While cats can be loveable household companions, stray cats can devastate your garden. Keeping them at bay is easy if you know what plants will deter feral felines.
Cats can dig holes, poop on lawns, and damage your carefully tended plants where they mark their territory.
Andrew White, a garden expert at Rhino Greenhouses Direct says: “Cats have a great sense of smell, so if you’re looking to keep cats away from your garden, you’ll need to focus on plants that have an unpleasant aroma for cats.”
Planting cat-unfriendly plants will discourage them in a humane, environmentally friendly way, reports the Mirror.
Here are 10 common plants that cats absolutely hate.
Top 10 plants that cats can’t stand
1. Lavender
Cats steer clear of this garden staple because of its strong scent. Lavender is easy to grow and can thrives in sandy or locky soil.
Sarah Elliott, a feline health expert at VetHelpDirect.com says: “The most effective cat-repelling lavenders in the garden are those that grow tall and shrubby, making them difficult for cats to walk through easily.”
2. Scaredy cat plant
This is another plant cats and other pests hate due to its odour. The scaredy cat plant Sarah says “emits an odour similar to that of dog urine”.
The smell should not be overpowering to humans, and is usually unpleasant only when touched. However, gardeners should be mindful of where it is planted to avoid being a nuisance to you or your pets.
3. Rosemary
This herb is a mainstay in many gardens. However, cats dislike its “strong, woody scent,” according to Jane Dobbs, the team gardening lead at Allan’s Gardeners .
“Not only does the strong scent deter cats, but the leaves have a texture they absolutely despise,” adds former professional gardener, Andy Ellis, of Posh UK.
4. Curry plant
This plant has a spicy aroma that is similar to curry powder. Brushing against the plant will activate its scent, which will deter cats if they encounter the plant in your garden.
5. Lemon balm
This herb is easy to grow and boasts a fresh, lemony scent that cats despise.
Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert at Two Wests & Elliott says: “With attractive white flowers in the summer and helping to attract pollinators into your garden such as honey bees, both the lemony scent and texture of this herb will help to deter cats from your garden.”
6. Pelargonium Citronella
Cats will avoid the strong citrus fragrance of this plant. It sprouts pretty pink flowers which humans can enjoy, and has the added bonus of deterring stray felines. It can be easily planted in pots, which can be moved around to ward off cats.
7. Eucalyptus
Experts believe this plant ranks among the aromas that cats hate most. Alex Biggart, brand manager at 123 Flower urges gardeners to “consider popping a couple of pots around your garden to deter feline friends.”
8. Thyme
This is another common herb that cats hate – particularly lemon thyme. It’s a great way to cat-proof your garden while making sure you are stocked with plenty of fresh herbs for cooking.
9. Geraniums
These plants offer numerous defenses against moggies. Gardening expert Graham Smith MClhort, LBS Horticulture says cats hate their floral scene, but also dislike the prickly leaves.
He adds: “As well as deterring cats with their scent, geraniums are also good at covering the soil, which will stop cats from using it as a toilet.”
10. Thorny plants
Many common ornamentals sport spiky stems that will be sure to keep cats from tearing up your garden. Roses are a great option that offer both protection and beauty.
Jane Dobbs says: ‘Thorny plants like holly and rose bushes make natural barriers. Because cats don’t like to go through prickly foliage, these plants are effective at keeping them away.”
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