Garden Detective

Since we're talking about dogs, it's only fair to give cats equal time. So I'm going to talk a bit about felines now, but I don't think cat lovers will consider this equal treatment. I'm sorry about that. Cats are cute and cuddly and sweet, but while I get lots of letters asking how to make gardens friendly to dogs, the hard truth is the only questions I receive regarding cats is how to keep them out of the garden.

So here's the scoop:

Aside from catnip and catmints (Nepeta), felines generally aren't attracted to plants. What they crave is the feel of cool soil on their bodies as they sprawl out and make themselves at home in your perennial bed.

Anyone who's ever tried to bathe a cat knows the one thing they don't like is water. So, I offer suggestion No. 1: Hide, hose in hand, and wait for your feline visitors. Otherwise, look out the window and be ready to pounce when they come. Squirt them as they enter your property. Three failed attempts should discourage future visits. If you happen to be gainfully employed or for some other reason not at home when the cats come to call, a motion-sensor sprinkler will achieve the same result.

Suggestion No. 2: Plant some rue (Ruta graveolens). It's a pretty herb you'll enjoy, and cats can't stand the scent. Prickly and thorny plants, such as roses and barberries, serve as effective deterrents as well.

Suggestion No. 3: Mulch. Cats like to roll in bare soil, and covering it with mulch takes a lot of the fun out of it.

There also are some folk remedies that are said to work, like sprinkling cayenne pepper around the area (reapply after every rainfall) and spreading orange peel and lemon rinds throughout the garden. Garden centers even sell lion dung, reputed to fool cats into believing a predator is near. Though I can't speak for any of them, they might be worth a try.