Neighbourhood cats can be a joy to stop and pet in the street, but they can quickly turn into a nuisance if they make your garden their new litter tray. Luckily, if you want to keep cats at bay without causing harm to them, other local wildlife or your beloved plants, there are some natural methods you can employ.
Natural methods to keep cats out of your garden
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, gardeners can “use scent to keep the cats away.”
These include rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme, all of which cats dislike the smell of.
The experts said: “Plant a few of these throughout the garden.”
As an added bonus, interplanting can attract pollinators and other beneficial insects too.
Likewise, cats will steer clear of strong citrus scents, so throwing a few orange or lemon peels onto the garden soil could help.
Alternatively, sprinkling brewed coffee grounds onto the soil might also deter kitties.
Rather bizarrely, The David Suzuki Foundation also notes that the “scent of human hair is said to deter cats”.
Gardeners can have a go at reclaiming their territory by emptying combs or hairbrushes onto the soil. The hair will naturally decompose over time and work as a form of compost.
