‘EASIEST AND CHEAPEST’ OPTION TO ‘PUT AN END’ TO CATS ENTERING GARDENS – ‘WARDS THEM OFF’

Cats can be either a welcome sight or an absolute nuisance in the garden. While their presence may be beneficial in the sense that they can keep rats and other pests away, it can also lead to damaged plants.

Unfortunately, while cats are cute, their excrement can have a real negative impact on gardens.

Contaminated soil is a problem for plants and gardeners, so it’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Cats are known to dig soil to prepare an area to be used as a toilet, which can be detrimental to plants or crops being grown there.

Rather than inspecting flower beds every day and removing unwanted manure donations by hand, many gardeners make the decision to keep cats at bay by other means – plants.

Gardening experts at PlantIn claimed: “Cat-repellent plants are, perhaps, the easiest and cheapest option to put an end to cats ruining your flower beds. They check out almost all of the cats’ dislikes and ward them off while creating a beautiful sight.”

For best results, situate cat-deterrent plants along the key entry points of your home or garden.

They can also be cultivated as green borders around flower beds and patches with important herbs.

Garden plants to deter cats:

Lavender

With its sweet-smelling scent, lavender is renowned for setting a relaxing atmosphere and reducing anxiety and stress.

Studies reveal that this is a good companion for insect-susceptible crops as they can “repel many bugs and pests” – these include cats.

To maximise their repellent effects, aim to grow lavender species as shrubs in the garden.

Roses

Known for their multi-layered petaled flowers in a wide range of colours, roses are “perfect decorative plants” for “protecting the yard from cats”.

Due to their thorns, roses work well to discourage cats from roaming around the garden.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical, grass-like plant known for its fresh, citrusy scent. While this fragrance is pleasant, this can be too strong for cats and will keep them away.

Most gardeners use lemongrass in their garden beds, or this plant can be placed in pots outdoors to ward off cats.

Common rue

Common rue is generally disliked by cats. The smell effectively deters them from coming too close to the highly textured foliage.

This ornamental plant also has additional benefits due to its taste and smell. It can repel insects, be used as a unique ingredient in the kitchen, and be added to incense or room deodorisers.

For those who intend to use common rue to keep cats away from delicate plants, avoid growing them within garden beds.

Instead, keep a neat row of this plant along the front or through the centre of tender stands of herbs and flowers.