An unwanted cat roaming your flower garden can be an enormous distraction. Luckily, there are various effective methods available for keeping them at bay without endangering either your flowers or cats in any way.
One simple solution to keep cats out of your flower garden is laying standard chicken wire over its surface. This makes it harder for cats to navigate and will discourage digging or defecation from taking place in it.
Mesh Cloth
Mesh cloth can help deter cats from entering flowerbeds. Available at garden centers and home improvement stores, it is simple and cost-effective method of keeping cats out.
Chicken wire or netting can also provide protection for flower gardens and vegetables from cats without impeding sunlight or impairing views. This physical barrier effectively keeps out any potential cats without blocking sunlight or hindering visibility.
Add cat repellents to your garden as another solution. Lavender, lemon thyme and rue have proven themselves effective cat deterrents; globe thistle or sea holly plants may also help deter cats.
Motion-activated sprinklers can also help deter cats from invading your flower garden, by sensing their movement and emitting an unexpected burst of water that startles them. This method works best in larger garden spaces as its effectiveness doesn’t depend on weather conditions.
Scent Deterrents
Unwanted cats roaming around flower beds can be an immense burden to gardeners. To deter their arrival at your plants, scent deterrents such as foul smells can help. Cats find these foul-smelling compounds repugnant and will be directed away from your flowers by these scents; or alternatively you could purchase commercial repellent sprays which include ingredients like predator urine.
Another way to prevent cats from accessing your flower beds is to plant prickly plants like perennial geraniums and blackberry bushes, or cover the soil with materials such as holly leaves or chicken wire that will deter their entry.
If a stray is persistently bothering you, consider reaching out to local animal rescue groups in an attempt to rehome or relocate it. Otherwise, building an outdoor litter box with dry sand could encourage it to find another source for its bathroom needs – leaving more time for tending your plants!
Bananas
Although bananas may be safe for cats to eat, it’s not advised due to the high carb count which could potentially lead to issues such as diarrhea and an upset stomach. Eating them frequently could also contribute to obesity, diabetes and other health concerns; when feeding your cat bananas ensure to remove the peel as this may be difficult for felines to digest and can pose a choking hazard.
Water pistols can also help deter cats from entering your flower garden, provided you use an appropriately low-powered nozzle and don’t point directly at them.
Planting herbs and flowers known to repel cats is another effective strategy for keeping cats away from your flower beds. You’ll find cat-repelling plants such as lavender, lemon thyme, rue and pennyroyal at garden supply stores or online. Furthermore, certain spiky hedges such as holly or eucalyptus also work to keep cats out.
Soapy Water
Cats can cause significant damage to flowerbeds and garden areas by digging (leaving deposits behind), chewing, and uprooting plants. Thankfully, there are effective humane methods available that will keep cats away from your flowers without harming either felines or plants alike.
One easy method involves spraying flowers with soapy water, as cats dislike its strong odor. Another solution would be planting cat-repelling plants such as chrysanthemums, Russian sage, lavender and rue in your garden – or plants with prickly foliage like sea holly and tropical grevillea that contain sharp leaves or thorns to repel cats from them!
Scarecrows have long been used as an effective deterrent against cats from visiting your flowers, while motion-activated sprinklers that go off whenever a cat approaches can also work effectively to drive away unwanted visitors from your garden. Their sudden water spray may startle cats enough that they leave for good – saving both you and your plants time, effort, and water waste!