How to keep cats out of your garden with 30p citrus peel trick

Cat on grass in garden

An expert shared how to keep cats out of your garden

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 25/08/2023

- 14:47

Cats are one of the nation's most loved pets, however they can wreak havoc on your garden if they visit unexpectedly

Cats can damage plants or leave poo in the garden, but a 30p citrus trick could help keep them at bay.

Speaking to GB News, founder of gardening site GardenList Oliver Hill shared some natural ways to get rid of cats without causing any harm.


He said: "Use citrus peels. Scatter lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels around your garden. Cats dislike the scent of citrus."

Citrus peels don't need to go to waste and they can be repurposed as a cat repellent.

Cut lemons and grapefruits in a bowl

Citrus peels can be used to deter cats

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This is an affordable hack, with lemons costing just 30p in Tesco.

Adding specific plants to the garden can also keep it free of pests.

Oliver continued: "Cats dislike the smell of certain plants like rue, lavender, pennyroyal, Coleus canina ('Scaredy Cat Plant'), and lemon thyme.

"Planting these in your garden can deter cats."

Gardeners can do a number of things to make their outdoor space less appealing for the furry creatures.

Installing motion-sensored sprinklers and mesh will make cats want to stay away, the expert suggested.

He added: "There are sprinklers available that get activated when they detect movement. This harmless shock of water can deter cats.

"If you have freshly tilled soil or a planting bed, you can lay chicken wire or mesh on top.

Cats sitting on bench in garden

Cats can damage plants and leave poo in your garden

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"Cats dislike walking on it and it prevents them from digging."

If all else fails, cat repellents can be bought from supermarkets, homeware stores and online.

These are non-toxic but effective ways to get rid of animals in the garden.

Oliver concluded: "There are non-toxic, commercial repellents available in spray or granular forms that deter cats without causing harm."

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