Protect Your Garden: 16 Plants that Keep Cats Away

Curiosity is not the only thing that can kill a cat. Sometimes, when our sneaky feline friends enter an unknown territory, plants that deter cats could also be the reason. Cats have extremely sensitive noses. To put it into perspective, the olfactory senses of a cat are fourteen times stronger than humans. The nasal cavity of a cat has up to 200 million scent receptors, while the human nose has around 5 million olfactory receptors only. Cats are inquisitive and territorial in nature.

Therefore, they use their noses to recognise other cats’ areas, stimulate their appetite and also, of course, to prey. However, not all humans are comfortable with letting stray animals into their private spaces. To prevent animals from entering their property, some people fence or wall the area around it. However, those with green fingers select an eco-friendly way by growing plants that repel cats.

Here is the list of 16 plants preventing a cat from entering your property

1. Citronella

Citronella has a powerful aroma. Essential oils require a specific enzyme to be broken down once inhaled, which a cat lacks. Therefore, it can be hazardous for a cat to contact such a plant or even inhale essential oil. Once exposed to citronella, a cat might experience respiratory discomfort, vomiting, drooling, watery eyes, and even a burning sensation in the throat.

2. Common Rue

One of the best plants that deter cats is Ruta Graveolens, sometimes called Common Rue. A cat will stay out of your garden because of its offensive smell and harsh long-lasting taste on the tongue. So plant rue as a border around the park to use it as a barrier to deter stray animals.

3. Curry Plant

A cat dislikes a strong fragrance because it irritates its sensitive nose. Cats will avoid areas where curry plants are planted since their senses are four times as acute than a human’s sense of smell. Although a cat would be put off by the rigid, uneven, and coarse texture of the leaves of a curry plant, there is no evidence to support that these plants would harm a cat. Cultivate a few curry plants in a single line to deter cats from entering your property. Curry plants can be grown in pots so that you can relocate them according to your convenience while still maintaining the fertility of the soil.

4. Geraniums

Owing to their solid and pungent smell, hairy stalks, and rough texture, these plants deter cats from afar. Plant the cranesbill geraniums in the access point for the cat in your garden. You can plant these flowers strategically throughout your flower bed to keep the cats away. Linalool and geraniol are essential oils in geraniums, which can poison cats if consumed.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin, an ingredient found in many cat-repellent sprays, is a molecule found in cayenne pepper that repels cats. The horrible odor of cayenne pepper, unsettling taste, and irritating side effects will keep the neighbouring kitties at a distance. Although the plant is not lethal to cats, it can cause them to fall ill by giving them a burning sensation on the tongue and throat. If ingested by a cat, it can lead to stomach burns and diarrhea.

6. Lavender

Lavender is among those plants that deter cats because they contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which are toxic for cats. They contain compounds that feline systems cannot possess. Lavender has excellent cat-repellent properties; upon consumption of lavender, a cat may experience nausea and consequently throw up. High levels of lavender concentrations can cause a cat to wheeze and cough, among other respiratory issues. Cats must not even come near lavender plants or oils because even dermal absorption can affect their nervous system and damage their liver system.

7. Lemon Thyme

One of the most liked herbs by Michelin-star chefs, this gourmet herb is detested by cats. It finds the smell of certain citrus plants and herbs like lemon thyme, Oregano, mint, and tarragon offensive. Citrus odours can irritate cats and even cause stress. For humans, herbs have a subtle fragrance and delicate taste, but the citrus smell can be overpowering and highly concentrated for a cat. In addition, a chemical compound called Psoralen, found in the leaves of citrus plants, can induce photosensitivity and skin irritation. In contrast, amygdalin, a hazardous compound found in small amounts, can cause gastrointestinal issues and cyanide poisoning in cats if consumed in large quantities.

8. Oregano

The herb Oregano is a staple in Italian cuisine to which cats have a severe aversion. The essential oils in Oregano can upset the tummies of our feline friends. Cats loaded with phenols and terpenoids should not consume Oregano since their liver lacks the glucuronyl transferase enzyme necessary to digest such herbs. Sorrel, chives, bay, tarragon, borage, mint, chamomile, and lemon verbena are more plants that deter cats with unpleasant camphor-like scents.

9. Garlic

Garlic also belongs to the Allium family and is found to be poisonous for cats if consumed in large quantities. If ingested by a cat, garlic can cause harm to the red blood cells of cats which causes hemolytic anaemia. For cats, garlic is five times more dangerous than onions. Onions, chives, and leeks are collectively called the ‘Fearsome Foursome.’ They are excellent plants to deter cats.

10. Lilies

Cats have a severe aversion to lilies. Every part of a lily plant, like the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase, can be deadly for the feline beast. Asiatic lilies, Daylilies, Easter lilies, and Oriental lilies are some of the species that work as excellent plants that deter cats. If not treated immediately, exposure to lilies can cause renal failure, leading to death within 24 to 72 hours. However, insoluble crystals of calcium oxalates may cause minor irritation in the mouth, tongue, and throat; Peruvian and Calla lilies are comparatively less toxic.

11. John’s Wart

Not only is this plant harmful to cats, but to dogs as well. The plant contains a toxic chemical called Hypericin, which can cause contact dermatitis, most frequently in white cats. If ingested, the consequences can be severe as it may lead to photosensitivity, loss of coordination, oral irritation, and altered behaviour. The toxic tissues of the plants and their inability to be easily removed from an area where it has developed their roots have led horticulturists to classify them as a pest.

12. Pine Trees

These plants deter cats, so if you live in a mountain area and wish to pet a cat, think twice. The sharp, pointed, and glossy needles of a pine tree can keep cats away from your garden, whereas the sap or the resin is toxic. Cats dislike the pungent odour exuded by the tree as it can be overwhelming. In addition, pine and other woods naturally contain phenol which also is tainted. Therefore, it can be one of the best plants to deter cats If you don’t want them in your house.

13. Barberry

Due to its poisonous nature, Barberry is one of those plants that deter cats. Although it has beautiful foliage, this flowering shrub is particularly dangerous to feline animals. Ingestion of any part of this plant can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea among cats. This dense, prickly shrub also deters other animals from approaching, as the thorns can cause excruciating pain to them too.

14. Blackthorn

Also referred to as Prunus Spinosa, it is another prickly bush that is aesthetically appealing to look at in the spring season. In the summer, it offers a sloe (a fruit resembling a small plum) covered with vicious spines. It is one of those plants that deter cats and many other unwanted animals because they might experience irritation and inflammation from the spines. It is an excellent barrier for cats to prevent them from entering your private premises.

15. Rose Plant

If a cat can squeeze through your fence and enter your garden, a smart way to prevent this is to grow a rose vine on that grill. Roses have sharp spines on stems that cats are wary of, a strong scent that will be too potent for a cat, and a rough leaf texture It will avoid. Therefore, it is a less poisonous and safer way to keep cats away and the most beautiful and aromatic way.

16. Scaredy Cat Plant

If a cat uses your garden as its litter box, plant some scaredy cat plants in a ring or straight line. There is no way a cat can pass through these plants to reach the inside of the garden as these plants have a terrible urine-like odour which is highly irritating and intolerable for the cats. This can work well for you because you need a handful of these low-maintenance plants that deter cats.

To Sum Up

If these sneaky kittens use your garden as their litter box, keep them off your property in an eco-friendly and hassle-free way by growing plants that deter cats. Growing plants from the allium family can help you create your kitchen garden while preventing cats from approaching you. However, these might not work for some cats. Plants with citrusy solid fragrances are the best to keep these pesky felines off your premises as they are overwhelming for their sensitive noses.

Let us know in the comments if these tips and tricks worked for you or if you tried something new to deal with this problem.