Cats are adored by many, but they can be quite a nuisance in your garden, leading some people to view them as pests.
Prone to prowling and pouncing, felines often find lawns, gravel areas, plant pots, and freshly turned earth irresistible.
Despite efforts like banging on windows, shouting, or constructing various barriers, what works is conditioning these critters to keep their distance.
Thankfully, a cat’s hatred of strange smells can play into any gardener’s hands if they employ unusual odours for deterrence.
To keep these furry intruders at bay, green-fingered experts from PlantIn suggest concocting a simple DIY spray out of just a couple of components.
Gardeners can whip up a deterrent using minimal ingredients. A particularly effective recipe includes vinegar since it emits a “scent cats detest and will avoid your garden at all costs” once it reaches their noses.
Mix equal measures of vinegar and water to produce this potion and decant it into a spray bottle.
Add in a few drops of liquid castile soap to combine water and vinegar properly, then give it another good stir.
Now, either douse the soil around your plants or deliver a fine mist over the foliage. Just ensure the mix is appropriately diluted to prevent any harm to the cats or your verdure.
Plant lovers worried about potential distress to their greenery should test the blend on a single leaf, allowing it to rest there till morning.
Alternatively, there is another DIY recipe that combines water with essential oils. For this version, blend 60ml of water with a duo of droplets from essences such as citrus, rosemary, or lavender.
The specialists cautioned: “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.”
Cats may not be fans of citronella scent; however, for some humans, the aroma can be overwhelming. It’s wise to take a whiff before you douse your garden in it.
Green-fingered enthusiasts need not solely rely on potent sprays to deter curious kitties. There are certain plants known to repel cats, including lavender, lemongrass, geraniums, roses, and curry herb plants.
