A 13p kitchen item can keep cats from pooing in gardens without using chemicals, according to fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch. Cats are great pets but can cause a nuisance in gardens by doing their business in flower beds, on grass and in pots.

It's hard to keep cats out of parts of gardens and stop them using it as their own personal toilet. And if you grow your own food, you really don't want cats going to the toilet in your veggie patch. Cat poo might contain germs including toxoplasmosis which can be harmful for humans, the Express reports. To stop cats from going to the toilet in your garden, fans of Mrs Hinch, who writes books, shares tips online and has more than 4.6 million people following her on Instagram, have told others about a natural way to keep cats at bay.

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On Facebook, Kim Cook asked: "Does anyone know how I can stop cat's pooing in my garden please, without harming them or my dog? ".

Lots of people shared their responses, but the top tip was to use bits of citrus fruit like orange or lemon peels. Liz Johnston said: "Orange skins. I hear cats hate the smell." Daniela Fitzgerald added: "Orange skins."

Jo Hall suggested to "chop up lemons and limes and scatter them around the garden," to keep the neighbour's feline pets away. Emma Turner suggested: "Sliced lemon, cats hate citrus."

Lemons and oranges can be found in most fruit bowls in UK homes, however, for those who don't have any, they can be bought from most local supermarkets. Asda Tangy and Zesty Lemons cost £1, working out at 25p each. Morrisons Wonky Lemons 4 per Pack cost 50p, working out at 13p per lemon.

Sainsbury's Lemons cost 30p each and Tesco Lemons 4 Pack cost £1.35. Tesco oranges cost 35p each. Sainsbury's Oranges cost £1.50 for four large ones.

Other users shared additional suggestions for preventing cats from pooing in gardens, ranging from quick and easy, to a bit more involved. Norma Gibson recommended: "Get some lion or tiger poo from a safari park or zoo."

Beverley Wood said: "A bottle of water. Lie them down. Cats don't like the reflection. I do it all the time. Nicola Turford wrote: "Coffee grounds are supposed to work. Ask at your local coffee shop." Maria Gibbs posted: "Pick up any poop from the garden and replace it with mashed-up garlic and strong out-of-date herbs you may have in your cupboard."

"Make sure it sticks to the grass. It worked for me. I'm sure there are cat repellents you can use but sometimes I found them not as effective. Whatever you use, I hope it works." Rosemary Griffiths commented: "I put a realistic cat ornament where they used to go."

Nicola Frost stated, "I save teabags and put tea tree oil on them and put them around the garden. It stopped the cats coming into my garden." Amanda Shaw shared, "Cinnamon powder. Sprinkle lots of it where they tend to poo. It doesn't harm them but they hate the smell."