Humane Society of Huron Valley: How to Cope with Outdoor Cats

How to Cope with Outdoor Cats

Looking for ways to keep cats away from your yard or garden? Here are some basic guidelines to keep cats out of your flower beds, gardens and patios:

• You can plant the herb Rus or sprinkle it in its dry form.
• Scatter fresh orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells) or spray citrus-scented fragrances.
• Lavender oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, mustard oil, citronella oil, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, or pipe tobacco also deter cats.
• Havaharts Cat Repellent uses capsaicin pepper and oil of mustard as its active ingredients. It repels by both taste and odor. Lasts 7-10 days and needs to be reapplied after rain or new growth.
• You can line flower beds with pinecones or rocks.
• Try the new cat repellent motion detector - The Scarecrow

Cover up cat urine smells with white vinegar or with non-toxic products available at pet supply stores.

How can you keep cats from under porches or in sheds?

• Once you are certain the cats are not inside, physically block or seal the location the cats are entering with chicken wire or lattice.
• Be sure to search for kittens before confirming the cats have left.