Cats can be a real nuisance in gardens, but it’s important to know the law before using any deterrents. Luckily, gardeners have shared a humane way to keep them at bay
Cats can become quite the nuisance in gardens, causing mayhem and destruction amongst the beds and borders. As carnivorous creatures, cats’ faeces can harbour parasites that pose a risk to those intending to consume home-grown garden produce. Before opting for any deterrents to address the issue of intrusive felines, it’s imperative that gardeners acquaint themselves with pertinent legislation.
The right to roam is afforded to cats by law, granting them the freedom to enter neighbouring yards without legal repercussions. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 safeguards our feline friends, meaning inflicting harm with either DIY or commercial repellents could lead to serious legal consequences, potentially culminating in hefty fines or imprisonment.
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Fortunately, seasoned green thumbs have divulged a benign yet effective deterrent which “won’t harm them at all” but will encourage the cats to vacate the premises promptly.
One individual, exasperated by the local moggies using his patch as a litter box, appealed for advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group.
Steve Mclane queried: “Can anyone recommend a humane way of stopping neighbours cats using my garden as their toilet? Thanks.”
A host of horticulture enthusiasts touted the efficacy of citrus peels, especially orange rinds, strewn across their garden territories, reports the Express.
Julie Crawey offered her tactic: “I seem to have some new resident cats in my garden this year. Remove the cat poo and put orange peels around. They seem to hate it.”
Mary Vale echoed this sentiment, stating: “Citrus peel scattered around worked for me. They smell it and scurry away.” Nona Maffei shared her experience, recalling: “Citrus fruit peel. I remember I bought a big box of oranges at Christmas time and had them stored in the utility area, and our cat whose food bowl and water were in there, wouldn’t go near it.
“It took us a while to work out why and it was the smell of oranges so I know 100 per cent that it works.” Lucy Prime also confirmed the anti-cat trick, saying: “Orange peel. Cats hate citrus and will run away from it.”
Bargain hunters will be pleased to know a five-pack of oranges is available for only 99p at Asda, breaking down to just 20p per orange. In comparison, Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell individual oranges at 30p each.
For those looking for alternative methods, some green-fingered enthusiasts suggested Steve should consider a jet spray as a feline deterrent.
Mary Turner, alongside a picture of the £28.98 PestBye Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Activated Cat Scarer and Repellent available on Amazon, advised: “Get this from Amazon. I haven’t seen a cat in my garden since just after getting one of these. My neighbour has two cats and they suggested this.”
Gerald Henderson recommended a similar solution but pointed to eBay instead, commenting with a photo: “Get this off eBay. Stops them pooing without hurting them.”
The said cat repellent device is up for grabs on eBay too, coming in at the matching price tag of £28.98.
