dangerous habit for your pet animal poo can host a variety of diseases and parasites. One of the deadliest for dogs is parvovirus which is highly contagious and often fatal in unvaccinated dogs.

“Not only is poo dangerous to pets, but can also harm humans. Cat stool poses a very serious threat to both humans and other cats alike and should never be left to fester in the garden.

“Toxoplasmosis is an infection which infected cats can pass on to humans through their faeces and is particularly dangerous for those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems. Follow my top tips to prevent cats and foxes from pooing in your garden.”

Keep it trim

Foxes and cats are creatures of comfort, seeking out safe havens, and a garden that's gone wild can offer just the hideout they need. For those keen to keep these critters from making themselves at home in their green spaces, a good tidy-up is in order.

Gardening guru Matt advised: "Foxes love overgrown areas, so keeping your garden neat and tidy is a sure and effective way to help deter foxes from doing their business in your backyard.

"Focus on keeping your grass trimmed short, cutting back any overgrown bushes or shrubbery and keeping planting schemes tightly packed to avoid attracting foxes to den in your garden overnight and encouraging cats to come and dig in your garden."

However, it's important to remember that these wild patches also provide refuge for a host of other wildlife, including hedgehogs, and letting wildflowers flourish is a boon for pollinators.

Whip up a homemade repellant 

With their acute sense of smell, foxes aren't fussy eaters and will be drawn to gardens with chickens or rabbits, bird feed, accessible bins, and crops.

The gardening expert cautioned: "Pests like foxes use scents to mark their territory to return to at a later date, which unfortunately for your garden means it'll become that fox's personal toilet.

"Spraying a vinegar mixture over your plants and lawn will help rid your garden of any marking scents and stop them from returning.”

Using vinegar also works to deter cats. According to the gardening pros at Primrose, white vinegar is one thing cats “detest”.

Put the liquid in a spray bottle so it’s easy to use around the garden. Simply spray near where the cats spend time – on planters, the patio, or even inside.

Invest in motion-sensor deterrents

As mentioned above, foxes and cats like to feel safe, so a motion sensor light or even sprinklers can be used to deter foxes.

Matt explained: “Foxes and cats are more likely to move on from gardens where they don't feel secure, so sudden lights, noises and sensations should scare off unwanted guests and prevent your garden from becoming a public toilet.

“Motion-activated lights are not only a good investment for your home's safety, but they also conveniently keep foxes, cats and other pests at bay without bringing animals to harm.

“Alternatively, sprinklers are a popular option for struggling gardeners. Cats infamously aren't fans of water, so making sure your grass and flowerbeds are damp will deter them from toileting in your garden.”

Be aware that they may get used to certain methods so gardeners might like to try a variety of tactics.