Cats, while loved by many, can often be a nuisance in gardens, leading some to view them as pests. With their tendency to prowl and pounce, felines find lawns, gravel areas, plant pots, and freshly turned earth irresistible.
Despite efforts like banging on windows, shouting, or constructing various barriers, conditioning these critters to keep their distance is what works. Luckily, a cat’s dislike of strange smells can be used to a gardener’s advantage by using unusual odours for deterrence.
To keep these furry intruders away, gardening experts from PlantIn suggest making a simple DIY spray with just a few ingredients. Gardeners can create a deterrent using minimal ingredients, reports the Express.
A particularly effective recipe includes vinegar, which emits a “scent cats detest and will avoid your garden at all costs” once it reaches their noses. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to make this potion and pour it into a spray bottle.
Add a few drops of liquid castile soap to properly combine the water and vinegar, then give it another good stir. Now, either soak the soil around your plants or spray a fine mist over the foliage.
Just ensure the mix is appropriately diluted to prevent any harm to the cats or your plants. Those worried about potential damage to their plants should test the mixture on a single leaf, leaving it there until morning.
Another option is a homemade concoction made from water and essential oils. To create this, mix 60ml of water with two drops of essential oils such as citrus, rosemary, or lavender.
However, experts warn: “Don’t go heavy on the oils, as they are quite concentrated and might harm your pet when used excessively. Spray your plants with the mixture.”
While cats may dislike the smell of citronella, some people may also find it overpowering, so it’s a good idea to test the scent before using it in your garden. For those who prefer a more subtle approach, certain plants such as lavender, lemongrass, geraniums, roses, and curry herb plants are known to repel cats, providing an alternative solution for green-fingered enthusiasts.