"We recognise that cats' calling cards can have a detrimental effect on soil which can be annoying for gardeners, especially if the cat is not theirs," said Judy Bernstein, Head of Promotions at Cats Protection. "We would encourage anyone who is bothered by this kind of problem to try a humane and effective deterrent this spring and summer." The following feline-friendly deterrents could help to keep cats out of gardens: - Manufactured repellents. Most garden centres offer a range of manufactured repellents which contain, amongst other things, traditional repellents such as pepper and garlic. - Pelleted poultry manure sprinkled on flowerbeds. Dogs love it but cats hate it and it has therefore proved itself effective in deterring cats from gardens. - Citrus peel and oils of peppermint and eucalyptus are a cheap and effective method of keeping a flowerbed or vegetable patch cat-free. - Prickly plants, ground-cover roses, shrubs and the plant Rue (Ruta Graveoleus sold generally as the Jackmans Blues variety), that has a blue foliage, will help deter cats from digging. - Creating boggy, marshy ground around a fish pond will deter cats from going fishing. Similarly, watering the flower beds last thing at night during dry weather may help too, as cats dislike wet soil. - Used tea bags soaked in eucalyptus oil and/or broken egg shells scattered around the flower beds may deter felines from the area. - Diluted surgical spirit sprayed onto fences seems effective in keeping unwanted cats away. - Get your own cat! Having you own cat could deter other felines from straying onto your territory. Cats Protection's National Helpline can provide information on humane ways to keep cats out of gardens, as well as on many other issues relating to cat care and welfare. The charity also publishes a leaflet on cats and gardens available from the Helpline which is contactable on 01403 221 919 between 9 am and 4.30pm, Monday - Friday. During the warmer months, approximately 11% of calls to the charity's Helpline are from people with unwanted feline visitors to their gardens. Some callers are concerned about threats to birds and other wildlife as a result of a feline presence. Whilst it must be Stressed that many cats are not active hunters, the charity recommends cat-owners and bird-lovers take the following steps to minimise both a cat's predatory habits as well as threats to its safety and well-being: * Keep felines in at night. * Position bird tables in a cleared area of the garden. * Encourage the neutering of cats and kittens aged six months or over. Cats are recognised by law as free roaming animals and therefore their owners cannot be held guilty of trespass under civil law. Under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Criminal Damage Act 1971, a person commits an offence if they treat a cat cruelly and can be liable to a fine and/or imprisonment. Emma Osborne, Cats Protection Press Officer. Tel: 01403 221 934. Email to emma.osborne@cats.org.uk |