How to Stop Cats from Defecating in Flower Beds

Flower beds make ideal outdoor litter boxes for cats because felines are attracted to areas where they can dig and cover their feces. Mulch or loose soil around flowers provides attractive covering material. The cats can damage the flowers when they dig, and their feces can create unsanitary conditions and odor. There are a few tricks that you can try to keep cats away from your flower beds without compromising their aesthetic appeal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lavender and thyme plants
• Tea leaves, citrus peels, vinegar, garlic and onion
• Catnip plants
• Plastic sheet or fence
• Sprinkler system

1. Plant aromatic plants that are unpleasant to cats around the flower beds. Good choices include lavender and thyme. Spread these throughout the beds, but do not plant so many that they compete with your flowers.

2. Add natural materials that have a strong smell that is unattractive to cats. Used tea leaves, citrus peels, vinegar, garlic and onion are effective. Replace these at least once a week to keep the smell strong.

3. Plant catnip plants in an area away from your flower beds. Catnip will attract cats to one area and keep them away from your flower beds.

4. Cover the soil or mulch with a plastic covering or lay a fence flat under the mulch. A lattice-type fence will allow water to penetrate and the flowers to grow, but will prevent the cats from digging and squatting in the flower bed.

5. Install a motion-activated sprinkler system. Cats will stop visiting the flower beds if they get sprayed with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use mothballs as a repellent because they are toxic to both cats and humans.

References

• Cat-Proofing Your Garden
• Question on Cats