Do you have trouble with cats in your garden? Perhaps they're digging in your plant pots, soiling your garden furniture or marking their territory with unwanted odours. Although cats are often charming visitors, it's understandable that you want to keep your garden clean and tidy. Fortunately, there are plenty of animal-friendly solutions to keep cats at bay. In this blog we share simple tips and provide helpful advice to also protect your garden furniture against cats.
Contents
Why do cats come into your garden?
To deter cats, it's important to first understand why they visit your garden.
- Attractive scents and plants
Strong-smelling flowers, herbs or food scraps can attract cats to your garden. Unprotected garden furniture is also an invitation, especially if it smells of other animals.
- Looking for relaxation
Cats love quiet spots where they can sunbathe or take naps. A soft surface such as soil, grass or garden cushions makes it extra attractive.
- Digging and marking
Loose soil is ideal for cats to dig in. Additionally, they leave scents to mark their territory, which attracts other cats.
Animal-friendly ways to deter cats
Plants that cats avoid:
Some plants have a scent that cats prefer to avoid. Think of:
Lavender
A lovely scent for people, but not for cats
Rosemary
Easy to maintain and ideal for planting along your terrace
Lemon geraniums
Gives a fresh citrus scent that keeps cats at a distance.
Tip: Plant these near your seating area or around your garden furniture to keep cats away.
Lemon geraniums Rosemary LavenderUse of scents
Cats have a sensitive nose and don't like certain scents. A few natural deterrents are:
- Citrus peel: Scatter this around your garden furniture or plants.
- Coffee grounds: Reuse your coffee grounds by sprinkling them around your borders.
- Vinegar: Spray this in a secluded corner of your garden.
Physical barriers
With a few small adjustments you can make your garden less attractive:
- Place small fences or mesh around vulnerable areas.
- Use gravel or wood chips, which cats find unpleasant to walk on.
Cat deterrent devices
Special devices emit a high-frequency sound that cats don't enjoy, but is inaudible to humans. A simple and safe way to deter unwanted visitors.
Water as a deterrent
Cats don't like water! You can use this cleverly with:
- Automatic sprinklers that detect movement.
- A filled water bottle in strategic locations.
How do you protect your garden furniture against cats?
In addition to deterring cats, it's also important to protect your garden furniture.
- Protective covers
With a sturdy cover you prevent cats from lying on your furniture or leaving their scent behind. Our covers are waterproof and easy to clean. - Cat-repellent sprays
There are special sprays that make furniture less attractive to cats, without causing damage. - Washable cushions
Choose cushions with a removable cover that can be easily machine washed. This way your garden furniture stays fresh and clean.
Curious about ways to properly maintain your garden furniture? Check out our garden furniture maintenance category.
What you should avoid
Although you want to get rid of cats, there are methods you should absolutely avoid:
- Harmful substances such as poison or chemicals are not only dangerous for cats, but also for other animals and children.
- Sharp objects or deterrents that can cause pain are not only animal-unfriendly, but often illegal.
Animal-friendly solutions are not only better for cats, but also help keep nature in balance.
Conclusion
Want to make your garden extra comfortable and cat-proof? Check out our collection of sustainable garden furniture. Together we'll create your perfect outdoor space!
With these simple, animal-friendly tips you can keep unwanted cats out of your garden. Whether it's plants, scents or protective covers, there are plenty of options to keep your garden neat and relaxing.
