IN the UK, cats are free to roam, and they are said to travel several miles a day when out and about.
Whether it be strolling the streets or visiting your garden to do their business, and if it’s the latter you’re struggling with then there’s a plant or two that can help.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) are known to ward off felines.
Lemon balm is a relatively easy herb to grow, thriving in various conditions.
With antiviral and antibacterial properties, the leaves of this bushy, perennial herb release a strong lemon fragrance when they are bruised.
Itprefers full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moist soil, and can grow quickly, dominating free space.
It’s a perennial which means it returns every year with its deliciously lemon-scented leaves, and produces creamy-white or pale purple flowersin summer which honey bees love.
It can also be used around the house and in cooking – the leaves give a lemony kick to salads, sauces and fish dishes, make a refreshing herb tea, and can be added to summer drinks like Pimms.
The crushed leaves are also said to help when they are rubbed onto the skin.
As for , the citrus scent and texture of lemon balm are off-putting to cats.
You can plant it in pots around the perimeter of your garden or in areas where cats are likely to visit.
B&Q sells Lemon Balm in a 9cm pot for £13.99.
Lemon thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in a range of conditions, so it is a practical choice for gardeners who are looking for natural ways to keep cats out of their gardens and want a plant that will last for years.
It produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink or pale lilac, typically appearing in whorls at the stem tips in early to mid-summer.
These flowers are known to be attractive to bees and butterflies.
Similarly to the lemon balm, lemon thyme gives off a citrus scent which .
Other fragrant plants to deter cats:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Rue
- Catnip
- Pennyroyal
- Oregano
- Curry plant
Laws around deterring cats
The RSPCA says: “Cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they might go into other people’s gardens or allotments. It is understood that some may wish to deter other people’s cats from those areas.
“But attempting to prevent cats from entering a garden or an allotment, it is important to make sure that any deterrent methods used are non-harmful and don’t cause pain, suffering, injury or distress.”;
Homeowners are warned that causing unnecessary suffering to a cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA).
It may also be an offence to put down snares, poison or an unlicensed deterrent.
The AWA also prohibits poisoning protected animals.
The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of an offence under the AWA is up to six months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.
