How to Keep Feral Cats Out of Potted Plants

Feral cats are known to be natural hunters, and they can cause a lot of damage to outdoor plants, including potted plants. If you're an avid plant lover and want to keep your potted plants safe from feral cats, here are some tips to help you keep these unwanted visitors at bay.

1. Choose the Right Plants

Some plants are more sensitive than others, and feral cats tend to shy away from certain types of plants. Some cat-repellent plants that you can add to your garden include rue, lavender, pennyroyal, and lemon thyme. These plants are known to have a strong aroma that cats find unpleasant and will help ward off any feral cats.

2. Use Natural Deterrents

There are several natural deterrents you can use to keep feral cats out of your potted plants. These include citrus peels, coffee grounds, and vinegar. Sprinkle these items around the base of your plants, and the smell will deter any cats from coming close. However, be careful not to allow any of these items to get into the soil itself, as they can affect the pH level of the soil and harm your plants.

3. Install Motion Detector Sprinklers

Motion detector sprinklers are another effective way to keep feral cats away from your potted plants. These devices are placed around your plants and have motion sensors that detect when a cat is nearby. The sprinklers will then activate, spraying a burst of water that will scare the cat away. Make sure you adjust the sensitivity of the motion detector so that it doesn't activate too often.

4. Cover Your Plants

If you're really struggling to keep feral cats out of your potted plants, you may want to consider covering them. This could be as simple as placing a mesh over your plant or using a cloche. These covers will help prevent cats from accessing the soil and damaging your plants. However, be sure to remove the covers intermittently to allow for proper air circulation and to ensure that the plants are getting enough sunshine.

5. Use Humane Traps

The use of humane traps should only be a last resort, but if all else fails and you continue to have problems with feral cats, you may need to resort to trapping. Humane traps can be purchased or rented from your local animal control office. Once you have trapped a cat, safely transport it to a local shelter where it can be assessed by animal control and given any necessary medical treatments. Never attempt to handle a trapped feral cat yourself, as they can be dangerous and carry diseases.

By following these tips, you should be able to keep feral cats out of your potted plants and ensure that your plants are growing healthily and safely. Remember, it's important to use safe and humane methods when dealing with feral cats and to always be conscious of your plants' needs.