Protect your Garden from Cats
Cats are loved and adored by so many people because of how cute and cuddly they are but as adorable as they may be there are some challenges they bring at times because of their curiosity and playfulness.
I remembered a few years ago my son owned a cat, and I watched on many occasions when he would have fun playing with his cat but at times his cat would get into mischief
like scratching the furniture, try to scratch us and then there was a time when my son’s cat was playing with a big snake as both my wife, my self along with the neighbors watched with such amazement
and what made matters worse was that he was catching the snake and letting it go playing with it like a toy and then he did the unthinkable and that was trying to bring it into our home.
In great fear, my wife slammed the door before he got inside with the snake dangling in his mouth.
Also, there are those who faced the challenge of having their beautiful garden become a playground for cats as they scratch and dig in the soil trying to catch lizards and other wildlife along with playing tug of war with their plants.
This scratching, digging and playing tug of war can really cause injury to our plants as leaves sometimes whole plants are destroyed along with roots being exposed and detached from soil causing plants to suffer.
Now you are faced with the decision, either the cat has to go or throw in the towel and give up your beloved garden. But all is not lost, with these tips and tricks you can keep cats out of your garden as you enjoyed the oasis that you have created.
Tips and tricks
1. As we all know or at least I think we do, cats hate water so by installing sprinklers with motion sensors will help.
2. Install plants such as geranium, thorny roses, lavender, lemon thyme and so on will do the trick.
3. Lay chicken wires on plant bed.
4. Cat repellents devices such as ultrasonic devices give off a sound that cats hate and will send them running.
5. Cat hates uncomfortable surfaces. Installing mulches will give them an uncomfortable feeling and will keep them out.
6. Cat proof fencing.
7. Use citrus sprays around garden areas.
8. Use prickly plants as boundaries.
9. Cat repellent powders.
10. Cover the soil with pinecones.
Other ways to keep cats out of our garden
Other tips and tricks to keep cats out of your garden
1. Placing a sandbox where you want them to go.
2. Installing catnip and spider plants in another area to direct their attention can help.
3. Keep your surroundings clean of trash to discourage rats and mice that will, in turn, get the attention of your cat who will eventually end up in your garden by looking for them.
4. Remember tweety bird and Sylvester the cat in the cartoon series. Well wherever tweety bird was you would always find Sylvester trying to catch and eat him
Use this tip to your advantage, place your bird feeder in an area that your cat can’t get to. This will attract them to this area also ensuring the safety of birds.
The final word
Having cats as pets is really awesome, so in order to enjoy your time with them using these tips and tricks will give you good results to keep cats out of your garden as you have much garden success.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hi Norman,
Great article, I loved it!
I have two cats in my garden, and they have destroyed many plants. I am so angry about this!. They love to lay on the plants and also do their business too. I didn’t know what to do until now, and your tips will definitely help me with the cats.
Thank you very much!
Hello Daniella my good friend. So good to see you. Hope all is well with both you and your family. So sorry to hear about what your cats are doing to you garden but I am so happy that I could help. All the best to you and please let me know how it goes. Have a wonderful day.
Your review is really useful and funny. I used to scare cats when I was little because they were doing stuff in my garden xd. I find useful that water thingy to scare them from your garden because they hate cats but personally I would prefer to have a dog to guard my place.
Hello Vali so good to meet you and thanks a million for sharing. Have a good day.
Nice article!
I recently wrote an article about how to educate cats, to avoid many of your points.
I wouldn’t use any ultrasonic devices because these may drive cats crazy even if they have some distance to your garden. In your neighbor’s house for example.
The citrus smell is a good call but will evaporate quickly.
I think the best ways are water and an unpleasant ground.
Also planting some catnip somewhere als is a great idea, not only will you keep cats away from your other plants, but also you will make them happy!
Steve
Hello Steve so nice to meet you and I am glad that I could help. Thanks for commenting and have good day