Cats have an extraordinary sense of smell. They use their olfactory system to detect both prey and potential threats. The robust and spicy scent of pepper can be very off-putting to them. This strong odour is the key to pepper’s deterrent power. Ultrasound repellents are all well and good for an empty garden, but any hutched animals you keep outside can set off the sensors and will be made uncomfortable by the frequencies. In this case, you’re better off going with PestBye’s Jet Spray which, if positioned facing away from the hutches, will keep your garden clear without impacting your pets. They are simple to install and can be left outside all year. The one disadvantage is that they can be quite costly if you need to cover a huge area. Dusts and granules are more high maintenance than other options, as they require you to spread them around your garden regularly, but they are usually cheaper and more eco-friendly. They can be used all year round, but are best suited to dry weather, as wet conditions or high winds will require more frequent reapplications.

Alternatively, there are a some more-hands-on options. For example, covering surfaces with strong-smelling granules or powders is a popular choice. These often use citronella , garlic or pepper to deter cats and are a cheap, cruelty-free option. The benefit of these is they can be applied directly to any flowerbeds that regularly fall victim to fouling. Mix in the citrus peels and simmer the mixture. Once the water comes to a boil, add 1 cup (96 g) of orange, lemon, lime, and/or tangerine peels to the pot. Lower the heat to medium, and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. [8] X Research source If you’ve taken away the most obvious food source and you’re still having an issue with cats in your garden, this is when you may need to up the ante. Humane repellents are a great solution, deterring the animal without harming them. Ultrasonic cat repellents have been shown to reduce the probability of a cat entering the garden by up to 32%, while also reducing the time the cat spends in the garden by 38%.

Kitties and Pepper

If you find cats commonly frequenting a certain corner of your garden, rubbing raw onion on the ground and fencing around it could help to deter them. Finally, ensure your garden is clean. Like lots of animals, cats prefer to use the toilet in the same place every time. Washing the scent away can prevent them from using that spot again. When it comes to cat repellents, you’ve got a few different options. Cat repellents that use ultrasonic frequencies are some of the most effective . Look for options that offer a range of frequencies; these can be adjusted to keep different animals away. If you have pets of your own, or are sensitive to ultrasonic frequencies, you may wish to avoid these repellents. Some of the deterrents we looked at required batteries or additional upkeep. Others, such as the type you sprinkle around, must be reapplied on a regular basis.

Cats are more sensitive to scents than humans, so essential oils with strong odors, such as citrus and lavender, can help repel them. You can substitute lime, peppermint, and/or eucalyptus for the lemon, wild orange, and lavender if you prefer. Sandra Pescal wrote: “I had the same problem from a neighbour’s cat. I added some pepper to the area as I heard that they hate the smell and you know what, it worked a treat. You should try it to stop cats pooing in your garden.” Red bell peppers are known to contain a high level of antioxidants compared to green or yellow ones. How Much Bell Pepper Should I Feed My Cat? Yes, cats can eat bell peppers. There are no known toxins or poisons that are known to be harmful to our cats.There are numerous environmentally beneficial solutions for sprinkling around your yard. Pests are kept at bay by the fragrance. Additional Consideration If you prefer a water repellent to a sonic repellent, the PestBye Jet Spray is a good choice. This model is reasonably easy to set up and has a spray range of up to 10 meters.

Like the other repellents I’ve mentioned, this pepper-based deterrent is welfare-friendly. It won’t harm animals and simply deters them. The bottle is fitted with a shaker cap which makes it easy to distribute the dust in the garden. Add the essential oil and garlic. After you’ve added the spices to the spray bottle, toss in a crushed garlic clove. Next, squeeze in 3 to 4 drops of lemon essential oil, and swish the contents gently to combine them. [16] X Research sourceThe emitters are fully waterproof, so can be left out in all weathers without getting damaged. It might sound obvious, but do bear in mind that these emitters rely solely on the sun for power, so they won’t be as effective overnight or during adverse weather conditions. If a cat does attempt to taste the pepper (though this is less likely due to the strong smell), it will find the taste quite disagreeable. While some ultrasonic repellers use a gradually increasing frequency, or a rhythmically fluctuating frequency, this cat repellent uses a HRF (HyperResonance) frequency. This jumps between frequency levels, providing a short, sharp burst of surprising sound to the visiting animal. This means that cats and other unwanted visitors are less likely to get used to the sound of this cat repellent. It’s also, therefore, reasonably effective at scaring them away. Cats are carnivores and their diet should consist mostly of meat. However, some cats enjoy eating vegetables and fruits as well. Pepper is a fruit that is safe for cats to eat, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Observing the cats’ reactions and adjusting your approach as necessary is crucial, as each cat may respond differently. Remember, the goal is to gently discourage the cats from visiting, not to cause them distress.

Caroline Stewart said: “Orange peel. I use that. Eat the inside and then put the peel all over the place, face down. One disadvantage is that you’ll need to sprinkle frequently because the dust can blow or wash away. But there are no official studies on this as of yet so you should at least consult your vet before doing so. High In Antioxidants Cayenne pepper has a variety of medicinal uses including its role in relieving pain associated with rheumatism or muscle soreness due to its capsaicin content — this alkaloid gives cayenne its strong flavor and characteristic “burn.” Cayenne can be beneficial for digestive problems, reducing inflammation internally or externally when applied topically as an oil or poultice .It also helps heal ulcers when added topically or taken orally – it can even boost the immune system.Spray the mixture in indoor and outdoor locations. Once you’ve mixed the citronella oil and water fully, apply the mixture to any locations that you wish to keep cats away from. You can use it in both indoor and outdoor locations, though it’s important to reapply regularly outdoors if it rains. [14] X Research source As with all ultrasonic deterrents, you may find that it’s more effective against some cats than others. There’s also a chance that some humans may be able to hear this, so if you have particularly sensitive hearing you should place it at the far end of your garden. Spray the mixture on desired locations. Once the water and oils are mixed, apply the cat repellent to areas that you want to discourage cats from visiting. In particular, it works well if you have house plants that you want to keep cats away from. [3] X Research source