Katharina Buczek
There are other products that often keep cats away, too, like cayenne powder, citrus peels, vinegar, dog hair, and garlic spray.
For the best results, try combining a few deterrents and using them at the same time. But don’t forget to swap out some on occasion to prevent stray cats from getting used to your current deterrent combination.
On the flip side, you may want to create a cat-friendly space in another designated area of your yard, away from your precious plants. To do this, plant either catnip or cat grass in a spot far from your garden where you don’t mind felines hanging out.
Maintaining a clean garden is a great technique as well. Cats are territorial, meaning they mark areas with their scent and tend to return to those regions repeatedly. By using soap and a garden hose to clean the areas, you may be able to stop the kitties from coming back to your yard.
Next, barriers can come in handy, particularly if you want to protect your veggies. Chicken wire or hardware cloth that’s anchored with landscape staples can be used to cover your growing beds.
Your plants will probably grow through whatever barrier you choose, yet cats still won’t be able to leave behind waste or dig up your garden beds. And that’s the most important part.
In more severe cases, in which you have a persistent stray cat issue, fencing is an option. This is obviously a more expensive method, but if you choose to go this route, just be sure to select a fence that’s at least eight feet tall.
Additionally, it should be made of wobbly or loose material so the kitties won’t be able to jump or climb over it easily.
Last but not least, if you’re sure that the strays in your backyard aren’t a neighbor’s pet, you may want to contact an animal shelter. They might be able to help find a home for the cats that keep visiting your garden.
