If you are a cat lover, you may not mind your feline friends wandering around your garden. However, if you do not own a cat or have a garden that is constantly being soiled by feline feces, you may be wondering how to stop cats from using your garden as their personal litter box. This blog will cover several methods you can try to deter cats from using your garden as their restroom.
- Make your garden unappealing to cats Cats dislike certain smells, textures, and objects. You can use these dislikes to your advantage to make your garden unappealing to them. Some options include:
- Planting certain plants that cats dislike, such as lavender, rue, and pennyroyal
- Using scents that cats find unpleasant, such as citrus or coffee grounds
- Adding prickly objects or textures, such as pine cones or chicken wire, to areas where cats tend to poop
- Use motion-activated deterrents Cats are easily scared by sudden movements, so using motion-activated deterrents can be effective in keeping them out of your garden. Some popular options include:
- Motion-activated sprinklers that spray water when a cat comes near
- Ultrasonic devices that emit a high-pitched sound that cats find irritating
- Use physical barriers Another effective method to keep cats out of your garden is by using physical barriers. Some options include:
- Installing a fence around your garden
- Covering your garden bed with chicken wire
- Using netting to cover the area where cats tend to poop
- Use scent-based deterrents Cats are attracted to the scent of their own feces, so using scent-based deterrents can be effective in keeping them out of your garden. Some options include:
- Spraying vinegar or citrus scents around the perimeter of your garden
- Using commercial cat repellent sprays or granules
- Using essential oils such as lavender or peppermint
- Use cat repellent plants Certain plants have scents that cats find unpleasant, and planting these plants in your garden can be effective in keeping cats away. Some cat repellent plants include:
- Coleus canina (also known as "Scaredy Cat Plant")
- Rue
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Provide a designated area for cats to use If you have tried all of the above methods and are still having issues with cats pooping in your garden, consider providing a designated area for them to use instead. You can create a small litter box area or a specific area of your garden where you allow them to roam freely.
In conclusion, there are several methods you can use to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Try a combination of these methods to find the one that works best for you. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for the cats to learn that your garden is not a suitable place for them to do their business.