Cats using garden as a toilet

The cats who use our garden seem to prefer soft areas where they can scrape soil over their deposits. I wonder if it could be fox poo, or maybe hedgehog?

When cats were regularly using an area under our lounge window I put down some thorny pyracantha branches and that stopped them.

No, it is a cat. My friend has seen it, but at that time didn’t have a water pistol. She may well get one though, to have ready, just in case it returns during the day. However, I was wondering if there were other strategies to try without harming the cat.

Thorny branches of some kind might be worth a try, Nell82 if she can get hold of any from someone.

Plectracanthus caninus, Lavender, Rosemary, Curry Plant, Rue.
Lion Faeces (buy as dried faeces in bags) Orange Peel.

I don't know if any of the above work but they are all recommended.

We had a cat visitor that used the middle of our lawn as a toilet.
Only stopped when my DH threw water over it. Didn't see it again.

We had a neighbours cat that kept visiting our garden, it would not be deterred until my DH used the spot as a urinal for a few days. It worked and even after I hosed down the border ( I didn’t like the smell either) the cat did not return.

I have had success with a mixture of spent coffee grounds mixed with a teaspoon of Vicks ( the cheaper Superdrug version) vapour rub and citrus fruit peel. Once spread we humans don’t smell it, but the cat does and is deterred.