To coin a phrase, the Contech CRO101 Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler is the daddy of all cat repellers and perfect for protecting your garden from cats.
How it repels cats (and dogs)
Thanks to a clever motion detector, the Contech CRO101 cat repeller springs into action the second a cat or dog wanders into its field of view. It then issues a short burst of water which scares the cat away. The cat does not have to be within range or directly in front of the device, the noise and quick action alone are enough to scare it away. Cats quickly learn that this happens everytime they visit, and stop visiting the area altogether.
The setup is quick and easy. Simply add a 9 volt battery (not included unfortunately) and attach you water supply hose. Push the supplied stake into the ground and then set the sprinkler in the desired direction of cover. When I tested it, it took all of 15 minutes to go from unpacking, to having it work, protecting my lawn from cats!
Advantages of the Contech Scarecrow
- Humaine
- Effective
- Covers a large area suitable for big gardens (1000 square feet)
- Can be linked in series to cover larger areas
- chemical free – child and pet safe
- low maintenance, set it up, job done.
Disadvantages
- Requires a battery (but only one 9volt).
Tips for the Contech Scarecrow cat repellent
If the thought of having to change the battery every few months is putting you off this product, it is not really a deal breaker because it is so good at solving the problem of cats in the garden. However, there is a solution, use a 9v power adapter.
9vadapter
In order to make the adapter work with the CRO101 you’ll need to cut off the transformer plug and strip the wires down. Cut out the battery holder from the sprinkler and strip those wires too. Now you just have to connect the two positive wires together and both negative wires, make it water tight and plug it in. Now it has a persistent supply and will run all year long keeping cats out of your garden!
Conclusion
The Contech CRO101 Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler is a great piece of kit for protecting your garden from cats. Once it is set up, you have immediate protection, and piece of mind that you will not be stepping in cat mess or having your trip to the garden spoiled by cat smell.
The only downside is that is requires a battery, the lifespan of which depends on how often a cat sets the sprinkler off. I recommend getting decent lithium rechargeable batteries or use the tip above to connect it to a 9v power adapter.
Additional Bonus
What we found hilarious was setting up a camcorder and catching rogue cats and dogs getting frightened off, you really get an insight into how effective this cat repellent is when you see animals taking off like a bullet out of a gun! Watch camera number 4 below to see the Contech CRO101 in action, seeing off a couple of dogs.
Best Cat Deterrent 2016 Results!
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Apart from a battery requirement. i think this is the best and the trusted way to keep pets away from garden and lawns.
I have recently purchased the Scar Crow for my garden and pond which works perfectly from the house pressure supply. However, to be more effective and efficient I would like to run this directly from my pond. The pump from my pond filter is not strong enough to give up to 80 psi and thus will not make the device effective.
I would like to ask if there is any pump or accessories you can recommend to help me use this product to its fullest potential. I have electricity at the pond and can easily hook up another pump but do not want to “dead head” it as the Scare Crow will not always be running.
Any advice you can supply will be very much appreciated.
Hi Kevin, thanks for your question – I am looking into this and will get back to you!
hi, would like to know the radius covered, does it only operate into one direction or does the sensor scan 180 deg. and adjust itself?
Hi, good question!
The Contech Scarecrow cat repeller scans and sprays an 80 degrees arc.
If you require greater coverage please see the fantastic Orbit at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F1R0GC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009F1R0GC&linkCode=as2&tag=catrepeller-20
Works perfectly against squirrels ! Keep my garden away from any pest even deers. Only problem that all need to know is if you use house connection water outlet, you have to get a pressure stabiliser to bring it down to 50 to 80 psi. Also, battery runs low quickly, trying to find a “solar power solution”. If someone as an idea and wish thanks. By the way, this system does not hurt animals nor nature !
Hi Patrice, thanks for your comment.
There is a solar power version you can find it here > http://amzn.to/2pKT1wN
Also other readers should note that Contech went into administration early in 2017 so the best water sprinkler cat repeller is now this one — > http://amzn.to/2olEAB5
WHERE CAN I GET PARTS FOR MY UNITS,PARTICULARLY THE PLASTIC MALE HOSE BY FEMALE HOSE 8 1/2 INCH NIPPLE, MINE SPLIT ABOUT 2 INCHS IN THE MIDDLE.
Dean – bad news – contech went uder ( https://catrepellentguide.com/cat-repellent-blog/) but you might manage to get that part from Amazon.
What are the numbers on dial on the unit for?