Stop them from turning your flowerbeds into litter boxes and terrorizing the local wildlife with a few smart strategies.
And that may leave you figuring out exactly how to keep cats out of your garden without hurting them.
Try these no-harm, natural methods to keep the neighborhood kitties at bayand your flowerbeds undisturbed.
Photo:The Dman/Getty Images
The biggest damages are related to your actual garden beds and the local wildlife.
“Cats have decimated the local songbird populations,” Rooney says.
Plant some plastic forks.
“That makes it so it’s not as easy for cat to lay down,” Rooney says.
“It doesnt hurt anything, but cats quickly realize they shouldnt be there.”
Use a motion-triggered deterrent.
“It surprises them, but it doesn’t hurt the cat.”
Swap your mulch for pinecones or stones.
But swapping it out for something a bit bumpier like stones or pinecones could do the trick.
“It’s not as much fun to lay down on or dig up,” Rooney says.
Use scent to keep them away.
Plant cat deterrent plants.
Strongly scented herbs and onion, chive, and garlic plants may help keep cats away.
Rue is another potential cat deterrent, but Rooney says it’s a bit controversial.
“Some cats take it as a challenge and spray on the plant.”
Try animal-safe deterrent products.
Avoid using mothballs, which are very poisonous.
“You don’t want to put that into the ecosystem,” Rooney says.
Spend time in your yard.
Clean up any cat-friendly food in your garden.
Keep your grill clean and don’t leave dog food out there unattended.
Protect birds and other wildlife.
Have tall shrubs nearby where they can retreat and hide from the cats until they move on.
Give cats a separate, cats-only hangout.
If you don’t want them wandering (or watering!)
around your tomato plants, create a little kitty oasis away from the plants you love, Rooney says.
If they’ve been enjoying a shady spot in your yard, offer a little shade as well.
