Hey everyone! We have a family of adorable cats hanging out in our garden, and they seem to be especially fond of our young plum trees, which are about 1.5 years old. Unfortunately, they like to sharpen their claws on the tree trunks, and I'm looking for some advice on how to protect them. I'd like to find a solution that considers a few things: 1) The trunks are still growing, 2) We really like the cats, so I don't want anything harmful or frightening for them, and 3) Ideally, it should be aesthetically pleasing and maybe even fun for the cats. Thanks a lot for your help!
2 Answers
One option is to use a length of chicken wire or a similar mesh to create a "collar" around the trunk of the tree. Just make sure to stake it into the ground, and don’t make it too tight—you want the trunk to have some space to grow. It's important that the mesh is breathable so that air can circulate and to prevent any moisture buildup that could lead to mold or rot. This way, the cats can’t scratch the bark while still allowing the tree to grow healthy!
You might also want to consider planting some catnip in a different area of your garden. Cats usually love hanging out where catnip is, so it could redirect their scratching behavior away from the trees! Just remember, if you're in a subtropical climate, catnip can still thrive, so it might even add a nice touch to your garden!
That's a great suggestion! I've never tried planting catnip outside—does it really do well in that kind of weather?
Sounds like a solid idea! If you do that, would it be alright to plant a vine nearby? I was thinking about something like Thunbergia alata, but I’m a bit worried about airflow.