gravel for deterring cats

updated sun 20 aug 06

Barbara Sargent on sun 20 aug 06

Our very large driveway has become the toilet for the neighboring
cats. It's covered with wood chips which seem attractive to them for
the purpose. We're looking to cover it with gravel instead since it
seems to me that if the gravel is heavy enough they won't enjoy
moving it around.

So, I'm asking anyone who has lots of experience with cats'
preferences to tell me whether the gravel has to be largish--say 3/4"
to keep them from being interested in moving it? Or can it be smaller
and lighter weight? I can just tell that the really small pebbles
wouldn't deter them.

Thanks.

Barbara - Berkeley, CA

Patricia Ruggiero on sun 20 aug 06

Our cats don't seem to use the gravel driveway as their litter box. Why
should they, when they have the flower beds....?

I'd say our gravel is 3/4" or so, definitely not smaller.

Pat

kathryn marsh on sun 20 aug 06

That isn't big enough - found out the hard way. They don't like slate
chippings - the edges are sharp - but a rounded edge gravel under
about two inches becomes a litter tray in no time.