Cat Repellent Herbs

Stray cats wandered into your yard and began playing with your garden--nibbling on leaves, digging in the dirt and leaving quite a mess. Or worse, perhaps amorous male cats stray around your home, attracting females for mating. Both of these situations call for action, as does an allergic homeowner needing relief. However, building a cat-proof fence may not be financially practical. If you want some natural and budget-friendly ways to keep cats away from your home, look to herbs. There are several that cats really don't like.

  1. Border Herbs

    • Plant a perimeter of cat repellent herbs around your home or garden. Some good suggestions include rosemary, lavender rue, and garlic. Another option is Coleus Canina, a specially cultivated herb, and cats hate the smell. Note that you will have to sow this herb annually. It survives best in well-drained soil.

    Dry Herbs

    • Sprinkle dry herbs into the soil around areas where the cats frequent. Suggestions include cayenne pepper, orange or lemon peel, and dry mustard. Repeat this treatment about once a month as the herb's scent decomposes with time.

    Herbal Oils

    • Apply essential herbal oil around your home and garden. Accomplish this by mixing about one cup of water with 10 drops of oil. Transfer this to a spray bottle then squirt a light coating where you need it. The most commonly recommended herbs for this task are cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil.

    Weed Out Cat-attracting Plants

    • Check your yard and garden for cat-attracting plants. It may be that you unwittingly put out a letter of invitation for wandering felines. Most people know that cats love cat mint, but they also like Valerian and cat thyme (Teucrium marum - different from culinary thyme). Removing these may remedy your problem.