There are several eco-friendly solutions that will help keep cats away from vegetable beds and private property. If you are just looking to deter the cats from your property, here are some tips and tricks to humanely deter cats from your property:
SCENT REPELLENTS
· Use non-toxic, naturally-based scent repellents and apply liberally around the edges of the yard, the tops of fences, and on any favorite digging areas or plants.
· Naturally-based products include the Coleus Canina. (WARNING: There are many varieties of Coleus plants, so make sure you order the correct one - Coleus Canina.)
· For protecting gardens or flower beds, common household items may be effective, including the herb rue, either planted or sprinkled in its dry form. Orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, & mustard oil.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS TO DIGGING
· Arrange branches in a lattice-type pattern or wooden or plastic lattice fencing material over soil. This will discourage digging. You can disguise these by planting flowers and seeds in the openings. You can also try embedding wooden chopsticks, pinecones, or sticks with dull points deep into the soil 8” apart with tops exposed.
· Use plastic carpet runners spike-side up, covered lightly in soil. They can be found at local hardware or office supply stores.
· Cover exposed ground in flower beds with large, river rocks to prevent cats from digging. (They have the added benefit of deterring weeds).
· Cat Scat™ is a nonchemical cat and wildlife repellent with plastic mats that are cut into smaller pieces and pressed into the soil. Each mat has flexible plastic spikes that are humane and harmless to cats and other animals, but discourage digging. Cover exposed ground with rough surfaced rocks.
MOTION-ACTIVATED SPRINKLERS OR ULTRASONIC DEVICES are also great options.