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.
It prefers 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 flowers in 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 keep mosquitoes at bay when they are rubbed onto the skin.
As for deterring cats, 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 cats dislike.
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.”
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
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.
