Plants That Are Used to Repel Cats

Although you cannot train cats to overcome the instinct to hunt or turn a patch of soft soil into a litter box, you can use plants that repel cats to enhance your garden and to keep them away from places where they are not welcome.

  1. Coleus Canina

    • Also known as Scardy Cat, Coleus canina has a strong smell that repels cats and other animals. The National Gardening Association suggests creating a hedge with Coleus canina plants spaced about 3 feet apart around flowerbeds, sandboxes and other areas where cats are unwelcome.

    Herbs

    • Among the herbs that repel cats are citronella, lavender, rosemary and chives. Cats should stay away if you plant them as a border around your flowerbeds or intersperse them among the other plants in your garden.

    Rue

    • Although rue repels cats, it is toxic to people if ingested and can cause skin irritation if touched, so plant it with caution.

    Prickly Plants

    • Cats will not like rubbing against prickly plants, such as cactus, if they are interspersed among the other plants in your garden.

    A Garden for the Cats

    • A separate bed of catnip and catmint will give cats a happy alternative to your vegetable garden and flowerbeds.

    Toxic to Cats

    • Although mothballs and mothball flakes are often used to keep cats away from gardens and bird feeders, they are toxic and can contaminate the soil. Stick with natural deterrents.