The Spice That Isn't As Effective At Keeping Cats Out Of The Garden As You Thought

If you've spotted stray cats digging up the plants in your garden, you may be looking for ways to stop them. There are many hacks and tricks to help deter feline, however, some are more effective than others. Cinnamon is often recommended as a deterrent due to a cat's heightened sense of smell. The theory is that the strong scent will smell offensive, keeping them out of the area. You can sprinkle cinnamon around your yard directly. It is also sometimes combined with other spices and water to create a deterrent spray.

Unfortunately, this spice may not be very effective for keeping cats away. Some felines may not react to cinnamon at all. Weather changes, such as rain and snow, can also reduce the concentration of cinnamon and thus its potency. Additionally, while it is listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, it can still harm cats and other animals. Inhaling dry cinnamon can cause respiratory issues such as coughing or breathing difficulties. Ingesting cinnamon can also irritate the throat and stomach. In large enough quantities, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver issues, per Pet Poison Hotline.

Doctor Catherine Angle, DVM, of Pet Poison Helpline lists the potential dangers of some forms of cinnamon: "It takes a larger amount of ingested cinnamon powder to cause problems in our pets (greater than 1 teaspoon of powder for most pets) but only a small amount of the essential oil." Even if you try using cinnamon in the yard, it's important to avoid cinnamon essential oils.

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance and you can't reach your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, please contact the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

For other approaches you can use to help deter unwanted visitors from your garden, avoid chemicals, spices, or plants that could harm felines. For small garden spaces, a lemon-based spray may help keep cats away temporarily. Preventing felines from accessing enticing areas, such as filling in open dirt with additional plants, can also help. In addition, items such as pine cones, rocks, and other objects with hard surfaces can stop problem digging without looking unsightly.

Feline deterrents for larger areas can include motion-activated ultrasonic sound devices and sprinklers. Improving fencing by adding netting or wrapping protective barriers around individual plants can also fend off curious cats. Be sure to secure any potentially intriguing areas such as open sheds, holes in fences, and other small spaces cats can squeeze into. It's also a good idea to place trash in a closed container to prevent scavenging for food.

Creating an enticing space for cats away from your treasured plants can also help you coexist. Instead of trying to scare them away, consider putting together a feline-friendly corner of your garden. Planting cat-attracting plants like catnip can encourage felines to frequent that space and leave the rest of your garden alone. Whatever methods you choose to deter cats, ensure they're safe and not harmful to any pets or wildlife.