Some people don’t like small cats, especially when they wreak havoc in the garden by damaging seedlings, destroying flowers, attacking small birds, or leaving a pile of feces. So, is there a natural way to prevent cats from entering the garden? An authoritative magazine pointed out that there is a fruit peel that is a “natural enemy” of cats. Simply placing this fruit peel in the garden will make the cats flee.
According to the report by the American cat magazine Catster, cats have their own thoughts and do not heed human instructions. Many cat owners say they cannot control their beloved felines’ behavior under any circumstances.
However, if you don’t want cats in the garden or certain areas, you don’t have to shout or hiss to drive them away, as this may not be effective. Just place orange or other citrus fruit peels in these areas, and the cats will stay away.
The magazine stated that this method has been proven effective and has been verified and certified by veterinarian Paola Cuevas.
Cats have very sensitive sense of smell and can detect odors from far away, something humans can’t imagine. Most cats dislike citrus fruits, such as oranges. Therefore, they often avoid these fruits. While unpeeled oranges might not bother cats, the oil released when oranges are peeled is sure to make them turn tail and run.
The simplest and seemingly most effective way to deter cats is by using orange peels. By placing some orange peels around plants you want to protect in the garden, cats will not disturb them. However, you must replace the orange peels regularly for this trick to remain effective.
Another benefit of using orange peels is that once they decompose in the soil, they can act as fertilizer, providing nutrients to plants and promoting their healthy growth. But be cautious not to make the soil too acidic if you regularly use this method.
If you find it challenging to consistently remove old orange peels from the garden and add new ones, you can consider using orange peel-scented spray. Spraying the stems, leaves, or trunks of plants a few times a week can deter cats from approaching.
This orange peel-scented spray can actually be made at home. Put a bunch of orange peels in a pot, add clean water, boil for about 15 minutes. Let the water cool, then transfer it to a spray bottle for use.
If you have vegetables growing in your garden, it is even more essential to prevent cats, especially stray cats, from entering, as stray cats often carry parasites known as Toxoplasma gondii, which pose a threat to human health.
Cats can transmit Toxoplasma gondii through feces, and even if only a cat’s paws come into contact with feces, these paws could spread the parasite to your vegetables, leading to potential infection for yourself or your family. For this reason alone, you should take measures to prevent cats from getting close to your garden or other food sources.
If using orange peels is ineffective for you, or if you want to add another protective measure to your garden, there are other options to consider. For example, you can install motion-activated sprinklers in the garden that will turn on and scare away cats when they approach. You can also try using motion-activated light bulbs for nighttime deterrence.
When you are in the garden, you can use water guns or loud noises like whistles to drive cats away. However, since you cannot monitor the garden 24/7, you might consider installing ultrasonic cat repelling devices. Adding wire mesh around the garden is also a viable method. Surrounding plants with anything sharp, such as plastic plant supports or pine cones, can also prevent cats from coming near.
In conclusion, whether you want to keep cats away from indoor plants, outdoor gardens, or anything else, orange peels are a great choice. Most cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, so they will steer clear and not attempt to eat them.
If you also want to get rid of rodents in the garden, consider planting lavender, chrysanthemums, oleander, black pepper, or onions. These plants are natural enemies of rodents and will make them flee.