Q: I am trying to grow a herb garden in a raised corner bed of my garden, where rhubarb is already going well every year. However, my neighbour’s cat has decided this is his litter tray and try as I might I can’t deter him and his friends from dropping in. I have used catsaway gel pellets and plastic water bottles to no avail. It is killing all my herbs and I really don’t want to grow edibles in this space currently. Any advice would be much appreciated. FD, Dublin
A: I’ve experienced similar problems in the past with our family cats, who have regarded any freshly dug or weeded ground as an invitation to use it as their own private loo. I eventually discovered, that by far the best solution, as well as the cheapest and the most nature-friendly, is to place a loose, light nest of fine, spiky twigs and slim branches over the bed until the plants are well-established. If you can find thorny ones, all the better.
Alternatively, some gently crumpled-up sections of chicken wire placed over the ground will do a similar job. This barricade instantly discourages most cats, while still allowing light and water to reach the plants. Once they can no longer easily access the area, your unwelcome visitors will almost certainly soon lose interest and go elsewhere. After a few months, you can then try removing the stick/wire altogether, especially as your herbs will at that stage have grown to the point where they’ve covered the bare soil, that was so inviting to the cats to begin with.
But first put on a pair of rubber gloves and then carefully remove, bag and bin any cat excrement that may be shallowly buried in the ground. Obviously, this is a potential health hazard, especially in an area where you’re growing edibles, while removing it will also help to discourage any cats from returning.
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The only caveat to the above advice is if your feline visitors include cats that are spraying on your herb bed as a way of marking their territory. Intact (non-neutered) tom cats are typically the biggest offenders in this regard, and are well-known for the pungent, long-lasting smell of their urine which contains pheromones that act as a warning to any potential rivals. But all cats (male and female, neutered and non-neutered) can do the same, especially in a turf war over disputed territory. Cats usually adopt a very distinctive pose when spraying for this reason, standing on all four feet and holding their quivering tails very vertically in the air as they spray behind them. If you do spot signs of this territorial behaviour, then you’ll need to reconsider your options.
Some gardeners are willing to go to extreme (some would argue unkind) lengths to discourage this, installing motion sensor water sprinklers that are triggered by movement or keeping a water pistol to the ready (most cats hate water). Another, kinder alternative that can sometimes but not always be effective, is to spray some old rags with catnip and fix these on to sticks placed in the ground around (but not in) your herb bed. Catnip has an extraordinarily soothing effect on most cats, almost instantly calming them and easing any anxiety over territory that might be causing them to spray. But as it also attracts cats, it can be a bit of a mixed blessing. Finally, strong-smelling and/or very prickly plants such as lavender, mint, holly, berberis, pyracantha can also act as a deterrent.
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