I've recently inherited some feral barn cats, and while I'm not a fan of them, my husband wants to keep them around. Now that I've just planted my garden, I'm really worried about two things: how to prevent these cats from using my garden beds as a litter box and how to stop them from munching on my fruits and veggies. I'm not planning to remove any potentially toxic plants, but I'm open to ideas that can help deter the cats while keeping my produce safe. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated, especially since I need this sorted out quickly to protect my harvest!
3 Answers
Cats typically won't eat your veggies; they're strictly meat eaters. For keeping them out of your garden beds, you could use granular repellents or even put up a fence around your plants. A little barrier can go a long way! Plus, try planting lush, dense foliage or creating a mulch layer—cats prefer loose, dry soil for their business, so keeping the area well covered might help. Before you get too worried about litter issues, make sure they’re actually using your garden first. If they do, there are various deterrents you can use.
I've had a feral cat around my garden, and while he uses the empty beds for naps, he's never turned them into a litter box. Cats tend to avoid places with dense plants or mulch, so maybe keep your soil mulched or plant densely to make it less inviting for them. They also generally aren’t interested in eating fruits or vegetables since they’re carnivores - the bigger issue is often rodents that cats can help scare away. Consider giving the cats their own little area with a cozy bed and some food so they feel less inclined to hang out in your garden.
To keep the cats away from your garden, think about putting up a simple fence—rabbit wire or chicken wire works wonders. It not only keeps out cats but also other garden pests. I’ve also found that if you provide a loose soil area somewhere else, cats might prefer that for their business. And just to ease your mind about the veggies, I’ve never had a problem with cats trying to eat my plants. They seem more focused on their natural prey like rodents. Just keep an eye on them and ensure you’ve got some good cover in your garden!