Cats are known to love a garden, but there are some tips and tricks to try and keep them away from your beloved plants, including using a homemade spray they’ll ‘detest’
Cats can be quite the mischief in gardens, whether they’re your beloved pets or not.
From lawns to gravel paths, flowerpots and newly turned over soil these feline adventurers are known for making themselves at home. You might find yourself tapping on windows, hollering at them, or attempting to block their path, but the real trick is training them to steer clear.
Cats have a keen sense of smell that you can use to your advantage by introducing scents they’re unaccustomed to. For those looking to keep these four-legged intruders out, gardening experts at PlantIn suggest concocting a do-it-yourself spray with just a couple of ingredients, reports the Express.
According to these green-thumbed gurus, garden lovers can whip up an easy spray. The most effective recipe includes vinegar, which has a “scent cats detest and will avoid your garden at all costs” when present. Whisk together equal parts of vinegar and water to create this solution, and then decant it into a spray bottle.
To ensure the mix binds well, include a few drops of castile soap and give it another stir. Proceed to spritz the mixture around your plant pots or lightly mist it over the foliage. Be cautious with how much you use; you don’t want to harm the cats or the vegetation. If you’re worried about plant safety, test the spray on one leaf and monitor it overnight.
For those wanting an alternative, mix up 60ml of water with a couple of drops of citrus, rosemary, or lavender essential oil for a different cat-repelling spray. The experts advised: “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 also can’t stand the aroma of citronella. Yet, it can be overwhelming for some individuals, so give it a whiff before you start dousing your garden with it. Gardeners don’t necessarily have to resort to potent sprays there are certain plants that naturally repel cats. Among the flora felines tend to avoid are lavender, lemongrass, geraniums, roses, and curry herb plants.
