posted 02-19-2004 01:01 PM         

"Cats and Gardens"
Here are some helpful suggestions for neighbors who wish to keep the cats out of their yards and gardens:

Push wooden chopsticks or 10-inch plant stakes into flowerbeds every eight inches to discourage digging and scratching.
Cats dislike citrus smells. Scatter orange and lemon peels, or spray with citrus-scented spray. You can also scatter citrus-scented pet bedding such as Citrafresh.
Cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, and pipe tobacco also work to repel cats. Some individuals have also suggested lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil.
Spray cat repellent (available at pet supply stores) around the edges of the yard, the top of fences, and on any favorite digging areas or plants. For information call your local animal supply store or PetsMart Corporate Office at 602-580-6100, or visit them on-line at www.petsmart.com.
Cover exposed ground in flowerbeds with large attractive river rocks, to prevent cats from digging (they have the added benefit of deterring weeds).
Plant the herb rue to repel cats, or sprinkle the dried herb over the garden.
Try an ultrasonic animal repellent. These are available in lawn and garden stores or from Real Goods Catalog at 1-800-762-7325.
Use a motion-activated sprinkler. Any cat coming into the yard will be sprayed but unharmed, and it is good for the lawn. If you are unable to find one, telephone Contech at 1-800-767-8658 to find out how to order one.
A garden repellent called Reppers, manufactured in Holland by Deaphar, is available at PetsMart, www.petsmart.com, www.pets.com, Foster & Smith, or your local pet store. Reppers retails for $19.95. Tried and proven by ACA staff and neighbors!
A non-chemical cat and wildlife repellent called CatScat is made of plastic mats that are pressed into the soil. Each mat, complete with flexible plastic spikes, is cut into four pieces. The spikes are harmless to cats and other animals, but are effective in discouraging excavation. They are sold in packages of 5 for $12.95 from Gardener's Supply Company, at www.gardeners.com or 1-800-863-1700. Gardener's Supply Company reports that many people consistently reorder this product. Sounds like it works!
The San Francisco SPCA provided many of these tips.

If it is possible, you may want to offer to help your neighbors with any of the above, whether purchasing supplies for them or setting up the deterrents. They will appreciate the offer and your willingness to help even if they don't accept it.

posted 02-20-2004 12:42 AM         

my cat got naphtalene poisoning from licking a mothball and almost died.

i don't use mothballs anymore in my house, except the non-toxic types that are concealed in a packet.

///ej