Easy Ways To Keep Cats Out of Your Garden

Cats are not only playful by nature but also carious, and this curiosity can lead them into doing many mischievous things, for example, cats are great jumpers and climbers and will get onto tables, kitchen countertops, climb curtains, blinds, drapes, leap onto furniture or even attempting to and use their paws to scratch furniture.  Cats will walk in front of you cutting cross and cross and even attack your feet. They will also rub up against your feet, chase moving objects, and even light in an effort to catch them.

This weird or strange behavior that a cat displays can be very entertaining, but as much as cats are curious indoors they will display this behavior outdoors as well venturing wherever their minds lead them. Even our garden cats will use as a nature trail where they can let their curiosity run wild as they explore. But this curiosity can lead to many dangers because certain plant species if consumed or eaten by cats can lead to poisoning and even in some cases death.  It is good therefore to restrict your cat from your garden area for their safety, we will be taking a look at 7 easy ways to keep cats out of your garden including stray cats.

Can Cats Damage Your Garden

Cats can become destructive because of their curiosity they can dig up seed beds and expose seeds to the elements where they will not germanate, they can damage or destroy your prized plants, and they will attack birds that visit your garden even killing frogs and lizards that are a part of our ecosystem. And while it is true that cats can contribute to rodent control caution should be taken to ensure not only the safety of our garden plants but our cats as well.

8 Proven Methods to Dog Proof Your Garden

1. Install a Motion Sprinkler System

We all know that cats hate water, have you ever seen a cat come in contact with water and how they run as if water is a serious threat to them, installing motion detectors in your garden will give your cat a wet surprise that will send them running in the opposite direction.

2. Use Cat Repellents

Many types of cat repellents are sold that will help to keep cats out of your garden for example the Ultrasonic Animal Repellent device. This device will emit a sound that cats can hear and will cause them to stay clear of your garden. Before purchasing and using the device read the manufacturer’s directions.

3. Citrus Peel

Citrus peels produce an odor that cats hate, it is recommended to place citrus peels in your garden for example around your flower bed and raised bed to keep cats away. For example, grapefruit, orange, and lemon peels are great cat repellents.

4. Cat Proof  Fence

Installing a cat-proofing fence is a great way to keep cats out of your garden, the slanted top of the fence should be faced outward instead of in.  This will prevent your cat from getting over the fence.

5. Use Certain scents to Keep cats Out of Your Garden

Many garden plants give off an odor that cats hate, the installation of these plants in your garden can help to deter cats. Some of these plants include pennyroyal, lemon thyme, marigolds, rue,  Coleus canina, lavender, rosemary, oregano, geraniums, garlic, mint or peppermint, common rue, scaredy cat plant, the curry herb plant, etc…

6. Create a Cat-friendly Zone

Create an area outdoors that your cat can not resist, the area can include a litter box and other cat toys that will keep them so occupied that all they want is to remain in that area.

7. A Natural Repellent

An all-natural way to keep cats out of your garden is to mix ground black pepper and warm water in a 32 oz spray, now shake the bottle well to mix thoroughly, next spray this solution around your garden. Cats hate the scent and will stay away. However, in the case of heavy rainfall reapplication is needed for the mixture to maintain effectiveness.

8. Hold Back on the Food

Don’t feed stray cats because if you do they will return or even decide to stay and take up residence in your garden.

Signs that Your Cat Got Plant Poisiong

If your cat shows these signs or symptoms seek medical help.

• Frequent urination.
• Coughing.
• Shock or collapse.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Drooling.
• Loss of appetite.
• Swelling of skin or inflammation.
• Fever.
• Spanish Thyme.
• Twitching or seizure.
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Excessive drinking.
• overall weakness.
• breathing difficulties.

Seek Medical Assistance

If your cat shows any of these signs take quick action and get your cat to the veterinarian.

Plants that are Poisioing to Cats

Here is a list of just a few plants that are poisonous to cats so take extreme caution if you have a cat and if you’re growing these plants keep your cat out of your garden area or install plants that are not poisonous to cats.

• Oleander.
• Chrysanthemum.
• Rhododendron.
• Lily of the Valley.
• Lily.
• Rhododendrons.
• Dieffenbachia.
• Sago palm.
• Hyacinths
• Autumn Crocus.
• Tulips.
• Castor Bean.
• Daffodil.
• Amaryllis.
• Cyclamen.
• Autumn crocus.

Additional information

Cat litter can contaminate garden soil especially if you’re growing an edible garden, cats like to dig holes to relieve themselves or poop, and if your garden is an available spot then they will use your garden. A cat’s digging can also uproot seeds, and damage or kill seedlings.

Conclusion

Having a cat as a pet can be exciting because cats are cute, cuddly, and affectionate doing funny tricks that will have you laughing,  it may take a little effort on your part to keep your cat out of your garden for their safety and the safety of your garden plants. If you allow your cats to run freely to take care of any pests or rodent issues that you have then ensure that the plants in your garden are not toxic or if stray cats visit your garden now and again then the steps that were provided will create a cat-free zone.