Keeping outdoor/neighbor cats away

We will be moving to our new home in about a month, with our (2) veteran cats.

We noticed yesterday a very bold and brazen cat (identified as at least 1 of 2 outdoor "neighbors"), walking right up the sidewalk and exploring the bushes, mulch and landscaping in front of the house.

This is obviously a potential stressor and behavioral threat to our two indoor-only, and we would like to take preventive steps.

Therefore, what are the best options, tactics and/or safe products for deterring friendly neighbor cats from making themselves at home in our surroundings?

Thanks!

Hi!

I suggest talking to the neighbors and ask them to keep their cats away from your property.. explain to them that it stresses your cats out and you don't want the cats destroying your flowers.

If they continue to let the cats out, you can get an automatic sprinkler system that only goes on when it senses movement. Cats will not like being sprayed with water, they'll learn quickly. there's also a sound system too.
http://www.safepetproducts.com/scarecrow-motion-sprinkler.html

You can also put up a cat-proof fence too, but I don't know how effective that will be.

If its not possible to implement a sprinkler system or fence, there are commercial products that you can purchase that contain coyote urine which not only repel cats but raccoons, rabbits, etc. I think one brand name is 'shake away'.

For a more aesthetic solution, you can plant things coleus, citronella, lavender, lemon balm which cats will not like the smell of.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Neighbors/Cats are from across the road.  The woman who sold the home to us (not a current cat owner) recognized the "visitor," and only said she wished they would keep it indoors because of the potential for harm.

Sprinklers may or may not be an option; I'm not sure I have a nearby hose connection.

Commercial products might be my first inclination, although trying some of the different plantings sounds like a good possibility.  There is presently mulch around the bottoms of the existing foliage.

Here is a (less than ideal) photo of the front:

Congrats on the new house billchamb! Very nice.

I had a feeling it wouldn't be long before something else came along. Very happy for you, your missus and of course, Striker and Sassy.

Have not tried planting anything yet, but...found this product:  Critter Ridder.

I used it to sprinkle a perimeter around the edge of the mulched area.  According to Mrs. tonight, it was ineffective, as she witnessed the neighbor cat jump right into the mulch and spray our shrubs.

Either I need a better, heavier distribution or to look for something else, until I figure out where and how much coleus and lemon balm, etc. I need to plant.

Hi Bill,

You may need something stronger like a product with coyote urine in it. Here is a link that lists a few different brands : http://www.predatorpee.com/

Another suggestion to add to your list of plantings, are Cottoneaster and Barberry shrubs. Both of these are prickly, and depending on the variety, can be quite attractive (well, except to cats).

Barberry : http://www.alpha-nursery.com/barberry1.html

Cottoneaster : http://davisla.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/cotoneaster-moupinensis/

Do they dig in the garden to use it as a litter box? You can use chicken wire just beneath the dirt/mulch-- cats won't like to claw at it