How to Keep Cats Out Using Herbs

The best way to alter a cat's behavior is through the sense of smell. Cats are known to be finicky and particular about their environment and will avoid places that smell bad to them. Luckily, what smells bad to a cat is not the same as what smells bad to humans, so you can easily use aromatic herbs to keep a cat out of the garden or the house. One of the most effective cat repellent herbs is coleus canina, which will also repel dogs, foxes and rabbits.

Things You'll Need

  • Lavender essential oil
  • Eucalyptus essential oil
  • Geranium essential oil
  • Plastic spray bottle
  • Water
  • Pot of coleus canina
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pinpoint areas you wish to remain cat-free. These may include loose soil areas of the gardens that cats may use as a bathroom, areas of the yard birds frequent and the inside of your home.

    • 2

      Fill a plastic spray bottle with warm water and add 10 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender, geranium and citronella essential oils to the water. Close the bottle and shake it in order to mix the oils.

    • 3

      Spray the entire perimeter of the area you want to keep protected from cats. If you want to keeps cats out of your entire yard, spray this mixture of essential oils around your fence or the edge of your property line. Cats like to be hidden behind plants and bushes, so spray around flower beds.

    • 4

      Keep cats out of your house by spraying around any door or window they may try to access. Keep the spray at the opening and at least three feet out, in order to keep cats a safe distance away from the door or window.

    • 5

      Plant coleus canina around any area of the garden you want protected from cats. As a cat repellent for the inside of your home, plant coleus canina in a pot and place it by a door or next to anything you wish to keep cats from accessing.

    • 6

      Apply a second coat of spray every two weeks or as needed, to keep the odor strong.