How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard: 10 Tips & Tricks

No one likes a yard full of cats. They make a mess, they dig up your flowers, and they just generally wreak havoc.

But getting rid of them can be easier said than done.

Before you investigate how to keep cats out of your yard you need to know why do they enter it in the first place.

If you’ve ever found a cat in your yard, you may be wondering why they keep coming back.

After all, there are plenty of other places for them to explore. They may even climb up kitchen shelves so you can check out ways to keep them off counters too.

So what is it that keeps them coming back to your yard day after day?

There are a few reasons why cats may enter other people’s yards.

One reason is that they’re curious creatures by nature and love to explore new places.

Your yard may be just the place they’ve been looking for to satisfy their curiosity.

Another reason cats may frequent your yard is because they’re looking for food.

If you have a bird feeder or an outdoor pet, they may be drawn to your yard in hopes of finding a meal.

And lastly, some cats just enjoy the company of other animals and may view your yard as a place to socialize.

What really keeps cats out of your yard?

If you’re one of the millions of people who love cats but don’t want them in your yard, don’t despair.

There are a number of things you can do to keep cats out of your yard and enjoy your outdoor space in peace.

Here are 10 tips and tricks for keeping cats out of your yard:

1. Install a fence:

A fence is a physical barrier that will deter cats from entering your yard.

If you have a cat yourself, make sure the fence is tall enough and has no gaps that your cat can squeeze through.

You can also consider installing an electric fence, which will give cats a mild shock if they attempt to cross it.

2. Plant thorny plants:

Another way to deter cats from entering your yard is to plant thorny plants along the perimeter.

Cats don’t like to walk on prickly surfaces, so this will discourage them from venturing into your yard.

Some good thorny plants to consider include rose bushes, cacti, and bougainvillea.

3. Use citrus:

Cats dislike the smell of citrus, so you can use this to your advantage by placing citrus peels around the perimeter of your yard.

You can also try using citronella oil, which has a strong citrus scent and can be found at most hardware stores.

4. Spritz with water:

If you see a cat in your yard, simply give it a quick spritz with a water bottle. Most cats don’t like getting wet, so this will usually send them running.

5. Make noise:

Another way to deter cats is to make noise when they enter your yard.

You can try clapping your hands, blowing a whistle, or even banging on a pot.

The key is to startle the cat so that it doesn’t want to stick around.

6. Use a motion-activated sprinkler:

Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep cats (and other pests) out of your yard.

When the sprinkler senses movement, it will turn on and spray the area with water.

This will startle the cat and hopefully discourage it from coming back.

7. Get cat-repelling plants:

There are a few plants that naturally repel cats, such as lavender, lemongrass, and geraniums.

Planting these around the perimeter of your yard will help to keep cats away.

8. Spread coffee grounds:

Cats dislike the smell of coffee, so spreading used coffee grounds around your yard can help keep them away.

9. Use a cat repellent:

There are many commercial cat repellents on the market that you can use to deter cats from entering your yard.

These repellents usually contain strong smells that cats don’t like, such as citronella or peppermint.

10. Talk to your neighbors:

If you have a problem with stray cats coming into your yard, talk to your neighbors and see if they’re willing to keep their cats indoors or at least supervised when they’re outside.

Sometimes the best solution is to work together with your community to solve the problem.

Conclusion

Keeping cats out of your yard doesn’t have to be difficult.

By using some of the tips and tricks listed above, you can deter cats from entering your outdoor space and enjoy your yard in peace.

If you’re a cat lover, then you might be pleased to know that having cats in your yard can actually be a good thing.

They help keep rodents and insects away.

However, not everyone might see this as a pro. Outdoor cats tend to be more on the destructive side.

Unwanted cats may damage your plants or mess up your yard too.

For that, you can apply any of the above hacks and keep them at bay.

Do you have any tips for keeping cats out of your yard? Share them in the comments below!