Cat friendly gravel - but not THAT friendly :)

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Clydesdalestu, Mar 10, 2019.

  1. Clydesdalestu

    Clydesdalestu Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2018
    Messages:
    18
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Kent, United Kingdom
    Ratings:
    +27
    Hi all,

    I wonder if anyone could give me some advice?

    Due to some invasive tree roots lifting up my paving slabs on a patio at then far end of the garden, I've decided to lift the lot and replace them with a thick bed of gravel, chippings, slate, or something similar.

    My issue is that our cat loves spending time with us in the garden, so I want to use something cat friendly ( I think I read somewhere that cat's don't like certain types of gravel or slate, as it's uncomfortable on their paws).

    HOWEVER, there's also that old adage about cats LOVING pea shingle to use as a litter tray! Obviously I'm really keen to avoid this, so wondered if anyone could recommend something that would suit our strange situation?

    We're lucky that we have very few cats in our neighbourhood, so I don't think we'd be too inundated with kitties using out patio as a public loo, but even so, I'd like to avoid the possibility if I can.

    Any advice gratefully accepted,

    Stu.
     
  2. mazambo

    mazambo Forever Learning

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2018
    Messages:
    1,508
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Stoke-on-Trent
    Ratings:
    +3,718
    @Clydesdalestu I can't say I've heard of unfriendly cat gravel, but I do remember a friends neighbour complaining because his cat was pooping on his graveled garage roof:heehee: my last cat I had i can still picture her walking on top of a 60ft long hawthorn hedge we had when it had been cut, so personally i couldn't see why the popular types of gravel or slate would be a problem.
     
  3. CarolineL

    CarolineL Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2016
    Messages:
    1,597
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Retired Software engineer
    Location:
    Rural Carmarthenshire
    Ratings:
    +4,304
    Hi @Clydesdalestu I'm afraid I don't think there is a solution to the litter tray aspect. I have recently moved to a house with a gravel drive. Despite having had a huge pile of compost delivered that they could use, the cats have decided the drive is their loo - even though the gravel is large, lumpy and sharp edged. I am going to try to create a slightly more welcoming area in the hope that they will use it preferentially.
     
  4. Janet mahay

    Janet mahay Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Messages:
    516
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Uk west mid
    Ratings:
    +609
    Gravel can be quite attractive to cats -- so you need to convince the cats gravel is not as great as it seems. Spray your gravel with something that cats dont like although . not all cats dislike the same smells, so you might need to try a few things before you find what works. Citronella or lavender essential oil, peppermint ,lemongrass and orange repel cats and are non toxic make a homemade solution of these oils one part oil and 3 parts water also white vinegar is also a deterrent either use neat or deluted with water

    Spraythe area after few days and each time it rains which ever you use oil or vinegar

    You could Sprinkle broken pine cones or pine straw on the gravel and If you don't mind the new texture and color, this might work as a deterrent, as it will feel uncomfortable on cats' paws and they'll be less likely to walk -- or dig -- on the gravel

    If a cat wonts to go in your garden sometimes nothing will deter then but their powerful noses can be your ally in keeping them away from certain area,s
     
    • Like Like x 1
      Last edited: Mar 11, 2019
    • Victoria

      Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

      Joined:
      Jun 9, 2006
      Messages:
      30,124
      Occupation:
      Lady of Leisure
      Location:
      Messines, Algarve
      Ratings:
      +49,909
      None of my cats have ever bothered with the gravel. They have a sand garden they are allowed to use but most have always preferred to rush inside at great speed to use the litter box. :heehee::cat-kittyandsmiley:
       
    • Mike77

      Mike77 Gardener

      Joined:
      Jun 23, 2017
      Messages:
      175
      Gender:
      Male
      Ratings:
      +172
      If it's a spot your cat likes to sit in i doubt it is going to use it as a litter tray. Cat's are clean animals. They would rather do it somewhere else like in a neighbor's garden
       
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

        Joined:
        Jul 3, 2006
        Messages:
        61,004
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired - Last Century!!!
        Location:
        Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
        Ratings:
        +117,308
        The best animal deterrent that I've found is a very dilute solution of Jeyes Fluid sprayed on the area. It even kept the badgers out when I sprayed my boundary with it.
         
      • Janet mahay

        Janet mahay Gardener

        Joined:
        Oct 24, 2018
        Messages:
        516
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        Uk west mid
        Ratings:
        +609
        hi shiney at least you found something that works and yes jeyes fuid is a good deterrent and a good cleaner etc but use with caution as it can be toxic to cats
        Although some cats seem ok by it others can get bad tummies even death
         
        Last edited: Mar 11, 2019
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

        Joined:
        Jul 3, 2006
        Messages:
        61,004
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired - Last Century!!!
        Location:
        Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
        Ratings:
        +117,308
        That's why they recommend only a dilute version. They say you only need enough to get the smell onto the ground. A friend of ours used a 10oz hand sprayer with a teaspoon of Jeyes fluid to do his whole gravel driveway.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Mike77

          Mike77 Gardener

          Joined:
          Jun 23, 2017
          Messages:
          175
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +172
          Given the cat belongs to the original poster I doubt they want to put anything down that might poison it.
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Agree Agree x 1
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice