10 Best Ways to Deter Cats from Garden
Cats may be beloved pets for some, but for others, they can be a real nuisance - especially when they invade homes and gardens uninvited.
Many cats are more than capable of leaving behind a mess, causing damage and scaring off local wildlife.
Fortunately, there are plenty of humane ways to deter them off your property without causing them any harm. Here are 10 effective strategies we recommend you employ to keep cats off your property.
#1 Block Entry Points
Cats are nimble and agile climbers capable of squeezing through surprisingly narrow gaps. To stop them at your gates, inspect your fences and gates regularly for holes or points of weakness to reinforce. Consider installing anti-climb spikes or rollers along the tops of fences to make it harder for cats to climb in.
#2 Remove Attractive Shelter
Stray and feral cats often look for safe places to rest or hide. If your garden has dense hedges, piles of wood, or open outbuildings like sheds or garages, cats may start using them for shelter. Make sure you secure these areas and trim back overgrown vegetation to make your garden less inviting.
#3 Make the Ground Uncomfortable
Cats typically prefer soft soil for digging and going to the toilet. To discourage them, use sharp gravel, stone chippings, pine cones, or repellent spikes in flower beds as they won't like the sharp edges. Additionally, you can keep the soil well-watered making it less appealing for cats to play in and dig.
#4 Use Natural Repellents
Certain plants and substances naturally repel cats. Planting lavender, rosemary, or rue can help keep them away. You can also scatter citrus peels, coffee grounds, or vinegar-soaked rags around problem areas as cats dislike these strong scents. We recommend experimenting with a variety of different scents first to find which one works best in your setting.
#5 Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Most cats hate water, and a motion-activated sprinkler system is often an effective, hands-off deterrent. These devices spray water when they detect any movement in your garden. The sprinkle can startle the cat without harming it. Over time, the cats will learn to avoid your garden or else they will get wet.
#6 Install Ultrasonic Deterrents
Ultrasonic cat repellents emit high-frequency sounds. Cat find them unpleasant and off putting, however they are widely considered to be harmless to humans and most other non-target animals. These devices work best when positioned in areas where cats are most likely to enter.
#7 Use Specialised Cat Repellent Granules
There are commercially available cat repellent sprays and granules that use strong but non-toxic scents to deter cats. We recommend looking for biodegradable, pet-safe formulas and follow the instructions carefully for best results.
#8 Limit Food Sources
If cats are visiting your property uninvited, they may be attracted by potential food sources. Regularly ensure that your rubbish bins are tightly sealed, remove any leftover pet food, and avoid feeding birds or wildlife in open areas where cats can hunt.
#9 Talk to Your Neighbours
If the cats coming into your garden belong to your neighbours, you may benefit from a friendly chat. Don't be afraid to make some suggestions such as that they provide a litter tray in their own garden, which may reduce the chances of their cats using yours.
#10 Consider a Community Cat Solution
If feral cats are a persistent problem, consider working with local animal welfare organisations, such as the RSPCA. Many groups run "trap-neuter-return" (TNR) programmes, which help humanely control the feral cat population.
Final Thoughts
Cats can be difficult to keep out of your garden. However, with a combination of physical barriers, repellents, and behavioural deterrents, you can keep them away without harming them. By following these ten strategies, you should be able to enjoy a cat-free garden while keeping local wildlife safe.
At PestBuddy, we go to great lengths to ensure all our DIY cat control products are effective, simple, fast and safety-minded. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of fleas from your home or workplace.
