Keep Cats Out | Cat Control in Your Garden
Searching for humane ways to keep cats out of your garden? Discover effective solutions to solve the problem.
I know its hard to believe but not everyone is a cat enthusiast, it can be frustrating to find local cats disturbing your newly planted flower beds or leaving messes in your garden.
Fortunately, there are many gentle ways to keep cats out and protect your garden without causing harm.
The best natural deterrents to keep cats out of your garden
Looking for effective, eco-friendly ways to keep cats out of your garden? Natural deterrents can be a great solution to protect your plants without causing harm. In this article, we’ll explore the best natural methods to keep those curious felines at bay and ensure your garden stays pristine and cat free.
Scaredy Cat Plant - Coleus Canina
Commonly known as the "scaredy cat plant," Coleus canina (also referred to as Coleus Caninus or Plectranthus Caninus) is reputed to deter cats with its unpleasant scent. This attractive herb, part of the mint family, is designed to keep feline visitors away from your garden bed and flower beds. When brushed or disturbed, it emits a strong odor similar to that of a skunk, which intensifies and helps to repel cats. This flower not only effective but also aligned with animal welfare principles, ensuring a humane approach to keeping cats away.
Is it effective?
Does this work? its debatable but if you want to try something humane its worth trying as it may deter cats, just be aware that this flower is also known to repel other animals like dogs and rabbits and even people, so it may not be the best choice for area's of high foot traffic like patio flower beds, or decking area's. When planting flowers be careful as some plants are dangerous for cats please read our guide on - What Flowers are Poisonous to Cats?
Citrus Peel
Cats do not like strong smells and its believed that they don't like the smell of citrus peels like, Lemon, Orange and grapefruit. Spread the peel around your flower beds and shrubs, this will deter cats and act as a repellent keeping those cute kitties away.
Is it effective?
Citrus peels are a great natural way to help deter cats, scatter the peels in your flower beds and problem area's to stop your garden becoming a cat garden. However they lose their strong smell quickly as they decompose so will need replacing regularly to keep those kitty cats away.
Keep in mind that if you like a neat and tidy garden, citrus peels might not be the most attractive option. Plus, they could attract other critters to your yard looking for the fruit peels.
Alternative Litter Tray
I know what you are thinking "wont a garden litter tray attract cats?" Let me explain, the idea is to create a quite spot that cats will use rather then using your flower beds and creating a cat garden. Select the best quite and privet spot in your garden using a coarse cat litter, use catnip (what is catnip?) to attract the cats towards the new tray.
Is it effective?
This depends how you look at it, a litter box will stop roaming cats from using and treating your garden as a cat garden and turning it into one giant litter box. The downside is you will need to clean the tray daily dealing with other peoples cat mess.
if you have a large garden you will need more then one litter box, but one litter box for small gardens should do the job.
Potent Smelling Herbs
The idea is much like using citrus peels. Cats have very sensitive noses and dislike strong, pungent smells.
Plant aromatic herbs around your flower beds or even better grow them in pots, so you can move them around placing them in problem area's herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender work well as cat repellent. This is a great option as they not only deter cats they are great at attracting bees and butterflies.
Is it effective?
Yes herbs not only keep cats out they also serve as a bonus harvest for you, you can enjoy there lovely smell while they help deter cats and act as a natural cat repellent which keep them out of your garden beds. Cats find the smell of certain herbs bad so its a win win, these herbs are perennials and even if they die in the winter they will return in the spring.
Natural Barriers
Cats prefer a smooth, even surface when they use the bathroom, so placing pine cones and twigs around your garden beds can deter cats. These natural barriers make it difficult for cats to scratch at the soil, and the uncomfortable pokes will discourage them. It’s an attractive, natural alternative to using a scat mat.
Is it effective?
Very effective but its takes allot of effort if you don't have a natural supply of pine trees, or other woody plants available.
But if you have access to this material they make a great long term solution to protect your flower bed by acting as a great cat repellent. I love to go to the local park with my kids and collect branches and pine cones to spread over my garden to keep cats out.
Chicken Wire or Plastic Fencing
Cats love a firm, smooth surface when going to the bathroom. By placing chicken wire or plastic fencing on its side around your flowers it will help deter cats and keep cats out of your flower beds. Cats also tend to avoid areas covered in gravel, stones, or pebbles, as they don’t like the feel of these surfaces under their paws.
Is it effective?
Yes this is the best solution my grandma swears by this method and she is 86, cut it to size and lay it flat across your garden beds, plant will grow through the wire, you can also adjust it and make the holes bigger if needed for larger plants.
For a more defined look, consider lining the edges of your beds with pea gravel or coarse rocks, creating a “moat” around your plants. You can also add decorative touches like ceramic shards or shells on the soil to make the ground less appealing to cats.
Why Do Cats Go to the Toilet in Other People's Gardens?
Cats may use other people’s gardens as a toilet for several reasons:
Territorial Marking
Cats often use different areas to mark their territory by doing their business in other gardens, they assert their presence and keep other cats away.
Scent Aversion
Cats have a strong sense of smell and may avoid soiling their own territory to keep it clean, they might choose other areas to avoid the scent of their waste near their home.
Roaming Instincts
Cats are natural roamers and explore different areas when they visit other gardens, they might find it a suitable place to relieve themselves.
Lack of Access
If a cat doesn't have a litter box or suitable toileting area at home, they may seek out other gardens as an alternative.
Comfort
Some gardens might offer softer or more appealing soil for digging and covering their waste, making them an attractive choice.
Understanding these behaviors can help in finding effective solutions to deter cats from using your garden as a toilet.
More cat deterrents to consider
If natural methods like citrus peels or lavender haven't been successful in deterring cats from your garden or home, it might be time to consider other strategies. Beyond natural remedies, there are various effective ways to keep cats away from areas where they’re not welcome. These methods range from electronic devices to physical barriers, offering alternative solutions that can address persistent cat related issues. In this section, we’ll explore a variety of non-natural cat deterrents, providing you with additional options to maintain a cat free environment.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
Motion activated sprinklers sense movement and spray water in the direction of the cat to startle them, hopefully this will discourage cats from relieving themselves in your flower bed. Motion activated sprinklers are a great cheap option and have good results in reducing cats in your garden. Just be sure to remember when they’re set, or you might end up getting wet yourself!
Ultrasonic Cat Repellents
Ultrasonic cat repellents are devices designed to deter cats using high frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but uncomfortable for cats. These devices typically activate when they detect motion, emitting a sound that is unpleasant to cats, causing them to move away from the area. Ultrasonic repellents are often used to keep cats out of gardens, yards, or specific areas of a home without causing harm. They are a humane and low maintenance solution, making them popular for those looking to keep their spaces cat free.
Cat Repellent Sprays
Cat repellent sprays are liquids designed to deter cats by emitting scents they find unpleasant. Applied to surfaces like furniture or gardens, these sprays discourage cats from scratching, marking, or entering specific areas. They offer a convenient, non-invasive way to keep cats away from unwanted spaces.
Solar Powered Repellent Devices
Solar powered cat repellent devices are outdoor tools that use solar energy to operate and deter cats from specific areas. These devices typically combine motion sensors with either ultrasonic sound waves or flashing lights to startle and repel cats. Powered by sunlight, they are eco friendly and require minimal maintenance, making them an efficient solution for keeping cats away from gardens, yards, or other outdoor spaces.
Scat Mats
Cat scat mats are protective mats designed to keep cats away from certain areas by creating an uncomfortable surface for them to walk on. These mats are typically made of plastic with small, flexible spikes or bumps that discourage cats from stepping on them. They can be placed on furniture, garden beds, or anywhere you want to prevent cats from entering. While the spikes are harmless, they create enough discomfort to deter cats, making scat mats a simple and effective way to protect your space.
These methods can be effective in deterring cats from your garden and preventing them from causing damage.
Methods to avoid
Certain methods for keeping cats away should be avoided as they can be harmful to the animals or detrimental to your garden. It's best to steer clear of these potentially dangerous or damaging approaches.
Mothballs and coffee grounds
Both mothballs and coffee grounds are sometimes suggested as natural cat deterrents, but they should be avoided. Mothballs contain pesticides that are toxic to animals, insects, and humans, and should never be used in gardens where wildlife might come into contact with them. Coffee grounds, which contain caffeine, can be harmful to both cats and dogs. Even small amounts can pose risks if ingested. Instead of scattering coffee grounds in your garden, dispose of them in the compost pile where they are less likely to cause harm.
Poisonous Substances
Poisonous substances should be avoided when deterring cats from your garden because they pose significant health risks to both animals and humans. These substances can lead to severe illness or death if ingested or inhaled by pets or wildlife. Additionally, using poisons can harm beneficial insects and plants, disrupting the garden ecosystem. Humane and safe methods are preferable to ensure the well-being of all creatures and the health of your garden.
Sharp Objects
Sharp objects should be avoided as cat deterrents because they can cause injury to both cats and other animals. While intended to deter, they can result in painful cuts or scratches, posing a serious risk to their health. Additionally, sharp objects can damage garden plants and create hazards for people and pets. It's better to use non-harmful methods to keep cats away while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.
FAQ
How can I humanly keep cats out of my garden?
To humanely keep cats out of your garden using natural methods, you can plant cat repellent herbs like lavender, rosemary, or rue, which emit scents cats dislike. Sprinkling citrus peels around the garden’s perimeter can also deter them, as cats are sensitive to these smells. Additionally, creating a barrier with pine cones, branches, or chicken wire can make the ground uncomfortable for cats to walk on. Providing a designated area with catnip or sand away from your garden might also help direct their attention elsewhere.
How to stop cats from pooping in the garden?
To effectively stop cats from pooping in your garden, consider exploring various strategies and solutions. For a comprehensive guide on all the available options, please refer to the full article above, which covers a range of methods to address this issue and help keep your garden clean
How to stop cats digging in garden?
To stop cats from digging in your garden, you can use several effective methods place cat scat mats with uncomfortable spikes on the soil, and scatter natural deterrents like citrus peels that cats dislike. Consider creating physical barriers with chicken wire around your flower beds and use cat repellent herbs such as lavender or rosemary. For more comprehensive options, please refer to the full article above.
Most commonly asked questions on this topic?
We get loads or variations of the same question: How to stop cats from pooping in the garden, how can i stop cats fouling my garden, how do i stop cats pooping in my garden, how to stop cats from pooping in the garden, how do you stop cats pooping in your garden, how to stop cats pooping in your garden, how can i stop cats messing in my garden, what can i put down to stop cats pooping in my garden, how to stop cats pooping in your garden naturally, how to stop cats pooping in my garden, how to keep cats away from garden, If you have the same question as any of these, reading the article above gives you all the answers to solve your problem.
How can I make my garden less appealing to cats?
Making your garden less appealing involves removing potential attractions like uncovered soil or accessible food sources and using deterrents such as natural repellents or physical barriers.
Are there any plants that naturally repel cats?
Yes, there are several plants that naturally repel cats due to their strong scents or chemical compounds. Lavender, with its fragrant aroma, is disliked by cats and can help keep them away. Rosemary's robust scent also deters cats effectively. Rue, known for its strong smell, is another plant that cats tend to avoid. Additionally, lemon balm's citrusy scent and mint's intense aroma are both effective in discouraging cats from entering your garden. Planting these herbs around your garden can provide a natural and pleasant way to keep cats at bay.
Can cats dig up garden plants or damage them?
Yes, cats may dig up plants while searching for a spot to relieve themselves or play, potentially damaging your garden.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
