9 Plants and Scents That Naturally Keep Cats Away From Your Garden
As cute and fluffy as cats might be, they can be a nuisance that is hard to deter. With dug-up flower beds, territorial bathroom habits, the need to nap wherever they are comfortable, and an inherent stubbornness, keeping cats away from your garden is nearly impossible. However, some natural plants, oils, and herds can help keep them away from your beautifully growing garden.
1. Lavender
The lavender bush is beautiful and delicious to look at and smell. However, cats don’t necessarily feel the same way. The plant has a chemical compound called ” linalool.” This compound is often found in insect repellants and produces a scent that cats are likely to turn their noses up at. While Lavender is calming to humans, it is distressing to cats, making this a must-have anti-cat bush that will add more color to your garden.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a grass-like plant that produces a strong but fresh, citrusy scent which cats find overwhelming. It is a common plant found in gardens because it requires little maintenance. However, lemongrass is tropical and will only survive in warmer climates (never dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) with full sun. Pro tip: mix lemongrass essential oil with citronella oil to make the ultimate cat-repellant spray!
3. Rosemary
A household favorite, Rosemary produces a noxious scent for cats. As we pop it in our food and Gin & Tonics, cats will likely stay far away. An easy-to-grow plant—especially in pots indoors—rosemary is a hardy perennial that simply needs watering. To ward off cats, pop it on windowsills, balconies, and even planters on your boundary walls or fences.
4. Oregano
Another aromatic herb found in many gardens, oregano, is repulsive to cats. This is because the plant contains a chemical compound called “carvacrol,” which irritates cats’ respiratory systems. It is relatively easy to grow using free-draining soil and particularly thrives in terracotta pots, which are known to help retain water, placed in partial or complete sunlight.
5. Geraniums
If you are looking to add color to your garden, consider Geraniums. This plant repels cats on two accounts – through an unpleasant (to them) floral scent and thorny leaves that make it difficult for cats to walk on. Another easy-to-grow plant that simply requires sun or partial shade and soil that is not too wet. It is relatively low maintenance, as it needs deadheading.
6. The Mint Family
Mint, Peppermint and Spearmint, as well as Pennyroyal flowers, are known for their menthol-like, but fresh scent, However, this does not agree with the basic cat constitution. These plants can be grown in beds or pots throughout your home and garden to deter cats. Additionally, you can brew them in water to make a spray that will send cats running home. Please note that Pennyroyal flowers are toxic to cats if ingested.
7. Cacti
It goes without saying that cats are likely to avoid gardens filled with prickly and thorny foliage, making cacti an affordable, pleasant, and water-wise choice. Larger cacti plants can be planted along boundary walls or fences to keep cats (and other predators) from getting in unscathed. The needles on cactus plants also tend to irritate their skin, so they are rather effective in keeping creepy felines at bay.
8. Scaredy Cat Plant
The Coleus Canina plant produces an awful skunk-like odor that cats (and humans alike) will find particularly disgusting. The smell is made worse when the leaves or flowers of the plant are disturbed, and it is toxic to cats if ingested. The plant is low maintenance, requiring only full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
9. Lemon Thyme
As with other citrus-smelling plants, cats dislike Lemon Thyme and tend to avoid it. The plant is a fast-growing, creeping perennial that can grow three times its height in width and up to 12 inches tall. It has a range of variations with distinct colors. The plant is a low-maintenance plant that can be added to your garden. However, it is toxic to cats if ingested.
Sources
7 plants that repel cats and keep them out of your yard
Cat Deterrent Plants: 10 Vet-Approved Herbs (With Pictures)
