Cats can be a significant nuisance in gardens, wreaking havoc and causing destruction among the beds and borders. As carnivorous animals, their faeces can harbour parasites that pose a risk to those who intend to consume home-grown garden produce. Before resorting to any deterrents to address the issue of intrusive felines, it is crucial for gardeners to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation.
Legally, cats are granted the right to roam, allowing them to enter neighbouring yards without facing legal repercussions. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 protects these feline creatures, meaning that using either DIY or commercial repellents that could harm them could lead to serious legal consequences, potentially resulting in hefty fines or imprisonment.
However, experienced gardeners have shared a harmless yet effective deterrent that will not harm the cats but will encourage them to leave the area promptly. One gardener, frustrated by local cats using his garden as a litter box, sought advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group.
Steve Mclane posted: “Can anyone recommend a humane way of stopping neighbours’ cats from using my garden as their toilet? Thanks.”
A number of horticulture enthusiasts praised the effectiveness of citrus peels, especially orange rinds, scattered across their garden areas, according to the Express.
Julie Crawey shared her method: “I seem to have some new resident cats in my garden this year. Remove the cat poo and put orange peels around. They seem to hate it.”
Mary Vale agreed, saying: “Citrus peel scattered around worked for me. They smell it and scurry away.” Nona Maffei also spoke of her experience: “Citrus fruit peel. I remember I bought a big box of oranges at Christmas time and had them stored in the utility area, and our cat, whose food bowl and water were in there, wouldn’t go near it.
“It took us a while to work out why, and it was the smell of oranges, so I know 100 per cent that it works.” Lucy Prime confirmed the trick, stating: “Orange peel. Cats hate citrus and will run away from it.”
Bargain hunters will be pleased to know that a five-pack of oranges is available for only 99p at Asda, which works out to just 20p per orange. In comparison, Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell individual oranges at 30p each.
For those seeking alternative methods, some gardeners suggested using a jet spray as a feline deterrent.
Mary Turner, alongside a picture of the £28.98 PestBye Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Activated Cat Scarer and Repellent available on Amazon, advised: “Get this from Amazon. I haven’t seen a cat in my garden since just after getting one of these. My neighbour has two cats and they suggested this.”
Gerald Henderson recommended a similar solution but pointed to eBay instead, commenting with a photo: “Get this off eBay. Stops them pooing without hurting them.”
