10 plants to get for your garden now to keep cats away for good (original) (raw)
The presence of cats in your garden can cause a nuisance but there are ten plants which they do not like going near and may even prevent them returning to your garden
Lavender is pet hate of cats who try and avoid it
Cats can become a garden nuisance, but the power of plants means you can introduce things they hate.
As much as we love them, they dig holes and damage gardeners' plants where they mark their territory as well as pooping on our lawns.
Andrew White, a garden expert at Rhino Greenhouses Direct says: .'Cats have a great sense of smell, so if you’re looking to keep cats away from your garden, you’ll need to focus on plants that have an unpleasant aroma for cats,’
It's vital to deter them in a humane way and why the plants listed below are not toxic to them or other wildlife.
Cats detest the aroma of lavender so it is a good plant for deterring them (
Image:
Getty Images/Westend61)
1. Lavender
Lavender is hated by cats because of its strong smell. It is easy to grow and maintain and is a good option for new gardeners.
Sarah Elliott, a feline health expert at VetHelpDirect.com says: "The most effective cat-repelling lavenders in the garden are those that grow tall and shrubby, making them difficult for cats to walk through easily."
2. Scaredy cat plant
This is very effective at keeping cats and even other animals out of your garden because of its strong aroma. The scaredy cat plant Sarah says ‘emits an odour similar to that of dog urine.'
The odour should not be an issue for gardeners, but you may wish to think about where it is planted to prevent it from becoming annoying to you and cats.
3. Rosemary
You are likely to have an herb garden already if you enjoy cooking or even have a rosemary plant.
Cats, however, don't like it Jane Dobbs, team gardening lead at Allan’s Gardeners says it has a "strong, woody scent that cats don't like"
‘Not only does the strong scent deter cats, but the leaves have a texture they absolutely despise,’ adds former professional gardener, Andy Ellis, of Posh UK
4. Curry plant
This plant has a spicy aroma similar to curry powder and releases its scent if brushed up against it. If a cat does this they are unlikely to do it again after the pungent odour ensures they will not return to your garden.
5. Lemon balm
Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert at Two Wests & Elliott says: "With attractive white flowers in the summer and helping to attract pollinators into your garden such as honey bees, both the lemony scent and texture of this herb will help to deter cats from your garden,"
The easy-to-grow, herb promises to bring a beautiful fresh and zesty-smelling garden while warding off feline visitors.
6. Pelargonium Citronella
This plant has beautiful pink-purple blooms, but also makes a 'barrier' moggies will not want to cross to get into your garden.
It can be planted in containers which can be easily moved if there is cat activity in your garden.
7. Eucalyptus
Cats are also not very impressed by eucalyptus and experts reckon it is among the scents they hate the most.
Alex Biggart, brand manager at 123 Flower urges gardeners to "consider popping a couple of pots around your garden to deter feline friends"
8. Thyme
Felines particularly despise lemon thyme, so it's great for herb or rock gardens and will provide you with freshly grown ingredients for some of your favourite dishes.
9. Geraniums
Cats also hate the floral scent of geraniums says gardening expert Graham Smith MClhort, LBS Horticulture He says: "As well as deterring cats with their scent, geraniums are also good at covering the soil, which will stop cats from using it as a toilet’
The plants also have prickly leaves, which moggies do not like, but this plant works well in lots of different gardens.
10. Thorny plants
Any plant which has thorns or is spiky cats avoid Jane Dobbs says: ‘Thorny plants like holly and rose bushes make natural barriers. Because cats don't like to go through prickly foliage, these plants are effective at keeping them away."