How To Keep Cats Out Of My Planters

Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Cat Mad

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably experienced the curious case of your kitty turning your planters into their personal playgrounds or, even worse, litter boxes. Cats have an innate curiosity and a penchant for exploration, which often leads them to investigate new and interesting textures, like the soil in your planters. While we adore our feline companions, it’s crucial to find ways to keep them away from our cherished plants without causing them any stress or discomfort. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies we can employ to protect our greenery while ensuring our cats remain happy and safe.

Understanding Your Cat’s Behaviour

Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why cats are drawn to your planters in the first place. Cats are naturally curious creatures. They love to explore, dig, and sometimes even nibble on plants. The soil in planters can be particularly enticing because it offers a soft, inviting spot for a cat to dig or rest. Additionally, some plants might smell or taste interesting to them. This behaviour is often guided by their instincts to explore their surroundings and find comfortable spots for resting or observing their territory.

Understanding your cat’s behaviour can help you choose the best deterrents. Remember, the goal is to redirect their attention, not to punish them for doing what comes naturally. By recognising these behaviours, we can devise more effective strategies that cater to their needs without compromising the health of our plants. It’s important to approach this challenge with empathy and creativity, ensuring that any measures we take are safe and considerate of our feline friends.

Simple Tips to Keep Cats Away from Planters

Use Natural Deterrents

Cats have a keen sense of smell, and there are certain scents they dislike. Using natural deterrents can be an effective way to keep them away from your planters. Here are a few ideas:

• Citrus Peels: Cats generally dislike the smell of citrus. Placing orange or lemon peels in your planters can be an effective deterrent. The strong scent of citrus is often enough to keep curious cats at bay, and as a bonus, it can also add a pleasant aroma to your garden.
• Vinegar: Mixing a solution of vinegar and water and spraying it around your plants can keep cats at bay. Just be careful not to spray directly on the plants, as vinegar can be harmful to them. This solution creates an unpleasant smell for cats, deterring them from approaching the planters.
• Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds are another scent that can repel cats. Plus, they’re good for the soil! Coffee grounds can enrich the soil with nutrients while simultaneously acting as a natural cat repellent, making them a win-win solution for gardeners.

Create a Barrier

Creating a physical barrier is a simple yet effective way to protect your plants. You can use:

• Chicken Wire: Placing chicken wire over the soil can prevent cats from digging. Ensure it’s secure and that your cat can’t get its paws stuck. This method creates a physical obstacle that discourages cats from exploring the planter while still allowing plants to grow unhindered.
• Stones or Pebbles: Cover the soil with decorative stones or pebbles. This not only looks nice but also makes it difficult for cats to dig. The texture of the stones can be uncomfortable for cats, discouraging them from attempting to disturb the soil.

Provide Alternatives

Sometimes, the best way to keep cats out of planters is to give them something else to focus on. Here are some alternatives:

• Cat Grass: Plant some cat grass in a separate pot for your kitty to munch on. It’s safe and provides a healthy distraction. Cat grass is specifically designed for feline consumption and can help satisfy their curiosity and need to chew on plants.
• Scratching Posts: Ensure your cat has plenty of scratching posts and toys to keep them occupied. A well-stimulated cat is less likely to seek out your planters for entertainment, as they have ample alternatives to satisfy their natural instincts.
• Designated Digging Area: If your cat loves to dig, consider setting up a designated digging area with loose soil or sand. Providing a specific spot for digging can help redirect their attention away from your plants, allowing them to indulge in their natural behaviours without causing harm.

How to Stop Cats from Using Planters as Litter Boxes

If your planters have become a target for your cat’s bathroom habits, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to stop cats from pooping in planters:

Change the Texture

Cats are particular about the texture of their bathroom spots. Altering the texture of your planter’s soil can deter them from using it as a litter box. Try:

• Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can make it less appealing for cats. The rough texture of mulch is uninviting for cats looking for a soft spot to relieve themselves, effectively deterring this behaviour.
• Pine Cones: Placing pine cones around the base of your plants can deter cats due to their spiky texture. The discomfort caused by stepping on pine cones can be enough to discourage cats from using the planter as a litter box.

Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

Technology can be your friend when it comes to keeping cats out of planters. Consider using motion-activated deterrents such as:

• Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers are an excellent way to surprise and deter cats without causing harm. The sudden burst of water is harmless yet effective in keeping cats away from designated areas.
• Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit a sound that’s unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans. This high-frequency sound can effectively keep cats at a distance without disturbing your peace or harming the animals.

Building a Cat-Friendly Garden

Creating a cat-friendly garden can be a rewarding way to coexist with your feline friends while protecting your plants. Consider incorporating the following elements:

Cat-Safe Plants

Choose plants that are safe for cats to interact with. Some cat-safe options include:

• Catnip: A favourite among cats, catnip can provide endless entertainment. Planting catnip in a specific area can attract cats to a designated spot, keeping them away from your more delicate plants.
• Lemongrass: Safe and aromatic, lemongrass can add a pleasant scent to your garden. Its natural appeal to cats can encourage them to spend time in areas where it’s planted.
• Mint: Cats enjoy the smell of mint, and it’s safe for them to be around. Incorporating mint into your garden can help create a harmonious environment that caters to both your plants and your pets.

Designated Cat Spaces

Create designated spaces in your garden where your cat can play and explore. Use:

• Climbing Structures: Cats love to climb, so consider adding some climbing-friendly structures. These can provide exercise and entertainment, reducing the likelihood of your cat interfering with your plants.
• Shady Spots: Provide shaded areas for your cat to relax and cool down. Comfortable resting places can help keep your cat content and less likely to disturb your planters.

Conclusion

Keeping cats out of your planters doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and understanding of your cat’s behaviour, you can find solutions that work for both you and your feline friend. Remember, the key is to provide alternatives and make your planters less appealing without causing any harm to your beloved pet. Happy gardening!

By implementing these strategies, you can protect your plants while ensuring your cat remains happy and healthy. If you have any additional tips or stories to share about keeping cats out of planters, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Engaging with other cat owners can provide new insights and ideas, fostering a community that supports both plant lovers and pet enthusiasts alike.