Nothing’s worse than putting time and effort into your garden only to find out the neighborhood cats have turned it into their personal litter box. Fresh soil? They see that as an open invitation. And once they pick a spot, they’re not going to stop unless you give them a reason to.
Dealing with cat poop in the garden isn’t just gross—it’s frustrating. The good news is, you don’t have to put up with it. With a few simple tricks, you can make your garden way less appealing, so they’ll move on to a different spot (preferably one that isn’t yours).
Make the Ground Uncomfortable
Loose soil is a cat’s dream litter box, so if you don’t want them using your garden, make it less inviting. They hate walking on anything sharp or uneven, so laying down chicken wire, plastic fencing, or even old lattice can do the trick. Your plants will grow through it just fine, but cats won’t want to step on it.
If that’s not an option, try covering the soil with pine cones, thorny clippings, or even small sticks placed close together. Anything that makes walking (or digging) a hassle will send them looking for an easier spot.
Toss Citrus Peels Around
Cats can’t stand the smell of citrus, which makes orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels an easy, natural way to keep them out. Just toss them around the spots they keep targeting, and they’ll think twice before coming back.
You’ll need to replace them every few days or after a heavy rain, but it’s a simple fix that won’t hurt your plants. If you don’t want to deal with rotting peels, try mixing a few drops of citrus essential oil with water and spraying it around the garden instead.
Use a Store-Bought Repellent
If you need a stronger approach, commercial cat repellents might be worth a shot. Most are designed to smell like predator urine, which tells cats they’re not welcome. They’re usually non-toxic and plant-safe, but always double-check before spraying them all over your garden.
Sprays and granules work best when reapplied regularly, especially after rain. They’re not a magic fix, but they can make your garden way less appealing—especially when you combine them with other deterrents. The goal is to make your yard more annoying than whatever spot they move to next.
Use Human Hair as a Deterrent
Cats don’t like the smell of human hair, so if they keep sneaking into your garden, it’s time to put that shed hair to good use. Empty your hairbrush and scatter the clippings around your plants to make them think twice about hanging around. This works best if you refresh it regularly since the scent fades over time.
Wash Away Their Scent
Cats are super territorial, and if they’ve already claimed your garden, they’ll keep coming back. Washing down their favorite spots helps erase their scent and break the habit. A strong blast from the hose works, or if you have a rain barrel, put that collected water to good use.
Be thorough—make sure to wash any surfaces they’ve sprayed or dug up. Once the scent is gone, follow up with a deterrent like citrus peels or chicken wire to keep them from re-marking the area.
Put Up a Fence
A good fence can make all the difference, but it has to be the right kind. Cats are great climbers, so a basic garden fence won’t cut it. A wire-mesh fence that’s at least six feet tall with small gaps (about two inches wide) is your best bet.
For extra protection, angle the top outward so they can’t scale it easily. Some people even add a little overhang or a rolling bar to make climbing even trickier.
Hit Them with a Surprise Sprinkler
Cats hate surprises, especially when they come in the form of a sudden blast of water. Motion-activated sprinklers turn on the second they sense movement, giving any lurking cat a reason to find another spot to do its business.
Set them up in the areas cats keep targeting—along garden edges or near freshly turned soil. They’ll learn pretty fast that your yard isn’t worth the risk. Plus, these sprinklers pull double duty by keeping other pests away and giving your plants a little extra water. Just don’t forget they’re on, unless you want a surprise of your own.
Use Devices That Catch Them Off Guard
Cats don’t like unpredictability, so motion-activated deterrents work because they make the yard feel less safe. Some flash lights, some make sudden noises, and others vibrate or move just enough to startle them. The key is keeping them guessing.
Rotate devices or change their locations every few days so cats don’t figure out the pattern. The more uncertain they feel, the less likely they are to turn your garden into their personal restroom.
Go High-Tech with Ultrasonic Devices
If you want a deterrent you don’t have to think about, an ultrasonic device might be the answer. It emits a high-pitched sound that’s too high for humans to hear but drives cats nuts. When they step into range, the noise turns on, and they take off.
These work best in smaller areas where cats keep sneaking in. Some even have flashing lights for extra effect. Just know that they’re hit or miss—some cats don’t care, while others will avoid the area completely. If you try one, make sure it’s positioned right to cover the spots they love most.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.