Cats may be adorable, but when they turn your garden into their personal litter box or trample your flowerbeds, it’s time to take action. Fortunately, nature offers simple, non-toxic solutions to keep them at bay, without harming them. In this guide, discover the 15 best plants that naturally repel cats.
1. Coleus Caninus
Often nicknamed the “scaredy cat plant”, Coleus Caninus is one of the most popular natural cat repellents. Its strong, musky odor, especially when touched or bruised, is unpleasant to cats, deterring them from getting too close. This plant grows best in full sun and is ideal for bordering flower beds or placing near entry points where cats tend to sneak in.
What makes it particularly handy is its low-maintenance nature. Once planted, it requires little attention — yet delivers powerful results. Gardeners who’ve tried it often report a noticeable drop in cat visits within days. It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a great first line of defense. By using this plant in combination with the ZeroCat ultrasonic repellent, which is actually one of the best ultrasonic cat repellents on the market, you can be sure to definitively get rid of cats.
2. Lavender
Cats despise Lavender. Its calming floral scent may work wonders for stress relief and sleep for humans, but to feline noses, it’s simply too strong and overwhelming. By planting lavender along pathways, garden borders, or in pots near windows, you’ll create a natural and fragrant barrier that keeps cats at a distance. It’s undoubtedly one of the best natural ways to repel cats.
Beyond its repellent properties, lavender is beautiful and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Just make sure you choose an English or French variety suitable for your climate. With a little pruning and sun, you’ll have both a blooming garden and fewer paw prints in the soil.
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3. Rue
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a lesser-known herb with an intensely bitter aroma that most cats instinctively avoid. This evergreen shrub has soft, bluish-green leaves and produces small yellow flowers, adding a touch of charm to your garden while acting as a silent guardian against feline intruders.
Gardeners appreciate rue not only for its effectiveness but also for its versatility — it can be used in herb gardens or as a decorative border. However, wear gloves when handling it, as its sap can irritate sensitive skin. Rue is best planted in dry, sunny areas, and once properly developed, it asks for very little, yet does a lot to protect your space.
4. Rosemary
Fragrant, resilient, and useful in the kitchen, rosemary is also a powerful ally against unwanted feline visitors. Cats dislike its strong woody scent and prickly texture, making it an excellent choice for both deterrence and decor. Place it near doors, windows, or around the garden to naturally discourage cats from approaching.
Rosemary grows best in bright sunlight and soil with good drainage. You can grow it in the ground or in pots — perfect if you want to move it around to protect specific areas. Bonus: while it wards off cats, it attracts beneficial insects like bees and repels mosquitoes at the same time.
5. Citronella
Best known as a mosquito repellent, Citronella also works wonders against curious cats. Its potent lemony scent is refreshing for us, but overwhelming to cats, who often steer clear of areas where this plant grows.
Citronella grass (not to be confused with the essential oil) is a tall, clumping plant that grows in warm, humid climates. It’s ideal for creating natural borders or scent zones around patios and garden beds. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t handle cold temperatures well. If you live in a cooler climate, consider potting it and bringing it indoors during winter.
6. Oregano
Oregano’s intense aroma, especially when the leaves are crushed, acts as a natural repellent to cats who find the scent too pungent for comfort.
Easy to grow in pots or garden beds, oregano spreads quickly and covers ground well, which helps keep large areas cat-free. It enjoys plenty of sun and prefers the dry, rocky soils found in Mediterranean regions.
7. Geraniums
Bright, colorful, and beautifully scented, geraniums are a favorite for gardeners — but not for cats. Their sharp fragrance and slightly bitter taste are enough to send most cats in the opposite direction. Whether planted in beds, window boxes, or hanging baskets, they create a visual and olfactory barrier that cats instinctively avoid.
These plants love sunny spots and are relatively low-maintenance. Plus, they bloom for months, adding rich color to your space while keeping your plants safe. Be aware, however, that the plant can be toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities — so it’s best used to keep them away, not lure them in.
8. Pennyroyal
A member of the mint family, pennyroyal has a strong menthol-like scent that cats find repulsive. This powerful little plant is often used as a natural insect repellent, but it’s also effective at deterring cats from lounging or digging in your garden.
It’s perfect for ground cover or for planting between stepping stones and garden borders. However, caution is necessary. Pennyroyal is toxic if ingested by pets or humans in large amounts, so it should be placed where cats won't be tempted to chew on it.
9. Blackthorn
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), also known as sloe, is a dense, thorny shrub that acts as a physical and natural barrier against cats. Its thick branches and long spines make it extremely unpleasant for cats to pass through, discouraging them from entering protected areas.
This shrub is ideal for hedging, offering both privacy and protection. It also produces lovely white blossoms in spring and small, dark fruits in autumn — great for making sloe gin, if you're so inclined. Once established, blackthorn is hardy and drought-resistant, making it a long-term, dual-purpose solution for gardens frequented by unwanted cats guests.
10. Catnip
It may sound surprising, but catnip (Nepeta cataria) can help repel cats — if used strategically. While many cats are drawn to its euphoric scent, some dislike it, especially when it grows densely or in areas where they don’t feel safe. Plus, overexposure can dull their interest.
The trick? Plant it away from sensitive zones you want to protect, like flower beds or vegetable patches. This way, it acts as a distraction zone, luring cats elsewhere. Catnip is easy to grow, requires little care, and even attracts pollinators like bees. Just be aware that for highly sensitive cats, it can have the opposite effect, so observe the behavior and adapt accordingly.
11. Curry plant
With its unmistakable spicy scent, the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is a fantastic, non-toxic option to discourage cats. Its grey-green foliage releases a strong aroma that resembles curry powder, which cats find overwhelming and unpleasant.
This Mediterranean herb grows in sunny, well-drained soil and requires little maintenance. Place it near pathways or flower beds to naturally repel visiting cats from lingering or digging.
12. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme combines beauty, culinary use, and a powerful cat-repellent effect thanks to its zesty citrus aroma. While humans appreciate its fresh scent and flavor, cats usually stay far away. They find the citrus notes too strong for their sensitive noses.
It grows well in containers or directly in the soil, especially in sunny areas with good drainage. Lemon thyme spreads easily, so it works well as a natural border or ground cover.
13. Holly
With its sharp, spiky leaves and dense structure, holly is an excellent natural deterrent against cats. They dislike walking through or brushing against its prickly foliage, making it a great choice for creating natural barriers along fences or flower beds.
Holly is a hardy evergreen shrub that offers year-round protection, along with seasonal beauty thanks to its glossy green leaves and bright red berries. Just be cautious that the berries can be toxic if ingested. Holly should be used more for perimeter defense than in areas where pets are likely to nibble.
14. Lemon balm
Part of the mint family, lemon balm gives off a fresh citrusy scent that cats tend to avoid. It’s gentle and uplifting for humans, but overwhelming for cats, making it a discreet yet effective plant for deterring them from certain areas.
Lemon balm grows quickly and spreads easily, making it ideal for filling in garden spaces or creating low hedges around protected zones. It grows in both pots and open soil, and you can even use the leaves to make calming herbal tea.
15. Thorny Bushes
Sometimes, scent isn’t enough, and that’s where thorny bushes come in. Plants like hawthorn, blackberry, or rose bushes create dense, prickly barriers that cats are physically reluctant to cross. They’re especially useful for blocking access to fences, garden edges, or corners where cats like to sneak in.
While these plants require more space and maintenance than herbs, they offer long-lasting protection and add structure to your landscape. Their defensive nature discourages digging, scratching, and lounging, all without harming the animal. Plus, many thorny bushes also bloom or bear fruit, combining practicality with beauty.
The advantages of using plants to repel cats
Opting for plants as a natural way to deter cats offers multiple benefits, both for your garden and for the environment. Here’s why more and more people choose this method:
- Safe and non-toxic: Most repellent plants are harmless when used correctly, making them ideal if you want to avoid chemicals or traps.
- Eco-friendly: No sprays, no plastic, no electricity — just nature doing its job.
- Aesthetic appeal: Many repellent plants are also beautiful, adding color, texture, and fragrance to your garden or windowsills.
- Dual function: These plants often attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping cats away.
- Cost-effective: Once planted, they require little investment compared to repeated purchases of commercial deterrents.
- Versatility: They can be used in pots, borders, garden beds, or even balconies — adapting to any outdoor or indoor space.
- Low maintenance: Most of these plants require minimal care.
FAQ
Do natural plants work at repelling cats?
Yes, natural plants can be very effective in deterring cats, especially when chosen and placed strategically. Many plants emit strong scents that are unpleasant or even irritating to a cat’s sensitive nose, such as lavender, rue, or citronella. Others have a texture or physical form (like thorns) that makes areas less attractive or uncomfortable for cats to walk through or dig in. While the effectiveness may vary depending on the cat’s behavior and sensitivity, most gardeners report a noticeable decrease in cat visits when repellent plants are used consistently. The key is to use a combination of scent-based and barrier plants for best results and to position them near high-risk zones like garden beds, pathways, or entrances.
Are any of these plants toxic to cats?
Yes, some of the plants commonly used to repel cats can be toxic if ingested, which is why placement is important. For example, pennyroyal and rue are great natural deterrents, but they should not be accessible to cats or other pets who might chew on them. Geraniums and lavender are mildly toxic to cats as well, especially in large quantities. However, the goal of using these plants is to discourage cats from coming near, not to attract or expose them to danger. Always check toxicity levels with reputable sources (like the ASPCA plant list) and consider placing potentially harmful plants out of reach or using them in outdoor areas where cats won’t typically chew on them.
Do cat-repellent plants work on all cats?
Not all cats react the same way to repellent plants. Just like humans, cats have individual preferences and tolerances. While many will instinctively avoid strong scents like rosemary, lemon balm, or citronella, others may be less bothered or even indifferent. Additionally, feral cats tend to be more cautious and sensitive to their environment, while domestic cats may be more curious or persistent. This is why it’s often recommended to combine several types of repellent plants. If one plant doesn’t work, another might. And in some cases, combining natural plants with physical barriers or commercial repellents can maximize effectiveness.
Will these plants harm other wildlife or pets?
Most repellent plants are safe for the environment and will not harm beneficial wildlife like birds, bees, or butterflies. Several plants, such as lavender, oregano, or lemon thyme, are known to attract pollinators. However, some species can be mildly toxic to pets (especially dogs or curious cats) if ingested in large amounts. As a precaution, choose plants that align with your pet's habits. And if you're unsure, opt for non-toxic varieties or use pots to elevate certain plants out of reach.
Which plants keep cats from pooping or peeing in the garden?
Plants with strong odors or thorny textures are especially effective for preventing cats from using garden beds as litter boxes. Coleus Caninus, rue, rosemary, and curry plant are top choices for scent-based deterrence. Meanwhile, physical deterrents like thorny bushes or ground-covering plants such as lemon thyme make digging or entering less appealing. It’s important to observe the areas most affected and position your plants accordingly (near entry points or favorite digging spots) to interrupt the cat’s routine.
What are the best indoor plants to repel cats?
If you're looking to deter cats from specific areas indoors, like furniture, counters, or shelves, consider potted plants such as lavender, rosemary, or lemon balm. These herbs are cat-repellent by scent and grow well in containers. You can place them on windowsills or near problem zones to keep curious paws away. Another great option is to use citrus-scented plants like lemon thyme. Just make sure the plants you select are safe if a cat decides to nibble.
What other options can you use to repel cats besides plants?
While plants are a gentle and sustainable solution, there are several other methods to repel cats, especially in stubborn cases. Physical barriers such as chicken wire, cat scat mats, or thorny mulch can prevent digging and lounging. Scent-based repellents like vinegar, citrus peels, or essential oils (used with caution) can be applied in targeted spots. For a more high-tech solution, ultrasonic cat repellent is a popular and humane way to scare off intruders. The best results often come from combining several strategies. By combining them with other natural techniques, you get one of the best outdoor cat repellents, ideal for long-lasting protection of your garden.
