Our gardens are our pride and joy, as we spend countless hours growing our favourite plants and cultivating our green paradises. As we all start reconnecting with Mother Nature, gardening and garden design are among the best ways to help us destress. But sometimes, our feline friends have other ideas. From digging up seedlings to using your garden as their personal litter box, cats in the garden can pose challenges. Knowing how to keep cats out of your garden can restore the balance.
The biggest problem is that cats tend to use other gardens for their ablutions and not their own. If you're not a cat owner, you'll no doubt have seen cats using your garden to hunt birds and leave their brown little surprises for your hands or feet to come into contact with! There's nothing worse than getting a hand full of cat turd, especially if you're not someone who wears gardening gloves! If this sounds familiar, don’t worry; there are countless humane, effective ways to keep cats away from your garden while ensuring harmony with nature.
Cats are clever, inquisitive, loving, yet resourceful predators in our gardens. Unless your neighbours have raised house cats (those that never leave the house at all), most cats will have access to their garden and all the surrounding gardens meaning they can often become a pest if they start scaring off birds, hunting wildlife or leaving cat turds in your flower beds.
Cats are naturally curious, and our gardens tick several boxes which all attract them to see your garden as a potential play/hunting ground or toilet:
Cats often see your garden as the best playground ever. Because cats come and go as they please, they see no issue with popping into your garden (and anyone else's) depending on what they fancy doing at that moment. Understanding these factors is the first step toward devising an effective strategy to deter them.
While cats are undoubtedly lovable and charming companions, their presence in your garden can pose serious risks to your plants and the broader ecosystem. From causing physical damage to your beloved flowers and shrubs to introducing health hazards and threatening local wildlife, it’s important to consider the impact of cats in your outdoor space.
Cats naturally instinctually dig, scratch, and mark their territory. Unfortunately, this behaviour can wreak havoc on your garden, which is bad news for lovingly cultivated gardens! Digging in your flower beds can uproot delicate plants, disturb newly planted seeds, and disrupt the roots of more established greenery.
Scratching, essential for their claw maintenance, can also strip the bark from young trees or damage shrubs, weakening their growth and appearance. Additionally, when cats urinate in your garden, it can lead to chemical imbalances in the soil, often harming plants and leaving an unpleasant odour. This damage can be particularly concerning in a garden where you’ve carefully nurtured various plants, from flowers to edibles.
Another hidden danger posed by cats in the garden is the potential for health risks associated with their faeces. Cat faeces can carry harmful parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that is particularly hazardous to humans, especially pregnant women and other animals. The parasite can contaminate the soil, which remains viable for long periods. Gardeners who handle contaminated soil without proper protection (i.e. garden gloves) can unwittingly become exposed to the parasite, which may lead to serious health complications.
I hate getting my hand covered in cat muck when gardening. It's just the worst, and the smell stays for days!
Cats are natural predators with finely tuned hunting instincts, and unfortunately, this makes them a significant threat to local wildlife. This is my biggest bugbear with the rise of cats in urban gardens; in your garden, cats can prey on small birds, insects, and even amphibians, disrupting the delicate balance of your garden’s ecosystem. Birds, in particular, are vulnerable to predation, especially during the nesting season when they are focused on raising their young. Beneficial insects, such as pollinators and pest controllers, may also fall victim to the hunt.
The loss of these creatures can lead to a decline in pollination, affecting the health of your plants and the broader garden ecosystem. Over time, this can create a ripple effect, where the absence of these species impacts soil health, plant growth, and the overall biodiversity of your garden.
I'm going in with the first and probably most effective line of defence: physical barriers or deterrents along your garden property. Physical barriers are among the most reliable ways to prevent cats from accessing your garden. They don’t just deter cats but also protect plants from other small animals.
Cats are highly sensitive to smells, and certain plants can discourage them from entering your garden. This can be a great natural way to deter cats from your garden and force them to use other gardeners' gardens instead. These plants act not just as natural repellents but are also fabulous low-fuss plant specimens for beginner gardeners, so it is a win-win!
Cats are extremely sensitive to smells due to their highly developed olfactory system, which contains around 200 million scent receptors—far more than humans. This acute sense of smell allows them to detect scents 14 times better than people, making it a critical tool for survival. Additionally, cats have a vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ) in the roof of their mouths, which specializes in detecting pheromones for communication and territorial behaviour.
Their heightened smell helps them evaluate food, detect threats, and navigate their environment. Cats rely on scent to identify prey, avoid predators, and sense unfamiliar animals or substances which may signal danger. They also use smell to communicate by marking territory with scent glands or spraying urine.
This sensitivity is also linked to their food preferences and survival instincts. Cats often avoid unfamiliar or strong odours, which may explain their dislike of certain plant smells. Their sense of smell is a key part of their evolutionary adaptation, helping them thrive as hunters and cautious explorers.
As cats are known for their strong sense of smell, certain plant odours can be highly repellent to them, mainly those that smell minty, citrus or strong odours. Here are ten plant smells that cats generally dislike:
Cats find the smell of citrus fruits unpleasant. Essential oils or fresh peels from citrus plants are often used as natural deterrents. Citrus can cause digestion issues in cats, and they are programmed to avoid eating them; hence, the smell repels them.
Rue has a strong, bitter smell that most cats dislike. It's a traditional cat-repellent plant. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, it is cultivated worldwide in gardens, valued for its bluish foliage and its ability to thrive in hot, dry soil conditions.
While humans find lavender calming, its strong floral scent is often off-putting to cats and tends to overstimulate them. The woody shrubs can also cope with cats pawing at them or hunting in your flower beds.
This plant emits an unpleasant smell often described as musky, pungent, or resembling a combination of skunk and ammonia. This odour is particularly off-putting to cats and dogs, making it effective as a natural deterrent. While humans may also find the smell unappealing, it is less noticeable unless the plant is disturbed or brushed against.
Usually grown in herb gardens and used in Sunday roasts, this herb is a real offputting plant to deter cats. The pungent, woody scent of rosemary is not a favourite for cats. Use this herb for your Mediterranean garden design styles.
I adore this plant, not just because cats hate the smell of it but also because its white foliage and bright yellow flowers really add drama and a pop of colour, contrasting tones, to your garden flower beds.
These tender Geraniums have a distinctive smell that many cats find off-putting but don't confuse them with hardy 'True' Geraniums like Johnson's blue. These tender pelargonium geraniums will need protection over the winter as they are an annual rather than a perennial plant.
I'm going to be honest: this plant smells vile. I've always had an aversion to this marginal pond or bog plant, but cats do hate it, too! Always wear gloves when pruning or planting it, as the smell of the leaves will cling to your hands for days!
Thyme has a strong herbal aroma that cats may avoid, making it a great companion plant for allotment gardens or those wishing to grow edible plants. To deter cats from entering, grow it between stepping stones and at the edges of flower beds.
Although related to catnip, peppermint has a very different smell that cats usually dislike. Its strong menthol aroma is a deterrent. Any mint or Mentha plant will deter cats. Take caution when growing mint and opt for growing mint in pots as it has a habit of running and taking over flower beds with its vigorous root system.
Some plants, such as Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and Eucalyptus, are toxic to cats. While their smell may keep cats away, these should be used carefully and not placed where cats could ingest them.
Plant Holly, Hawthorn, or Berberis bushes along your garden’s perimeter for a natural, low-maintenance way to keep cats at bay while enhancing your garden’s security. These prickly plants form dense, thorny barriers that cats are unlikely to navigate, making them an excellent deterrent for unwelcome visitors. Holly adds year-round interest and festive charm to your borders with its glossy, evergreen leaves and bright red berries. Meanwhile, Hawthorn (Often associated with Witchcraft) offers seasonal beauty with its spring blossoms and autumn berries, which can also support local wildlife like birds and pollinators.
For a more vibrant option, consider planting Berberis, known for its striking foliage in shades of green, purple, or red, depending on the variety. Its small thorns pack a surprising punch when it comes to deterring cats and other animals, while its low-maintenance nature makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.
Plant these shrubs in a staggered or layered arrangement for a robust, protective boundary that looks as good as it functions. Alternatively, consider using them to create a wildlife-friendly hedge that keeps the cats out! You will create a barrier that keeps pets out and add a splash of colour, texture, and wildlife-friendly features to your garden design.
There are also a few tricks up our gardening sleeves to stop cats from digging, defecating, or lounging around in our carefully weeded and tended-to flower beds. One method is to use some natural soil additives or top dressings to give the neighbourhood cats the heave hoe. As cats rely heavily on their sense of smell, and certain scents can drive them away without causing harm, consider adding the following highly scented soil dressings.
Cats are notoriously picky about where they walk, a trait that gardeners can cleverly exploit to keep them out of unwanted areas. Their sensitive paw pads make them avoid rough, uneven, or uncomfortable surfaces.
Try scattering materials like pinecones, thorny plant clippings, or prickly holly leaves across flower beds and borders to deter them. Gravel, crushed stones, or coarse wood chips can also be effective, as the uneven textures are unpleasant for cats to walk on.
I know some garden guides advise installing lattice panels or chicken wire just beneath the soil's surface for a more structured approach, though this can cause us gardeners more trouble than it's worth.
Cats dislike stepping on the wire because it feels unstable, and it can effectively stop them from digging, but it also causes you issues when it comes to planting and weeding, so it isn't a great solution. You can also purchase spiked mats designed to be safe for animals but uncomfortable underfoot, placing them in areas you want to protect. Again, it depends on whether these will be more trouble than they are worth to you in keeping cats out of the garden.
Experiment with different materials and placements to find the most effective combination for your garden. By making the ground less inviting, you create a natural barrier that gently encourages cats to find another place to roam—leaving your garden beds intact and cat-free!
Modern technology provides various innovative tools to keep cats out of your garden humanely and effectively, allowing you to protect your plants while ensuring no harm comes to visiting felines.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A great option for discouraging cats, these devices release a quick, harmless jet of water when motion is detected. Cats dislike sudden surprises, and the association with water quickly teaches them to steer clear of the area. They’re especially useful for protecting specific zones like flower beds, vegetable patches, or newly seeded lawns. Most models are adjustable, so you can customize the spray range to suit your garden’s layout.
Ultrasonic Repellents: These high-tech devices emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to cats but inaudible to humans and most other animals. They’re ideal for maintaining a peaceful garden without disturbing your enjoyment or that of local wildlife. Compact and easy to install, ultrasonic repellents can cover wide areas and work best when placed strategically near common entry points or vulnerable garden sections.
Reflective Objects: Simple yet surprisingly effective, reflective objects like old CDs, small mirrors, or wind chimes can create flashes of light and movement that cats find unsettling. As the sun or wind catches these objects, they produce random visual disturbances that make cats wary of approaching. For added style, consider using reflective garden art or decorative spinners, which deter cats and enhance your outdoor space.
Sometimes, the best way to protect your garden is to offer cats a designated space of their own. This can turn their attention away from your plants while keeping them happy and comfortable. This can help keep your garden safe from unwanted digging, scratching, or browsing while allowing your feline visitors to enjoy your outdoor space in a way that doesn’t harm your carefully cultivated garden.
Instead of discouraging cats altogether, why not provide them with their own designated spot to do their business? Creating an outdoor litter box or sandbox in a quiet, out-of-the-way corner of your yard can redirect their attention from your flower beds. Simply fill a shallow box with sand or fine soil to mimic a natural digging area. Cats will be drawn to the texture, and the enclosed, secluded spot will offer them the privacy they crave. This way, you can keep your main garden intact while giving cats a proper place to relieve themselves.
Cats are naturally drawn to the scent of catnip (Nepeta cataria) and cat grass (Dactylis glomerata), both of which can provide a safe and enjoyable diversion for them. Planting a dedicated catnip patch or a few pots of cat grass away from your primary garden will attract cats to these areas, where they can roll, sniff, and relax without disturbing your precious flowers and veggies. Place the catnip in a sunny, sheltered spot that’s easy for them to access, and watch as they flock to it. If you don’t want to plant a patch, you can also scatter dried catnip or place pots around your yard to keep the cats entertained.
Cats love warm, sunny spots to bask and nap. By creating sheltered resting areas in less sensitive corners of your garden, you can offer cats a place to lounge without threatening your garden’s beauty. A cosy cat bed or a cushioned outdoor cat house under a shrub, tree, or trellis can give them a perfect relaxing spot. You can also provide natural spots, such as a patch of tall grass, a large stone, or a pile of leaves, to encourage them to rest away from the areas where you grow your plants. These sheltered spots provide a comfortable retreat for your feline visitors and help redirect their focus to areas that are less likely to disrupt your garden’s growth.
Dormancy can also mimic death in rose plants, especially in winter or after transplant shock. If your rose isn’t showing signs of growth during its usual active season, try giving it time, proper watering, and fertilizer to see if new shoots emerge. Roses can sometimes recover from apparent death if even a small portion of the root system or lower stems remains alive.
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Your garden deserves to thrive without interference, and it’s entirely possible to deter cats humanely and effectively. You can protect your plants by combining physical barriers, natural deterrents, and clever design while respecting feline visitors. Gardening is a creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these methods until you find the perfect solution for your space. If all else fails, do your best to go with the flow!
Happy gardening, and may your soil stay free from feline mischief!
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