How to Keep Stray Cats Out of My Raised Vegetable Beds

Use a variety of techniques to keep cats away from your vegetable garden.

A raised vegetable garden is an attractive and effective growing space, free of rocks and compacted, poorly-drained soil. Raised vegetable gardens are also useful for gardeners with sore backs and knees, as bending and stooping is limited. Unfortunately, stray cats often find raised gardens attractive. The loose, rich soil is easy to dig, making your raised garden a choice spot for a kitty latrine. It takes a bit of creativity to keep determined cats from your raised vegetable garden. If one technique fails, try another.

Things You'll Need

• Motion-activated sprinkler
• Commercial animal repellent
• Cayenne and dry mustard
• Garlic or onions
• Blender
• Sprayer
• Catnip, catmint or cat thyme plants

Instructions

1. Place a motion-activated sprinkler where the sprinkler will spray stray cats as they walk in front of the motion-activated sensor. Often, two or three sudden showers are enough to convince stray cats that your raised vegetable garden isn't a friendly place.

2. Use a commercial animal repellent to discourage stray cats from entering your raised vegetable garden. Stray cats won't like the odor or the smell of commercial repellents.

3. Try a homemade repellent made of half cayenne pepper and half dry mustard. Sprinkle the mixture in strategic areas around your raised vegetable garden. Replenish the repellent after you irrigate, or after a rainfall. Alternatively, make a liquid repellent by placing garlic or onions in a blender filled with water. Strain the solid matter, then spray the liquid around your raised garden.

4. Place catnip in an inconspicuous area within 30 feet of your vegetable garden, as the catnip may distract stray cats from your vegetable garden. Cats are also attracted to catmint and cat thyme.

Tips & Warnings

• Citrus rinds may keep stray cats from your raised vegetable garden, as cats don't enjoy the odor of citrus. Chop the citrus rinds in a blender or food processor, then sprinkle the rinds around your vegetable garden.

• Never attempt to deter stray cats by using moth balls. Moth balls are made of a dangerous chemical that will be toxic to pets or children and will add toxic chemicals to your garden soil.

References

• North Dakota State University: Questions on: Cats
• University of Vermont Extension: A Garden for Cats
• Colorado State University Extension: Animal Pests in the Garden
• University of Nebraska Extension: Feral Cats and Their Management
• Colorado State University: Raised Vegetable Bed