Dead birds, broken plants, droppings in the bed - cats may be cute, but they are often a horror for gardeners. So here are 5 tips on how to get cats out of the garden.
Many cats are clearly among the uninvited guests in many well-tended gardens. Especially since they often leave an unpleasant scent in the flower and vegetable beds, which causes immense damage to some plants and sometimes even causes them to die off completely. One reason why even professional gardeners use a wide variety of methods that are harmless to cats and the landscape to prevent unwanted cats from visiting their own garden. These methods and tips are presented here in more detail.
5 effective tips to scare away cats
Tip 1 - Sprinkle pepper/coffee grounds:
Spreading pepper is still recommended as a tried and tested household remedy against strange cats in the garden. When the weather is good (little wind, no rain), simply sprinkle as hot pepper as possible, alternatively other hot spices, in the beds. Most cats sniff the soil extensively before setting a scent mark. Pepper scares them off and they quickly flee.
Alternatively, you can also distribute coffee grounds in the beds. Cats don't like this smell very much either. Another advantage: in this way you can also fertilize your beds.
Tip 2 - water jet:
You can also ambush the cats with a strong jet of water from the garden hose. If a strange cat strays through your garden, simply turn on the garden hose and direct the water jet towards the cat, but don't point it directly at a cat! With repeated use, the cat will certainly avoid this territory in the future, after all we all know: cats are quite afraid of water (reading tip: Why are cats afraid of water?).
Tip 3 - Piss off plant:
For a number of years now, the garden trade has been selling the Piss-You-Plant (harp bush), which can be used in the middle of flower beds to prevent unwanted cat visits. Reason for this: The nettles of the plant containEssential oils like menthol and cats don't like that smell at all.
This tip also kills two birds with one stone: on the one hand you have new plants in the garden and on the other hand you get rid of the unloved cats.
Tip 4 - Cat Scare:
In the meantime, electronically operated devices are also often available that emit an alarm sound (partly based on ultrasound), which is particularly unpleasant for cats, as soon as a cat approaches the integrated motion detector. For example, they are called cat frights. Such devices are on the one hand somewhat expensive to purchase, but on the other hand they are quite effective in repelling cats. High-quality products can even be left outdoors in all weather conditions.
Such a cat scare costs between 20 and 60 euros, depending on the manufacturer, but is quite effective in most cases.
My experience
This device is very popular for the ultrasonic version. On the other hand, I swear by the water jet to deter cats (see picture on the left). That's why I bought this device.
It sticks into the ground and connects to a garden hose. A motion detector registers the cat and directs the beam specifically at the animal. Works great!
Anti Cat Thorn Lattice
A roll-out thorn grid can also be a good solution. Cats don't like uncomfortable and sharp paws. They try to avoid such routes. This roll-out thorn trellis features sharp prongs that cats may step on once but then avoid the area.
The thorn trellis (pictures and prices) can be cut to any size and snapped together. So you can actually use it anywhere.
Tip 5 - Cat Granules:
Cat granules are also available from specialist retailers and usually give off a very intense garlic smell at first. If you scatter it in the beds, cats will avoid your garden, at least in the long term.
Alternatively, you can also lay out freshly chopped onions or garlic cloves in the garden.