If you’re tired of finding clumps of cat poo in your vegetable patch, you’ve probably tried all sorts of methods to keep them at bay – but there’s a much simpler solution
Many people aren’t fond of cats, particularly when they invade your garden and use your meticulously maintained raised beds as a massive litter tray.
Indeed, cats can wreak havoc in your backyard – tearing up seedlings, attacking birds and leaving unsanitary messes scattered around your flowerbeds.
If you’re not a cat lover and you’re fed up with discovering clumps of cat poo in your vegetable patch, you’ve likely tried all sorts of methods to deter them – everything from high-pitched ‘cat scarers’ to spraying feline-repellent liquids.
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But instead of cheap gimmicks, there’s a simpler, all-natural method that gardeners have been using for years to keep cats away – and it’s something you already have in your kitchen.
Orange or lemon peels are an effective way to deter cats. Simply put, they just don’t like them. Cats can’t stand the smell of citrus peel because they find it overwhelmingly strong, reports the Express. The scent is apparently associated with potential danger for cats, so they instinctively avoid it.
Vet Dr Paola Cuevas said: “Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and they can detect scents farther away than we humans can. Most cats also detest the scent of citrus fruits, like oranges. Therefore, they tend to steer clear of such fruits.
“An unpeeled orange won’t bother your cat that much, but the oils in the orange peel are sure to turn a cat around and make them go in the opposite direction.”
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She explained: “The easiest and seemingly most effective way to deter cats with the help of orange peels is to simply gather a few peels and layer them in the soil around the plants, trees, and foliage that you don’t want any cats messing with.”
“But you must do this regularly to keep cats away indefinitely. If you cannot keep up with the process of adding and removing orange peels in your gardens, consider making an orange peel spray instead. You can then spray the leaves, stalks, stems, and trunks of trees, plants, and foliage that you want to deter cats from a few times a week.”
The brilliant news is that the peels decompose into the flowerbed and nourish the soil, meaning you’re not only keeping cats at bay but also encouraging plants and flowers to flourish. Just be careful not to overdo it, as this could turn the soil acidic.
Another alternative is to extract orange essence into a bottle and spray it at different spots around your garden. Reapplying orange zest or peel every few weeks should ward off cats for a modest expense.
Regarding plants, cats dislike lavender or potent herbs such as mint, but orange peel is likely the most straightforward and successful choice.