Cats are fascinating creatures with their own unique behaviors. However, there may be times when their behavior is not exactly what we desire, such as when they invade our gardens or relieve themselves in unwanted areas. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! There are effective techniques to repel cats and protect your property.
Common Cat Behavior Issues and Solutions
Cats may exhibit certain behaviors such as scratching furniture or excessive meowing due to various reasons, including stress, boredom, or health issues. When dealing with feline behavior issues, it’s crucial to consider the cat’s environment, social interactions, and overall health to pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Once the cause is identified, it becomes easier to implement the appropriate solutions and modify their behavior.
Effective Landscaping
One common reason cats invade gardens is because they are attracted to the soil. To make the soil less appealing, consider adding more plants to your garden to minimize exposed soil. Another method is to cover the soil with chunky mulch, river rocks, or pebbles. Additionally, you can protect recently seeded flower beds by using wire mesh or netting to hide the loose soil from the cats.
Stick a Fork in It
Placing physical objects like plastic forks, wooden popsicle sticks, or chopsticks into the soil can help deter cats from unwanted areas. Simply push these objects into the soil every 5-8 inches or experiment with different placement patterns. Although effective, this technique may not be visually appealing for your garden.
Barrier Methods
Cats are agile climbers and leapers, so a traditional fence or garden wall won’t keep them away. However, you can protect specific points of your lawn or garden by using hardware cloth or netting. For example, you can wrap young trees in hardware cloth to prevent cats from using them as scratching posts. If you have a pond, it’s also important to use netting to protect the fish from curious claws.
Cat-Repelling Plants
Ruta Graveolens, also known as “Rue,” is a plant that cats tend to avoid. It can grow to about 2-3 feet high and wide with gray-green foliage and small yellow flowers. Rue prefers full sun and can tolerate poor soils and hot, dry conditions. However, if Rue doesn’t fit your garden’s aesthetic or you need more immediate results, there are other options to consider.
Citrus and Coffee Grounds
Cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Scatter citrus peels in your garden beds to repel cats effectively. Some people also claim success by using used coffee grounds. However, the amount needed for it to be effective may vary, so experimentation is necessary.
Get Them Wet
Most cats dislike being wet. Spraying water consistently on your garden beds can deter them from entering. However, this strategy can be time-consuming. Alternatively, you can invest in a motion-activated sprinkler that will harmlessly spray cats without the need for constant vigilance. Just be cautious of its direction to avoid spraying unintended targets.
Like Cats & Dogs
If you’re dealing with an annoying cat problem, consider the presence of dogs. Cats typically steer clear of dogs unless they have been raised together. If you have a friend who owns a dog, ask them for some shed fur. Scattering a few handfuls of dog fur in your garden may trick cats into thinking there’s a dog nearby.
Use I Must Garden Dog & Cat Repellent
For a reliable and effective solution, try I Must Garden Dog & Cat Repellent. This product is available in granular form or as a ready-to-use spray. It is made from all-natural ingredients that won’t harm cats but will effectively repel them. Simply apply the repellent generously throughout the area you want to protect, not just the perimeter. Initial applications should be frequent and heavy, and always remove any fecal matter before treating. Reapply as needed to maintain avoidance, usually every 1-3 weeks.
For more information on training techniques, refer to our guide on positive reinforcement methods for cats.
We want to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase from I Must Garden. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
