Brilliant Tips to Keep Cats From Your Garden

Cats are known for their curious and playful nature. Although this is endearing, keeping them away from indoor plants can be challenging. If you find your feline friend frolicking amidst your ferns or nibbling on your ficus, don’t worry! You can curate a cat-friendly home with simple strategies without sacrificing your indoor garden. Here are some tips for keeping your furballs out of your green area.

Choose Cat-Friendly Plants

When adding new greenery to the house, ensure it is non-toxic and less enticing to curious pets before bringing it in. Opt for plants like spider plants, Boston ferns, or catnip, which are known to be less attractive to cats. By selecting cat-friendly flora, you can build a safer environment for your pets while satisfying your green thumb.

Create Physical Barriers

One effective way to deter kitties from plants is by creating physical barriers that prevent access. Place decorative rocks or pine cones around the base of the pots to make digging less appealing. Cover the soil surface with wire mesh or chicken wire to prevent cats from using it as a litter box. Additionally, consider placing your greenery on elevated surfaces or using hanging planters to keep them out of reach.

Utilize Scent Deterrents

Cats have a keen sense of smell, which you can use to protect the plants. Certain scents, such as citrus, lavender, or citronella, are known to repel felines. Place citrus peels or cotton balls soaked in essential oils near the plants to create a natural deterrent. Alternatively, you can purchase commercial cat repellent sprays containing these scents for convenience.

Provide Alternative Distractions

You can divert your cat’s attention from the plants by providing alternative sources of stimulation and amusement. Invest in interactive toys, scratching posts, or cat grass to satisfy their instincts and keep them occupied. Cat grass, in particular, serves as a safe and attractive diversion, allowing your feline friend to indulge their urge to chew without harming the houseplants.

Implement Training Techniques

Keeping the cat from your flora requires consistency. Reinforce good behavior by giving your cat praise and treats for avoiding your prized possessions. Conversely, discourage unwanted behavior by using a firm “no” and gently redirecting them from the area. Your cat will learn to respect and coexist peacefully with the greenery if you are patient and persistent.

Aluminum Foil  

Aluminum foil’s texture and crinkling sound are unpleasant for cats to walk on, making them less likely to approach your flora. The foil’s reflective surface can also create a visual deterrent, discouraging feline visitors.

Coffee Grounds  

Interestingly, used coffee grounds are a natural fertilizer and a potent deterrent for cats. Their strong scent, especially when fresh, can be offensive to their sensitive noses, deterring them from getting too close to your greens. By sprinkling coffee grounds around the bottom of your plants, you create a natural barrier against your goofballs.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers  

As you might have guessed, whenever the sensor detects movement, it triggers a sudden burst of water, startling any curious feline intruders. The surprise factor of the water spray conditions causes kitties to associate the area around your potted buddies with an unpleasant experience, effectively discouraging repeat visits.

Orange Peels 

Orange peels are also an effective deterrent, as cats abhor the scent of citrus. Placing orange peels or citrus-scented air fresheners near your greenery emits a fragrance that your pets will find offensive, deterring them from venturing too close. This natural solution keeps your flora safe and adds a pleasant aroma.

Wire Shelving  

Wire shelving or grids placed over the soil surface of your plant pots provide an effective barrier against kitties. The raised surface creates an obstacle that makes it difficult for them to access the soil or lounge around your flora. This solution not only protects your foliage but also adds a decorative element to your indoor garden.

Prickly Plants  

Incorporating foliage with prickly leaves or stems, such as cacti or succulents, into your indoor garden can help — your furry pals are less likely to approach flora that are uncomfortable to touch, making prickly vegetation an effective natural barrier. Additionally, these plants add visual interest to your space while also serving as a protective measure for your other plants.

Ultrasonic Repellents  

These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are grating to our furry buddies but inaudible to people. They effectively deter felines from approaching your foliage without causing them any harm. By strategically placing ultrasonic repellents near your greenery, you create a cat-free zone that allows your greenery to flourish undisturbed.

Bitter Apple Spray

Applying a small amount of bitter apple spray to your plants’ leaves creates a protective barrier that kitties are unlikely to breach. The spray’s unpleasant taste discourages them from nibbling on the foliage, protecting your potted buddies from damage.

Essential Oils  

Lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint essential oils can create a fragrant barrier around your plants. These scents repel cats, so spraying essential oils around your greenery creates a natural deterrent that keeps them away while adding a pleasant aroma to your space.

Netting  

Covering your gardens with lightweight netting or mesh offers a protective barrier — the netting prevents kitties from accessing the foliage directly, reducing the risk of damage or disturbance. Additionally, it provides extra protection for your flora while allowing them to receive adequate sunlight and airflow.