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.
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Coleus Canina
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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
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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.
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Rue
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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
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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
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A separate bed of catnip and catmint will give cats a happy alternative to your vegetable garden and flowerbeds.
Toxic to Cats
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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.
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