Naturally Deter Cats From Your Garden Using Orange Peels

Do cats treat your garden like their personal playground? Instead of resorting to harsh chemicals, consider a natural solution: orange peels. Cats generally dislike the strong smell of citrus due to the limonene and linalool compounds in the peels, which have a strong smell to felines. Scattering orange or lemon peels around your plants and flowers can signal them to stay away. Orange peels not only deter cats but also benefit your garden. As they decompose, they enrich the soil. For a budget-friendly option, you can also create an orange essence spray by boiling orange peels in water for about 15 minutes, letting the water cool, and misting it around your garden. Reapply the peels or spray every few weeks to maintain the cat-repelling effect. According to pet experts at Catster and veterinarian Dr. Paola Cuevas, cats have a very sensitive sense of smell and find citrus scents overpowering, which triggers their instinct to avoid the scent. However, it's important to note that while the scent is a deterrent, citrus fruits are toxic to cats if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort or more severe issues. Therefore, ensure cats do not eat the peels. Using orange peels can be a safe and effective way to keep your garden cat-free in a natural way.