While cats are generally adored for their naturally playful and curious demeanor, their explorative tendencies often lead them to our outdoor havens: gardens. To keep unwanted feline intruders away without employing harsh measures, consider opting for natural deterrents in the form of plants. Not only do these serve to protect your garden, but they also offer aesthetic appeal and often come with other beneficial qualities. Check out this useful list of 10 cat deterrent plants that are sure to keep your garden intact.
1. Rue
The Rue plant, scientifically known as Ruta Graveolens, is a perennial evergreen that holds the power to keep cats off your premises. Characterized by its strong and unique aroma along with bluish-green leaves, it’s little wonder why many cat owners prefer this option. Cats tend to keep away from this pungent plant, leaving your outdoor spots just as you left them.
Pro tip: Rue prefers well-drained soil and full or half-day sun. Strategic planting around your garden perimeter or in spots frequently visited by cats can yield significant results.
Best Practices: Pruning will help maintain the plant’s vigor, and planting it in slightly alkaline soil will promote optimum growth. Its use should be controlled as it can potentially harm beneficial insects.
2. Coleus Canina
Commonly referred to as the ‘Scaredy Cat Plant,’ Coleus Canina delivers strong smells that cats find offensive. This plant is easy to grow and maintain, making it a favorable choice for many.
The best places to plant Coleus Canina:
- In pots surrounding your home.
- Along the garden boundaries where cats may try to intrude.
Here’s the scoop on Coleus Canina’s pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly effective as a cat deterrent. | The smell may also be unpleasant to some humans. |
| Easy to grow and maintain. | May need regular pruning to control growth. |
3. Rosemary
Rosemary, a well-known culinary herb, is less favored by our feline friends. Its intense smell repels cats. However, for humans, this herb not only offers a pleasant aroma but also serves up a host of health benefits.
Checklist: Planting Rosemary
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Water it regularly but avoid overwatering.
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth.
Pro tip: In addition to planting in the garden, you can use cut rosemary stems around the house’s access points for an added line of defense.
Stay tuned for Part 2, which will detail the remaining cat deterrent plants, including Lavender, Citrus Peel, Curry Herb, Citronella, Pennyroyal, Scaredy Cat Plant, and Thorny Roses.
4. Lavender
Possibly one of the most beautiful and fragrant plants, Lavender, surprisingly repels cats. Its strong scent is delightful for humans but inhospitable to your furry friends.
Best Practices for Growing Lavender:
- Lavender plants love sun and well-drained soil.
- Amend soil with organic matter before planting.
- Prune back lavender shrubs in spring to encourage bushy growth.
Here’s what you should know about using Lavender as a cat deterrent:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides a lovely fragrance for the garden. | Some varieties may attract bees. |
| Beautiful aesthetics. | Cats may still walk by, though they won’t linger. |
5. Citrus Peel
Cats are known to dislike the smell of citrus. You can strategically scatter Citrus Peel in your garden as a quick, low-maintenance deterrent.
Checklist: Using Citrus Peel as a Cat Deterrent
- Collect citrus peels: oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc.
- Dry the peels in the sun.
- Scatter them in areas frequented by cats.
Pro tip: You can also use citrus essential oils diluted in water and spray around your garden for greater coverage.
6. Curry Herb
The Curry Herb plant emanates a strong aroma, which cats find disagreeable. For humans, it’s synonymous with delicious, aromatic cuisine.
The best places to plant Curry Herb:
- Near entrances to deter cats from approaching.
- Around the perimeter of garden beds.
Pro tip: While Curry Herb is excellent for deterring cats, it can enhance the flavours in your kitchen. Remember to snip off a few leaves for your next curry dish.
7. Citronella
Citronella is popular for its insect-repelling qualities, primarily keeping mosquitoes at bay. But this robust, clumping grass also deters cats.
Best practices to use Citronella for cat deterrence:
- Plant citronella in areas where cats typically invade.
- Prune regularly to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
Let’s compare the pros and cons of using Citronella:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Repels both insects and cats. | Can grow aggressively if not maintained. |
| Hardy and easy to grow. | Its scent may be overpowering upon close contact. |
8. Pennyroyal
A member of the Mint family, Pennyroyal’s strong fragrance makes it an effective cat deterrent.
Checklist: Growing Pennyroyal as a Cat Deterrent
- Plant them in a sunny area in your garden.
- Ensure they’re well-watered but avoid water-logging.
- Trim occasionally to maintain growth.
Pro tip: Mixing Pennyroyal planting with other cat deterrent plants increases the effectiveness of keeping the cats away.
9. Scaredy Cat Plant
Also known as Plectranthus Caninus, the Scaredy Cat Plant releases a skunk-like smell when touched, making it disagreeable to cats.
Best spots to plant Scaredy Cat Plant:
- Near boundaries where cats may try to sneak in.
- Around precious plants you want to shield from feline friends.
Best Practices: Water regularly, but ensure good drainage to keep your Scaredy Cat Plant healthy and potent.
10. Thorny Roses
Cats dislike navigating thorny surfaces, making Thorny Roses a prickly deterrent.
Pro tip: Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for your roses. Ensure they are well-fed and pruned to encourage blooming.
Here’s a breakdown of using Thorny Roses to keep the cats away:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective physical deterrent. | Can be a hazard to pets and children. |
| Offers beautiful blooms. | Showy roses may |
Key Takeaway:
- Rue, Coleus Canina, Rosemary, Lavender, Citrus Peel, Curry Herb, Citronella, Pennyroyal, Scaredy Cat Plant, and Thorny Roses are plants known for deterring cats due to their strong smells or physical characteristics.
- Most of the listed plants can easily thrive in full or half-day sun and well-drained soil.
- Strategic placement around the garden’s perimeter or nearby frequently visited spots by cats can increase the deterrent efficiency of these plants.
- Apart from acting as cat deterrents, many of these plants also offer aesthetic appeal, culinary uses, and other beneficial properties.
Nature offers a solution for everything, even for a harmless problem like cats intruding into your garden. By incorporating these plants into your outdoor spaces, you can maintain a beautiful, harmonious, and cat-free garden. Remember, every creature has its niche; it’s all about finding a balance that respects all life forms.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe for the cats if they consume these deterrent plants?
A: While these plants are deterrents, most are not harmful to cats if ingested in small quantities. However, some plants may cause mild irritation or stomach upset in cats. Always monitor your cats and consult with a vet if you notice any concerning behaviour.
Q: Can these plants deter other animals apart from cats?
A: Yes, some of these plants can also deter other animals. For instance, Citronella is known to repel various insects, and Thorny Roses can act as a physical barrier against many animals.
Q: Will these plants deter insects from my garden?
A: Some of these plants, like Citronella and Lavender, are known for their insect-repelling properties. However, be mindful as some plants may attract certain insects.
Q: How soon can I expect results after planting these cat deterrent plants?
A: The time it takes to see results may vary based on several factors such as the plant’s growth rate and the cat’s habituation. Observing a change within a few weeks to a few months is typical.
Q: Will these plants negatively impact other plants in my garden?
A: Generally, these plants should not negatively impact other plants in your garden. However, some like Citronella, if not controlled, can grow aggressively and might compete for space and nutrients.
We hope this article was helpful. Do explore more interesting posts on our blog and share this article with your fellow garden enthusiasts!
