Curious cats can turn your cherished urban garden into their personal playground or litter box. Protecting your planter boxes doesn't require harsh measures. Here are effective, humane strategies to deter feline visitors.
First, consider physical barriers. Covering the soil with a layer of chicken wire, mesh, or even rough-textured mulch (like pine cones or stone chips) makes the area uncomfortable for digging and lounging. For seedlings, use cloches or create a temporary frame with netting.
Next, utilize natural repellents. Cats dislike certain smells. Scatter citrus peels (orange, lemon), coffee grounds, or cayenne pepper lightly around your planters. You can also plant deterrents like rosemary, lavender, or coleus canina (scaredy-cat plant) among your flowers and veggies.
Provide a distraction. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Set up a designated "cat garden" in a pot with cat grass or catnip away from your precious planters. This gives them an attractive alternative.
Ensure consistency. Reapply natural repellents after rain and check barriers regularly. By combining these methods—making your planters less appealing while offering a better option—you can enjoy a thriving, cat-friendly urban garden where both your plants and the neighborhood felines are happy.