- Sprinkle peels from oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruits throughout the flower beds. The scent of citrus repels cats, as does diluted ammonia. Mix the ammonia with water in small jars and bury them so the rim of the jar is at soil level. The cats will smell it when they approach the garden. Other possible scent repellents include black pepper, cayenne pepper, tobacco, peppermint oil, lavender oil and citronella oil.
- Hidden, physical barriers are a simple but extremely effective cat deterrent. Wooden lattice works well if hidden beneath the soil at the front of the garden because cats cannot scratch through it. Scattering rocks or thorny branches can keep cats out as well. Plastic, spiked mats will work too. The mats can usually be divided into four separate pieces. They can be placed along the front and side borders of any spots the cats try to enter.
- Some cat owners prefer to use an ultrasonic device. Typically, these devices feature motion sensors that are tripped when the cat comes near the garden. It emits high-frequency sounds humans are unable to hear but can effectively jolt the cat. Depending on the size of the garden, it may take more than one of these to get the job done. For example, a garden larger than 330 square feet would likely require an additional unit.
- Cats are usually bothered by water and will not stick around an area where they get wet. That makes a motion-activated sprinkler an ideal tool to protect a flower bed. When the cat comes close enough to trip the sprinklers' sensor, it will automatically turn on and spray in the direction of the interloper. In most cases, the sudden shower will send your cat running. The other advantage of a motion-activated sprinkler is you do not have to be around to make it work.
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