Gardeners frustrated by neighbourhood cats digging up flowerbeds or leaving mess on lawns may find relief with a cheap, homemade deterrent spray, according to gardening expert George from Primrose.
The spray, made from lemon juice, rosemary, and white vinegar, exploits cats' strong sense of smell, which is 40 times more effective than humans'. These scents are unpleasant to cats and can trigger an instinctive avoidance.
George explained: “Mix together lemon juice, rosemary and white vinegar – three things cats detest. Put the liquid in a spray bottle so it’s easy to use around the garden. Simply spray near where the cats spend time – on planters, the patio, or even inside.”
Citrus smells like lemon contain limonene and linalool, which are toxic to cats if ingested, making the area seem dangerous. The method is safe for plants, cruelty-free, and very cheap, using common kitchen ingredients.
To maintain effectiveness, George advises reapplying the spray after rainfall, as it washes away. This natural approach offers a permanent solution to keep cats out without harming them.
