Introduction
Cats are one of the most beloved animals in many households. However, when they have free reign of the backyard, they can sometimes be destructive and make a mess of your flower beds. If you’re looking for ways to keep cats from pooping in your flower beds, there are several easy steps you can take to discourage them from using your garden as their personal bathroom.
Plant a Barrier of Prickly or Fragrant Plants
The first step to keeping cats out of your flower beds is to plant a barrier of prickly or fragrant plants around the edges. This will create a physical and/or olfactory barrier that cats won’t want to cross. Some good plants to use are lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, catnip, and any type of cactus.
Types of Plants to Use
Lavender has a strong aroma that cats find unpleasant, while lemon balm is another fragrant plant that can be used to repel cats. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves, which make it a great deterrent for cats. Catnip is a member of the mint family and it’s known to attract cats, but its pungent smell can also be used to repel them. Finally, any type of cactus will provide a physical barrier that cats won’t want to cross.
How to Plant the Barrier
When planting the barrier, be sure to space the plants far enough apart so that cats can’t jump over them. You should also plant the barrier at least two feet away from the edge of the flower bed, so that cats don’t have an easy way of getting in. Finally, it’s important to monitor the growth of the plants and trim them back if they start to get too close to the flower bed.
Place Chicken Wire Over the Top of the Flower Bed
Another way to keep cats out of your flower beds is to place chicken wire over the top. This will create a physical barrier that cats won’t be able to jump over. It’s important to note that this method is only effective if the flower bed is raised, as cats can easily dig underneath a flat flower bed.
Benefits of Using Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is a great option for keeping cats out of flower beds because it’s lightweight and relatively inexpensive. It also provides a physical barrier that cats won’t be able to jump over. Additionally, chicken wire is easy to install and can be removed if necessary.
How to Install Chicken Wire
To install chicken wire, first measure the area where the flower bed is located. Then cut the chicken wire to size and secure it to the edges of the flower bed using zip ties or metal staples. Be sure to leave enough slack in the wire so that it doesn’t sag. Finally, fold the excess wire over the top of the flower bed so that cats can’t jump over it.
Move the Flower Bed Out of the Cat’s Reach
If the flower bed is in an area where cats have easy access, consider moving it to a different location. This will reduce the chances of cats entering the flower bed, as they won’t be able to reach it. It’s important to note that this method may not be feasible for all gardens, as some flower beds may be too large or heavy to move.
Locations to Move the Flower Bed
When selecting a new location for the flower bed, choose an area that is out of reach of cats. This could be on a balcony, in a shed, or even indoors. Be sure to choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage, as these are essential for healthy plants.
Ways to Secure the Flower Bed in its New Location
Once you’ve chosen a new location for the flower bed, you’ll need to secure it in place. This can be done by placing bricks or stones around the perimeter of the flower bed, or by attaching it to a wall or other surface. You can also add a fence or trellis around the flower bed to further deter cats from entering.
Spray Citrus-Scented Repellent Around the Flower Bed
Citrus-scented repellents can be used to keep cats away from flower beds. These repellents contain natural oils that cats find unpleasant, and the scent will discourage them from entering the flower bed.
Benefits of Citrus-Scented Repellents
Citrus-scented repellents are a great option for keeping cats out of flower beds because they are safe and non-toxic. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. Additionally, they can be reapplied every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness.
How to Prepare and Apply the Repellent
To prepare the repellent, mix equal parts of citrus oil and water in a spray bottle. Be sure to shake the bottle before each use. Then spray the mixture around the edges of the flower bed, as well as any areas that cats may use as entry points. Be sure to reapply the repellent every few weeks to maintain its effectiveness.
Install Motion-Activated Water Sprinklers in the Area
Motion-activated water sprinklers are a great way to keep cats away from flower beds. These devices detect motion and release a short burst of water when triggered. The sudden noise and spray of water will startle cats and discourage them from entering the flower bed.
Benefits of Installing Water Sprinklers
Water sprinklers are an effective way to keep cats away from flower beds because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They also provide a humane way to deter cats without causing any harm. Additionally, they can be set up to cover a wide area, making them an effective deterrent for multiple cats.
How to Install and Set Up Water Sprinklers
To install water sprinklers, first decide where you want to place them. Then attach the sprinklers to a hose and turn on the water. Finally, adjust the settings so that the sprinklers activate when motion is detected. Be sure to test the sprinklers to ensure they are working properly.
Train Your Cats to Use a Litter Box
Finally, if you have cats that are using your flower beds as their personal bathroom, it’s important to train them to use a litter box. This will not only keep them from pooping in your flower beds, but it will also help keep your garden clean and odor-free.
Benefits of Training Cats to Use a Litter Box
Training cats to use a litter box has many benefits. Not only will it keep them from pooping in your flower beds, but it will also teach them proper bathroom habits. Additionally, it will help keep your garden clean and odor-free. Finally, it will give your cats a designated area to use the bathroom, which will reduce the chances of accidents.
Tips for Successfully Training Cats
When training cats to use a litter box, it’s important to be patient and consistent. Start by placing the litter box in an area that is easily accessible for your cats. Next, show your cats how to use the litter box by gently placing them inside and scratching the litter with your fingers. Finally, reward your cats with treats and praise when they use the litter box correctly.
Conclusion
Keeping cats from pooping in flower beds is an important step to protecting your garden. There are several easy steps you can take to keep cats out of your flower beds, such as planting a barrier of prickly or fragrant plants, placing chicken wire over the top of the flower bed, moving the flower bed out of the cat’s reach, spraying citrus-scented repellent around the flower bed, installing motion-activated water sprinklers in the area, and training your cats to use a litter box. Taking these steps will help keep your flower beds safe from cats, and it will also keep your garden clean and odor-free.
