Hey everyone! I have a bit of a problem with my neighbor's cat. She seems to love hanging out in my garden, which isn't an issue because she's kind of adorable. However, she also enjoys digging in my vegetable patch and pooping there, which I'm definitely not okay with. I've heard that plants like lavender and rosemary might help deter her, but I'm not so sure since she tends to hide in the rosemary bush. Are there any other plants or solutions that could help me keep her out of my garden without harming her?
3 Answers
You might want to consider planting rue (Ruta Graveolens). Cats generally dislike it, which could help. In the meantime, placing things like pineapple or citrus peels around your veggie patch can also deter them. Even coffee grounds can be effective!
Honestly, relying on plants alone might not do the trick. I've had better luck with physical barriers like chicken wire or deer mesh. You can even use plastic mesh around your garden beds since it's cheap and easy to move when you're working in the garden. If you can keep the space small, most cats won't jump over a 4-foot fence either!
Yeah, cats can be sneaky! In my experience here in Australia, motion-activated water sprayers or sonic repellents actually work pretty well at keeping them out. Just a heads up, make your fence secure if you decide to go that route!
Have you thought about talking to your neighbor directly? Let them know their cat is using your garden as a litter box. It's fair for them to take responsibility, whether that's putting up a cat-proof fence or keeping her inside. You could also mark the area where she poops with thorny clippings or provide a box of sand nearby for her to use!
I hear you, but a fence around my small patch feels like overkill. It's something to consider though.