There are several reasons for wanting to deter cats from your
garden. You may have cats or other pets you’d like protecting from disease and
illnesses carried by other animals. Perhaps there’s a bully cat in town or
maybe you just hate the neighbourhood cats from using your garden as a deluxe
latrine. Whatever the reason there are a few things you can do to stop your
garden being used by cats.
The most effective solution is cat fencing. Cat fencing is a type of cat containment system that is effective at keeping neighbourhood cats and strays out of your garden as well as keeping beloved and cared for cats safe inside the garden. Cat fencing can be added to the boundary of your garden or outdoor space and any cats on the outside will no longer be able to gain access. Cat fencing can be installed by professionals or there are DIY kits for those confident to put up the fencing.
Alternative Ways to Deter Cats from Your Garden
There are a few other methods that can have mixed results when deterring cats from a garden. Here are some of the most popular methods to try.
Locate any areas that are being used by cats, such as where they go to the toilet, spray their scent and enter the garden. Clean each area thoroughly with a specially formulated cleaner designed to remove cat scents and smells. Visit each spot regularly to clean and remove any new smells in a bid to discourage the cat from returning. Also block off any entrance and exit points to make it harder for the cat to gain entrance.
Make the garden soil uncomfortable and unappealing to cats. Cats prefer soft soil, but they will also use gravel and other bedding coverings such as bark. Cover your garden beds with any branches and tree cuttings to make the ground uncomfortable to walk on and use. Other alternatives include using chicken wire across the bed or use pine cones.
Scents Can Deter Cats from Your Garden
Use flowers to deter cats from the garden. Do take time to research safe plants as you don’t want to accidently poison cats or other wildlife. Pick plants and flowers with scents that cats don’t like, such as:
- Lavender
- Coleus canina
- Lemon Thyme
- Rue
- Pennyroyal
Cats are keen on certain plants such as mint and honeysuckle. Consider removing these plants from your garden if you really don’t want to encourage kitties to spend time there.Use peelings from citrus fruits in your garden too. Throw the skins and peels directly onto the garden beds, they will decompose but also work to put cats off venturing on your land.
Deterring cats from your garden is possible, but some cats are more stubborn than others. Cat fencing is the easiest and most effective way of keeping cats out. Ask us for more information.