Cats at their summer cottage are not only fluffy pets, but also real robbers. They unceremoniously walk around the garden, dig holes, trample plantings and leave traces of their vital activity. The problem is not so acute when there is only one animal on the site, which you own. But, this is not always the case. Often in the garden you can find neighbors or stray cats. What to do in this case? How to protect the garden from uninvited guests?
In this article, I would like to describe several real-world options that are really available to ordinary gardeners. I will not consider such solutions to the problem as the construction of a solid fence along the perimeter of the site. After all, everyone understands perfectly well that in most cases this is impossible. These fences are very expensive, shadow-casting, and in some cases simply illegal.
I also don't want to talk about mulching the beds with needles, cones or twigs. Such methods provide mediocre protection, while delivering a lot of inconvenience. After all, even collecting mulching material for the entire garden is no longer an easy task. But the beds covered with a layer of plant waste will also have to be regularly processed.
Can smell scare cats away?
At one time, I tried to scare cats away with the pungent smells of citrus peels, onions, garlic, dry mustard and even mint. This approach really helped, but the scents had to be constantly alternated. The problem was that it was impossible to scatter orange and lemon peels endlessly. In addition, this procedure has become annoying over time. A similar method was definitely not a solution to the problem.
Various kinds of sprays, according to other gardeners, also did not bring the desired effect. The smell disappeared quickly, and the preparations were not at all cheap. In addition, the issue of damaging plantings and soil was also important.
Should you make a litter box for cats?
Some gardeners claim that the problem is solved by creating a dry sand toilet. The point of the procedure is that cats will stop going to the beds if they have another comfortable place. However, from my own experience, I could be convinced of the opposite. Having a pile of sand after the construction of the bathhouse, I claim that cats walk perfectly both in convenient places and in the beds. During the season, they managed to visit everywhere.
Affordable and practical methods
Unfortunately, there are not as many practical methods as we would like. Some of them require certain financial investments. However, they still remain available to the vast majority of gardeners.
1. Good ultrasonic repeller
In gardening stores, you can find different types of repellents, including those designed for dogs and cats. Devices of the middle price segment perfectly fulfill their function. For a large vegetable garden, you will have to purchase several pieces at once in order to cover all corners and hidden areas.
Such devices do not harm animals, therefore, they are allowed for sale and use in ordinary gardening. The main thing to pay attention to is the quality of the device. Don't buy cheap Chinese counterparts. In this case, the saying "The miser pays twice" fits perfectly.
2. Garden beds with a protective net
If regular visits to the garden with animals and birds brings a lot of problems, you should think about creating beds with a protective net. There are many different designs, but only those with a strong frame and tension that can withstand a weight of up to 10 kg will help from cats. Animals are unlikely to regularly climb on nets, but this possibility cannot be ruled out.
3. Regular hydration
Another solution to the problem can be a drip irrigation system laid along the surface of the garden. In this case, the soil will always be moist and completely unsuitable for organizing a toilet. Cats will simply prefer to find an alternative and leave the landing site. Do not forget that hoses with constantly oozing water will be laid along the entire perimeter of the beds. Cats will definitely not want to walk on such a surface.
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Read also on my website - How to protect strawberries from birds: 3 effective folk methods