Cat deterrent

[s6boy]

Since the last of my dogs died last year, some local cats have decided my gravel drive is now a safe and fun place to meet up and play. I really don't mind them coming in and sunning themselves, but they are also using it as their 'dumping' ground.
Combined with the colour of gravel it is difficult to see in daylight and impossible to see in the early morning. Today was the second time I've noticed a strange smell drifting up from the footwell where I've stepped into one of their deposits as I've left for work, and once it's been ground into the carpet it's a smell that lasts!

So I'd be grateful for any suggestions and experiences on how to stop/deter my furry visitors for good. I've seen the 'Super Soaker' videos on line but this isn't really a feasible option, also reading reviews of products found online at best show they only work for a short time. Help!!!

[s6boy]

Willy Nilly said:

6 shot pump action.

Maybe for the owners!
I can't understand the mentality to think it is ok for a pet cat to wander into other peoples garden and sh*t on their property because 'you can't keep them in the garden'. As a dog owner you take the responsibility to keep it secured at home and pick up their mess when out on a walk. It drives me mad because the neighbours are nice people but give the impression they can't understand why I think there is problem
Thanks for the suggestions, the citrus and chilli I will give a go but have read they are not a long term fix. The cucumber clips were very funny but somehow I think the cats will get used to them

If nothing else works it'll be poisoned traps....for the owners

[s6boy]

Google [bot] said:

Try a positively reviewed sonic thing.

You can't blame the owners, cats are not dogs, they aren't controllable.

Good advice (I hope) about the ultrasonic deterrent, I've been doing more research and found this on the RSPB site: http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/catwatch-cat-deterrent... there are mostly positive reviews so I'll put an order in. While waiting I will try the citrus and chilli and try to make a comparison.

Big issue with you about owners though. The excuse they aren't controllable isn't acceptable. With ownership should come responsibility, if you can't control it to the extent it causes distress/inconvenience/expense to others then don't buy it in the first place. I shouldn't have to scrub cat sh*t from my cars carpets because they want a pet they can't control!

[s6boy]

You've just got to love the internet, but briefly.

I thought it was clear that my thoughts are with what can be controlled hence the question regarding a deterrent in the first place, not to introduce a law. And who even mentioned a ban?

I won't be moving just to create a cat free utopia, and I don't get the car analogy at all.

To avoid any mis-understanding I am not anti cat, I do not want to ban them and I do not want to harm them.
I do want to deter them from cr#pping on my drive though. And I do think owners should be more responsible.

Thanks for the constructive tips. The sonic deterrent linked earlier should be on its way.

Peace to all cat lovers.