Garden Q&A: How can I keep cats off my lawn?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or an expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

The scent of blue rue deters cats but this plant is best avoided if you have sensitive skin or if children use the garden.

QUESTION 

How can I keep cats off my lawn?

ANSWER 

This is all about breaking the habit. If you are diligent over the first few weeks of the season, you can stop felines in their tracks.

There are products available in the garden centre like pepper dust and liquid/gel substances which will deter cats. These will wear off after a rainshower so you will have to re-apply them. If you keep doing this for a few weeks, the cats will get the message and move elsewhere.

Ruta graveolens or blue rue is a plant which cats don’t like and they won't go too close to it, I assume that it is the smell that deters them. You could try planting some of these wherever the cats are entering.

However, please be aware that the sap of the ruta can cause nasty skin reactions and blistering so it's best avoided if your skin is sensitive or if there are smallies in the garden.

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