Top Cat Repellent Plants To Save Garden & Houseplants

Bugs, beetles, caterpillars – you name it, your plants already have enough trouble. And if you also share your home with a curious cat, that’s one more challenge for your green corner. Sure, you can keep insects away with sprays or sticky traps, but what about your furry roommate?

Don’t panic or shut your cat out of the garden just yet! Luckily, there are cat repellent plants that help do the job for you. Strong-smelling herbs like rosemary, lemon thyme, and oregano – or even something prickly like rose and lavender – can help keep paws at bay. Want to know which plants deter cats best? Keep reading to discover what greenies cats hate and natural tricks to protect your indoor pots and outdoor beds.

Are Cats Harming Your Garden or Houseplants?

If you live with a cat, you already know they’re part sweet snugglebug, part tiny chaos machine. Their instincts sometimes lead them to dig, scratch, or chew on your plants without meaning any harm. Here are a few ways your curious kitty might be harming your greenery:

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What Cats Dislike the Most?

Before we jump into specific plants that deter cats, let’s talk strategy. Understanding what makes them tick is key, not only to protecting your plants but, most importantly, to keeping your pet safe and happy. It’s about using their instincts to your advantage.

• Water. Since their ancestors came from dry environments, cats are naturally wary of getting wet. A gentle squirt from a water bottle can be a surprisingly effective (and harmless, well mostly) way to teach them to stay away from a forbidden area.
• Blind spots. Your cat is less likely to jump to a new place without exploring it first. Their hunter instincts warn them of possible danger hiding in blind spots. Tall objects, such as walls or fences, will prevent your friend from galloping to the other side.
• Smell. A cat’s nose is a powerful tool, and overpowering scents like citrus, vinegar, or even some pungent herbs can be a massive turn-off for them. This is why many plants that repel cats work so well.
• Texture. Felines love soft, cozy spots, but they hate anything that feels sticky, sharp, or crinkly (things like aluminum foil or double-sided tape).

Why Should You Use Plants That Deter Cats?

Using plants to keep cats away is a simple and affordable way to protect your garden and houseplants. They work by hitting most of the things your furball dislikes, and they make your space look good, too.

• Many species release aromatic essential oils with scents that discourage curious pets from exploring your flower beds.
• Some leaves or stems have textures that feel strange or spiky under a cat’s paws, creating a barrier they’d rather not cross.
• Aside from their cat-deterrent properties, some herbs can be used in cooking.
• They’re a harmless deterrent... if you’re careful. Using certain plants is a kind and safe way to protect your green space. Just be sure to always double-check that any species you choose is non-toxic to your pet, just in case your curious companion decides to take a nibble.

So, what plants do cats actually hate? We’ll finally stop teasing you and spill the tea in the following sections!

List of Cat Repellent Plants to Keep Your Pet Away

Now that we’ve covered how exactly some greenery can save your other leafy friends, it’s finally time to introduce them to you. Continue reading to learn what plants deter cats both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor Plants

Let’s break down the best indoor plants that cats hate first:

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a bushy, evergreen plant with aromatic leaves originating in the Mediterranean region. It thrives indoors and outdoors as long as it gets morning or afternoon sunshine.

Benefits: It releases a sweet smell that fills the room and wards off cats. You can also add it to your dishes!

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)

A tiny-leafed herb with a bright lemon scent. It is best grown on a sunny windowsill in the kitchen. It isn’t tricky to grow as long as you keep the soil well-draining and not soggy.

Benefits: Besides deterring cats, it’s packed with antioxidants and makes an excellent seasoning for poultry, seafood, and more.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano belongs to the mint family. It has broad leaves and a strong smell, and grows profusely from early summer to early fall. As it originates in the dry Mediterranean, it performs well in a free-draining soil mix in terracotta pots under partial or complete sunlight.

Benefits: It is known for various medical uses – wound healing, helping with parasite infection, and constipation. You can also add it to your Greek salads and Italian pasta for a fantastic smell.

Scaredy cat plant (Plectranthus caninus)

A purple-flowering aromatic perennial. This species is famous for keeping cats (and dogs) at a distance due to its urine-like-smelling leaves.

Benefits: Most pets hate its scent, so it’s a natural repellent, plus, it looks lovely!

Geranium (Geranium spp.)

These plants have woody stems, fleshy lobed leaves, and bright flowers. A popular pick for balconies.

Benefits: While humans love their scent, cats tend to dislike it. Placing them near your other greenery can help keep the furballs away.

Plants to Keep Cats Away From Your Yard

Do you have an outdoor garden with some delicate crops? If you want to protect it from your lovely furbaby, consider planting some of the following:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant that grows mainly in the Mediterranean basin. It has lilac flowers that appear in summer.

Benefits: It helps reduce stress and keeps pests away – a win-win for your garden.

Common Rue (Ruta graveolens)

It’s an ornamental plant crowned with a cluster of xanthous flowers. The herb has bluish-green leaves and is pretty drought and heat-tolerant in hot climatic regions.

Benefits: Rue is mainly used as a landscape plant but is also grown for medical and culinary purposes.

Curry herb plant (Helichrysum italicum)

Helichrysum italicum is a small, bushy evergreen plant that flowers in summer. It has narrow, pointed, velvety leaves that smell like curry and thus deter cats. It prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil.

Benefits: Fresh leaves, when added to salads, are a rich source of many vitamins and help treat dysentery, diarrhea, and diabetes. 

Rose (Rosa spp.)

Aside from the beautiful flowers, its stem is studded with spines that will keep cats at a distance. Climbing or bushy varieties work well along garden edges.

Benefits: The thorns discourage cats from crossing, while the iconic flowers make your yard stunning.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass has elongated, sharp-edged leaves with a solid lemony and minty scent. This grass is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance in subtropical to tropical climates.

Benefits: It repels cats, mosquitoes, and many other pests. And it’s a flavorful addition to many dishes.

⚠️ Safety Note: Some cat-repellent plants can be mildly to moderately toxic if chewed or ingested. While their scent or texture usually discourages cats, it’s still essential to monitor curious pets. Always double-check plant safety using trustworthy resources like the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List, and consult your veterinarian if your cat nibbles on something unfamiliar.

How to Stop Cats From Pooping in the Garden?

Yep, it’s not exactly pleasant to stumble upon a little “gift” in your freshly mulched garden bed. While the culprit might think they’ve found the perfect outdoor litter box, your greenery (and you) will strongly disagree.

Cat poop can carry parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can linger in soil and pose a risk to both humans and plants. It’s especially crucial to keep it away from edible crops, as contaminated soil can transfer harmful bacteria to your food. For ornamentals, it can damage roots and alter soil balance, making it less healthy for plant growth.

But don’t worry, you can gently but effectively discourage this habit without harming your curious furbaby.

1. Cover exposed soil. Mulch with pine cones, rough wood chips, or even decorative gravel. Cats dislike digging in uneven, prickly textures.
2. Use plants that cats dislike. Border your beds with lavender, rosemary, or pennyroyal. They give off scents most felines prefer to avoid.
3. Add natural scent barriers. Citrus peels, coffee grounds, or diluted vinegar (sprayed around but not on plants) can create a smell zone that discourages repeat visits.
4. Install garden netting or chicken wire. Lay it just under the soil surface to make digging impossible while keeping plants safe.
5. Motion-activated sprinklers. A quick spritz of water surprises but doesn’t harm, and most cats will learn to keep away.
6. Create a “cat-friendly zone” elsewhere. A sunny patch of catnip and soft soil away from your main beds might distract them from your prized tomatoes.

If you let your own cat roam outdoors, remember that they’re exposed to cars, predators, toxins, and diseases. A secure catio or supervised outdoor time is a much safer option for both your pet and your plants.

Are Cat Repellent Plants Effective?

In theory, these plants should keep curious paws away. But in real life? It’s a bit more complicated. Every kitty is different. What works for one might not faze another.

Why they can fail:

• Some cats simply ignore the smells.
• A single plant won’t protect your whole garden.
• Young or wet plants don’t release enough scent to deter effectively.

Want better results? Your best bet is to mix different tricks. Plant groups of deterring greenies, add rough textures, and maybe try a motion-activated sprinkler. Like we said, not every cat reacts the same way. So see how it responds and tweak your setup from there. And remember, your pet’s well-being comes first. If your cat seems stressed or anxious, consider consulting a cat behaviorist for gentle, effective solutions that keep both your plants and furry friend happy.

Other Ways to Deter Cats From Plants

Felines are one of the smartest in the animal kingdom. Therefore, sometimes plants are not enough to keep your cat from exploring the garden. Luckily, there are some alternatives!

• Install motion sensor sprinklers. Cats have an instinct not to touch water unless they plan on drinking it. A motion-activated watering device can scare them off. A lot of cat owners confirm that this is the most effective way to prevent the paws from lying on the grass lawn.
• Spray some deterrents. A few spritzes of vinegar or garlic will surely drive cats away from your greenery. You will need to reapply the treatment as the odor becomes weaker. Placing odoriferous domestic waste in your gardens, like orange or lemon peels, coffee grounds, and used tobacco, can also do the trick.
• Sprinkle some spice. Before planting any greenery, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper, chili, curry, or cinnamon powder to the soil; the strong spicy aroma wards off your garden jaywalkers.
• Lay mulch or chicken wire. Looking back at the textured surface cats hate, placing a layer of soil mulch will be less enticing for them to rest. Chicken wire, especially with spike mats, also discourages them from perching on the surface. The spikes are designed to be paw-friendly and non-irritating.

FAQ

What Is the Most Effective Cat Repellent?

The most effective cat repellents are plants with textured and aromatic leaves such as lavender, common rue, rosemary, oregano, or rose. If you prefer a more advanced method, installing motion-activated sprinklers will prevent cats from wandering into your yard.

How to Stop Neighbors’ Cats in My Garden?

You can opt for plant warfare to discourage them from barging into your garden. For example, go for plants that cats dislike. Alternatively, investing in sprinklers with motion sensors is also an excellent solution.

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Cats Away?

Coffee grounds have a potent smell and will put your cats away from your garden if placed on the lawn or beside the plant. You might also rely on them for their soil-amending properties.

What Smell Do Cats Hate?

As cats have a well-developed sense of smell, they hate anything smelling acidic, herby, or citrusy. Therefore, if you are looking for new cat-deterring plants for your garden, go for something with a fresh herbal smell, like rosemary or lavender.

Do Mint Plants Keep Cats Away?

The smell of mint disturbs cats and thus keeps them away. Anything minty contains concentrated amounts of salicylate, an organic chemical found in many fruits and vegetables. It is toxic to cats and would warn them of danger.

🔍 ​​Juggling plant care and pet safety? PlantIn helps you keep everyone happy. Instantly identify plants, check their toxicity, and get custom care guides to create a home where both your green and furry friends can thrive!

We know it’s a constant balancing act. On one hand, you have your beautiful greenies. On the other hand, a furry agent of chaos. We’d love to hear a story from your home. Who’s winning the great Plant vs. Cat war this week? 🐾