Feral cats pooping in yard

I have an interesting issue I would like to share and need any input.

I have had feral cats on my property for years. In fact, I felt so dismayed by their plight, I TNR'd two 3 years ago. Was going to foster them but I became attached. Now they are my buddies.

So while trapping these kittens, my ultimate goal was to trap the breeder, who seems to have two litters, sometime three per year. Last year I TNR 13 this year 5. All of these except 2 were adopted through APL, thank goodness. The other 16 were brought back to my property, here lies the issues.  These cats drop their feces in my yard, selecting my walk patterns. I bought the cat repel or cat void remedies to which they showed their disapproval by dropping directly on my porch and steps.

Mind you, I feed and water these guys too.AND so does my neighbor.

I just cannot figure why they are doing this? Is it because my two cats indoors, who are a distant cousin?

They are obviously marking their territory, right?

This activity is all Outdoor activity. My two adopted cats are no problem and have no issues like this.

Any feedback welcome

Thanx,

Steve0

It does sound like they are marking territory.  If the deterrents aren't working, I can only think of one thing.  Any chance you can set up an area with a sandbox, so they'll use that?  I had two outside cats with access to a sandbox and a regular litter box and they much preferred the sand.  I made it out of a raised garden kit but filled it with stones on the bottom, then rocks, then sand.  Scooped it like a regular litter box.  You could set it out of the way, so it isn't too obvious.

And I wanted to add - you rock!  All the TNR you've done is fantastic!

It may not seem like it, but they are showing their appreciation by adopting your property as their territory.  Too bad they have to mark this way to do it!

My 3 TNR"d boths like mulch.  They have an area off my deck where I change out the mulch 3-4x each year.  I then have an area in the back of my property where I place a few bags and they use that as well. 

Ondine's suggestion of a sand/litter box is a good one. 

Thank you so much for all you have done to TNR all of these cats.  The world needs more people like you!!

The sand and/or mulch are two great ideas to attract them to do their business away from your walkway.