How to Keep Neighborhood Cats Out of Your Potted Plants

If you're an avid gardener, then you know how frustrating it can be to have neighborhood cats using your potted plants as their personal litter box. Not only can this be unpleasant to deal with, but it can also harm your plants. Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can use to keep cats out of your potted plants.

Use a Physical Barrier

The most foolproof way to keep cats out of your potted plants is to use a physical barrier. This can be as simple as placing a wire mesh fence around your plants or using chicken wire to make a cage. You can also use materials such as plastic netting and bamboo skewers to create a barrier that cats will be unable to penetrate.

Employ Scent Repellents

Cats are naturally repelled by certain scents, such as peppermint, lavender, and citrus. By putting these scents around your potted plants, you'll be able to discourage cats from using them as a litter box. You can use essential oils or even natural products such as orange peels or coffee grounds to create your own repellent. Simply spread the scent around your plants or mix it in with the potting soil.

Use Feline Deterrents

There are several feline deterrents on the market that can help keep cats out of your potted plants. These include motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellers, and the Scaredy Cat Plant. Motion-activated sprinklers will spray water whenever a cat comes near, while ultrasonic repellers emit high-pitched noises that cats find unpleasant. The Scaredy Cat Plant, which is a type of coleus with a strong odor, is said to repel cats when planted near your other potted plants.

Utilize Texture

Cats also tend to avoid certain textures, such as sticky or prickly surfaces. By placing items such as pine cones, stones, or gravel on top of your potting soil, you'll be able to create a texture that cats won't want to walk on. You can also use materials such as sandpaper or stucco to create a rough surface that will be uncomfortable for cats to walk on.

Reduce Attraction

Cats are attracted to potted plants for two main reasons: they provide a comfortable place for them to relieve themselves, and they can also be a source of food. To reduce the attraction of your potted plants, try scooping out your cat's litter box more often, providing them with a separate area to relax in, and feeding them away from your plants.

By using one or more of these strategies, you'll be able to keep neighborhood cats out of your potted plants, while still enjoying the beauty of your garden.