Having a beautiful, thriving garden is a source of pride and joy for many homeowners. However, the presence of neighbourhood cats and other unwanted animals outside of your garden can quickly turn your hard work into a frustrating (and smelly) battleground. Cats have a natural inclination to dig, scratch, and use gardens as their personal litter boxes, causing significant damage to plants, soil, and landscaping efforts.
While it’s understandable to want to protect your garden from feline intruders, it’s crucial to approach the situation humanely and ethically. Fortunately, various effective solutions can deter cats without causing them harm. This article will explore a range of strategies, from physical barriers to natural repellents, to help you reclaim your garden and maintain a harmonious coexistence with your feline neighbours.
Why do cats love gardens?
Cats are naturally curious and territorial creatures driven by instincts to hunt and explore. Their tendency to enter gardens is rooted in these primal behaviours. Cats are particularly attracted to areas with lots of foliage, as they provide decent hunting grounds for small prey like birds, rodents, and insects.
Gardens also offer cats a sense of security with their hiding spots and elevated vantage points. Cats feel safe when they can observe their surroundings from a concealed position or perch. Flower beds, shrubs, and low-hanging branches provide these cosy havens for feline lounging and stalking.
It’s not uncommon to find cats napping in your garden too, as they can be drawn to warm, sunny spots for basking and snoozing. The soft, loose soil in gardens is an inviting place for cats to dig, scratch, and bury their waste, and is a natural part of their behaviour to mark their territory and communicate through scent.
Stray and outdoor cats may also view gardens as a source of food, whether from intentional feeding by homeowners or the presence of edible plants, insects, or small animals. With these in mind, we can reverse engineer humane deterrents to make your garden a not-so-ideal place for an uninvited cat.
1. Humane deterrents
One of the most effective and humane ways to keep cats out of your garden is by using deterrents that rely on their natural aversions and senses. Cats have a strong dislike for certain smells and sounds, which can be used to discourage them from entering your garden without causing them any harm.
Using scents
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, and certain strong scents can be highly unpleasant for them. You can use natural repellents like citrus peels, coffee grounds, or vinegar, which can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your garden or in specific areas where cats frequent. Additionally, there are commercial repellents available that contain essential oils or other natural ingredients that cats find offensive. Just ensure they aren’t toxic to cats.
Motion-activated devices
Cats are naturally cautious creatures, and sudden movements or sounds can startle them. Motion-activated sprinklers or noise-makers can be an effective deterrent. When a cat enters the garden, the device is triggered, releasing a burst of water or sound, which can scare them away without causing any harm.
Ultrasonic deterrents
These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but highly unpleasant for cats and other animals. They can be placed around the garden’s perimeter or in specific areas where cats tend to congregate. While effective, it’s important to note that some dogs may also be able to hear these sounds, so they should be used with caution if you have a canine companion.
2. Physical barriers
Adding physical barriers is one of the most effective ways to keep cats out of your garden. Fences, netting, and other obstructions can create an impenetrable perimeter that deters feline intruders. You may even want to consider installing a fence at least 6 feet tall – as whilst cats are excellent jumpers and climbers, some may find this height difficult to reach.
Netting or mesh fencing can be an affordable and flexible option, allowing you to cover specific areas or raised garden beds. Ensure the netting has a tight weave and is securely anchored to prevent cats from squeezing through or dislodging it.
If you have existing fencing, you can add extensions or rollers along the top to prevent cats from scaling the fence. These rollers spin when a cat attempts to climb over them, deterring them from proceeding.
Driveway gates as a solution
Installing a driveway gate can be an effective way to keep cats out of your garden, especially if you live near a road or have a large property. Driveway gates offer several advantages over other physical barriers, such as their durability, aesthetic appeal, and customisation.
If you’re wondering how far off the ground a driveway gate should be – keep in mind that most cats can jump up to 150-180 cm (4.9-5.9 feet) from a standing position, so it’s essential to choose a gate height that deters them from accessing your garden. According to experts at The Expert Gate Company, a reputable driveway gate manufacturer, the recommended height for a driveway gate varies depending on its location.
If your gate is adjacent to a road, it should be no higher than 1 metre (3.3 feet) to ensure visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers. However, if the gate is located elsewhere on your property, away from the road, you can opt for a taller gate up to 2 metres (6.6 feet) in height, providing an additional barrier against cats and other potential intruders.
If you do decide to look into driveway gates as a way to improve your property’s facade, as well as keep the felines out, read more about our gate installation and servicing. You’ll have a dedicated project manager from start to finish, who may also be able to advise on the best materials to deter cats from climbing your newly built driveway gate.
3. Landscaping techniques
Strategic landscaping can be an effective and natural way to deter cats from entering your garden.
Cats generally dislike strong smells, rough textures, and obstructions that make it difficult for them to navigate. By thoughtfully arranging plants, rocks, and other features, you can create an environment that cats find unappealing.
One option is to plant herbs and flowers with pungent aromas, such as lavender, rue, or lemongrass. These strong scents can be off-putting to cats and discourage them from lingering in those areas.
Rocks and gravel can also be useful deterrents. Cats generally prefer soft, loose soil for digging and burying their waste. By covering areas of your garden with rocks or gravel, you can make those spaces less appealing for cats to dig or lounge. Larger rocks strategically placed around garden beds or pathways can create obstacles that cats may not want to navigate.
Dealing with neighbourhood cats
If your garden is being invaded by cats from neighbouring properties, it’s important to address the issue diplomatically and cooperatively. Cats are territorial animals, and they may be wandering into your garden in search of food, shelter, or simply out of curiosity.
One effective way is to have an open and friendly conversation with your neighbours whose cats are causing the issue. Explain the situation politely, and try to find a mutually agreeable solution. Suggest that they keep their cats indoors or provide them with a secure outdoor enclosure to prevent them from roaming into your garden.
You could also offer to help in making their outdoor spaces more appealing to their cats, such as providing scratching posts, and cat toys, or even planting catnip in designated areas. This may encourage the cats to stay within their own territory and reduce their desire to explore your garden.
If direct communication with your neighbours is unsuccessful, you may need to involve local authorities or animal control services. However, this should be a last resort, as it may strain your relationship with your neighbours. Always prioritise a respectful and collaborative approach before considering more drastic measures.
Remember – cats are not inherently misbehaving; they are simply following their natural instincts. By working together with your neighbours and employing humane deterrents, you can find a solution that keeps both your garden and the cats safe and content.
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