Do you love gardening but not the surprise visits from neighborhood cats? Whether they’re digging up your plants, napping in your flower beds, or leaving unpleasant “gifts” behind, cats can be a real challenge for gardeners. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets to keep them out—Mother Nature has got you covered!
Some plants naturally repel cats with their strong smells, rough textures, or bitter tastes. By planting them in the right spots, you can create a garden that cats simply don’t want to visit. Let’s dive into how this works and explore seven plants that will help keep your garden cat-free – without harming our furry friends!
How Do Plants Repel Cats?
Cats have a super-sensitive sense of smell—way stronger than ours. While we might enjoy the fresh scent of lavender or the zesty smell of citrus, many cats find these scents overwhelming and unpleasant. That’s why scent-based repellents work so well!
Besides smell, texture matters too. Cats love soft, smooth surfaces, so rough, prickly plants (or mulch made from thorny materials) make your garden way less inviting.
Now, let’s check out the best plants to keep cats away naturally.
7 Plants That Repel Cats
Lavender – Smells Great to You, Terrible to Cats!
Lavender is a win-win for gardeners. It smells amazing, attracts bees and butterflies, and makes your yard look beautiful. But for cats? Not so much. The strong floral scent is just too much for their sensitive noses, so they usually stay away.
Best Use: Plant lavender in flower beds, along walkways, or in pots near places where cats like to sneak in. Bonus: It makes your garden smell like a spa!
Rue (Ruta graveolens) – A Powerful Natural Cat Repellent
Rue has been used for centuries to keep pests away, and cats are no exception. Its bitter scent and slightly prickly leaves make it a great natural barrier. It’s also low-maintenance and grows well in dry, sunny spots. Rue can be toxic if eaten, so be mindful if you have curious pets that chew on plants.
Best Use: Plant rue around the edges of your garden or in pots where cats tend to wander.
Citrus Plants (Lemon, Orange, Lime) – Cats Hate That Zesty Smell!
Ever noticed how cats avoid orange or lemon peels? That’s because they can’t stand the sharp citrus scent. Planting lemon, orange, or lime trees is a great long-term way to keep cats away.
Best Use: Grow citrus shrubs, or simply scatter citrus peels around problem areas. You can also make a DIY citrus spray by mixing water with lemon or orange essential oils!
Rosemary
Rosemary is an awesome addition to any garden. It’s super easy to grow, smells great in the kitchen, and—best of all—cats hate it! Its woody, herbal fragrance is just too strong for them, making it a great natural deterrent.
Best Use: Grow rosemary in pots on patios, windowsills, or near garden beds to create a cat-free zone.
Pennyroyal Mint (Mentha pulegium)
Pennyroyal is part of the mint family, but instead of smelling refreshing, it’s got a super strong, almost medicine-like scent that cats find awful. While it’s a great natural insect repellent, it’s also one of the best herbs for keeping cats away.
Best Use: Grow pennyroyal in hanging pots, containers, or along garden borders to create a minty barrier.
Coleus Canina (Scaredy Cat Plant)
This plant is literally nicknamed the “Scaredy Cat Plant” because of how effective it is. It has a strong, skunky odor that humans barely notice but cats absolutely hate. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your garden totally unappealing to feline visitors.
Best Use: Plant it along fences, around flower beds, or near your vegetable garden to keep cats away for good.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees and shrubs have a strong menthol-like smell that many people find refreshing, but cats find overpowering. If you have space, growing eucalyptus can be a great long-term cat deterrent.
Best Use: Grow eucalyptus in large pots or near garden entrances to keep cats from wandering in.
Other Natural Ways to Keep Cats Away
While these plants are great, sometimes a little extra protection helps. Here are a few bonus tricks to keep cats from turning your garden into their personal playground:
- Scatter Citrus Peels & Coffee Grounds – Cats hate citrus and coffee smells, so tossing peels or used coffee grounds around plants can help.
- Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers – A quick spray of water will send cats running (without hurting them).
- Mulch with Spiky Materials – Pinecones, thorny branches, or rough mulch make the ground uncomfortable for cats to walk on.
- Make a DIY Cat Repellent Spray – Mix peppermint oil, garlic, or cinnamon with water and spray it around your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants keep cats away?
Plants like lavender, rosemary, rue, and coleus canina (Scaredy Cat Plant) are great for keeping cats away. Their strong scents or rough textures make cats want to stay away.
What is the best plant repellent for cats?
Lavender and coleus canina are two of the best plants to repel cats. Both have smells that cats find unpleasant, making them perfect for creating a cat-free garden.
What plants stop cats pooping in the garden?
Plants like rue, lavender, and citrus can stop cats from pooping in the garden. Cats dislike the strong smells of these plants, which helps keep your garden clean.
