Cats - How to Keep Them Off Your Garden Safely

By Liz Canham

You may be the biggest cat lover in the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you want them digging in your flower beds. Here are some tips to keep them off your garden safely.

It is unfortunate that not only will stray cats come and use your garden for their toilet and raid your rubbish bin for extra snacks, but those of your neighbours will too. In fact, if you're a cat owner, you will probably have noticed that your own cat rarely soils in YOUR garden - after all, why would they want to mess up their own territory?

However, cat lover or not, if you want to keep cats off your garden, please don't put down poison or any other substance that will actually harm the cat. After all, the point is to keep them away, not kill them off.

There are a variety of products available which will repel cats without hurting them at all.

Powder

You can just sprinkle powder where you don't want cats to go. Some of these powders are referred to as "cat pepper" which will actually make the cat sneeze and others contain a scent which imitates that of another animal. Either way, they'll stay away in future.

The powder is not harmful to plants.

High Frequency Sound Producer

Because of the difference between what cats can hear and what humans can hear, the sound that this machine makes will deter cats from coming into your garden while you won't be able to hear a thing.

Liquid Repellent

This is not of much use for flower beds, etc. but if you want to keep cats away from garden furniture, it can be effective because the cat will pick it up on its paws and when the cat grooms itself, it will taste awful.

Scent Neutraliser

The scent neutraliser will do what it says on the tin, which is to neutralise the scent of other cats. The odour that cats leave behind them often attract other cats, so the scent neutraliser should be applied to the normal route that feline visitors take in your garden.

Water and Air Sprayers

These work in much the same way in that they each have a sensor which detects movement. The air sprayer is a stand-alone alone device which emits a blast of air when it senses movement. Cats find this frightening and will hastily remove themselves. The water sprayer needs to be attached to a hose pipe but the end result is the same.

Electrically Charged Mats

These mats are powered by batteries and deliver a small electric shock which a cat will find most uncomfortable. However, this should be reserved for the most persistent of offenders as it doesn't entirely fit the term "harmless".

All these simple devices should ensure that your garden is free of unwanted cats without harming them at all.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover