How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard

A cat will generally not harm plants by eating them, although there are exceptions. Cats in a yard or garden will dig up plants in a quest to get to the soil underneath. A cat will consider the great outdoors a large litter box and use it accordingly. To keep cats from invading your yard and ruining your plants or leaving their feces, there are several safe methods that will not harm the cat or your yard.

Things You'll Need

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Geraniums
  • Pennyroyal
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Vinegar
  • Citrus peels
  • Chili powder
  • Sprinkler
  • Flour (optional)
  • Dry mustard (optional)
  • Used tea leaves (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Grow plants that cats find offensive to discourage them from wanting to come in your garden. Plants that cats find distasteful include lavender, rosemary, geraniums and pennyroyal.

    • 2

      Use foods items that are repellent to cats in your yard. Cayenne pepper sprinkled liberally on the grass will send them running. Vinegar, citrus peels and chili powder will also deter them.

    • 3

      Set up a sprinkler system that is motion-activated. When the cat is seen moving in your yard, the sprinklers will automatically turn on, causing the cat to flee the area.