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These much-loved pets can sometimes be the bane of nearby gardeners, whose plots they use as their toilet. Cats will scrap holes in flowerbeds and sometimes leave deposits on lawns or paths. Tomcats scent-mark their territories by spraying on plants which can scorch foliage. Damage may be caused to the bark of trees and shrubs when cats sharpen their claws, which is another form of territorial marking. Cats also have a habit of sunbathing in inconvenient places and crush plants in the process.
Deterrents - Cats roam freely through gardens and are far too agile to be kept out by fencing or netting. However nets can be effective in keeping cats off small areas of the garden or off beloved plants. Plant up borders so there is no bare soil for them to scratch in.
Repellents - These include products that contain pepper powder (Bio Pepper Dust, Secto Pepper Dust), naphthalene (Vitax Scent-Off) aluminium ammonium sulphate (Bio Cat-a-pult, Vitax Stay Off), essential oils (Growing Success Cat Repellent) and methyl nonyl ketone plus citronella oil (Secto Keep Off). These only give short-term protection so do need to be applied frequently. There is also an annual plant called Coleus canina that smells pretty foul but only when the cat rubs against it.
Electronic devices - There are quite a few electronic devices available. Most work by producing an ultrasonic sound (barely audible to human ears) when triggered by a motion sensor. Some cats don't like it and quickly leave while others hold their ground and carry on regardless. Best results are achieved in open gardens where the ultrasound is not baffled by shrubs or fences