Plants That Repel Cats and Mosquitoes

Are you tired of constantly battling pesky mosquitoes or trying to keep your cat away from your plants? Look no further than these natural solutions: plants that repel both cats and mosquitoes. Not only will they add a pop of greenery to your home or outdoor space, but they'll also serve a practical purpose in keeping unwanted pests at bay.

What Are Plants That Repel Cats and Mosquitoes?

Plants that repel cats and mosquitoes are types of plants that release scents or substances that are unpleasant to these creatures. Some of these plants may be toxic to cats if ingested, so it's important to research and choose safe options for your furry friends.

Cat-Repelling Plants

Citronella

Citronella is a popular plant known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. However, it's also effective in keeping cats away due to its strong scent. Citronella is usually grown in pots and can be used outdoors or indoors.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dishes but also repels cats. It has a strong, woody scent that cats dislike, making it a great option for garden beds or pots. Rosemary requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

Lavender

Lavender is another fragrant plant that cats tend to avoid. Its calming scent makes it a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces. Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a strong, citrusy scent that cats don't like. It's easy to grow and can be used in teas or as a culinary herb. Lemon balm prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.

Scaredy Cat Plant

The Scaredy Cat plant, also known as Coleus canina, emits an odor that repels both cats and dogs. It's a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in pots or planted directly into the ground. The Scaredy Cat plant prefers full sun to partial shade.

Catnip

Yes, it may seem counterintuitive to include catnip on a list of cat-repelling plants, but hear me out. While catnip may attract cats initially, they quickly become desensitized to its effects and will eventually avoid it altogether.

Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Citronella

As mentioned earlier, citronella is the most popular plant for repelling mosquitoes. Its strong, lemony scent masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, making it an effective natural mosquito repellent.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another plant with a strong lemony scent that repels mosquitoes. It's easy to grow in pots or in the ground and can be used to make tea or as a flavorful addition to dishes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they also have natural insect-repelling properties. Their bright orange or yellow blooms contain a substance called pyrethrum, which repels mosquitoes and other pests.

Catnip

While catnip may not repel cats, it does repel mosquitoes. In fact, according to a study by Iowa State University, catnip oil is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the active ingredient in many commercial insect repellents.

Other Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that can be used in cooking and also has mosquito-repelling properties. It's easy to grow and prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

Clove

Clove oil is often used as an ingredient in commercial insect repellents, but the plant itself can also be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Clove plants prefer partial shade and moist soil.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another member of the mint family with natural insect-repelling properties. Its strong scent masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, making it an effective mosquito repellent.

Rosemary

In addition to repelling cats, rosemary also has mosquito-repelling properties. Its woody scent makes it a great option for garden beds or pots, and it prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use These Plants

The best way to use these plants is to strategically place them around your home or outdoor space. For example, you could plant citronella, lemongrass, or marigolds in pots on your patio or deck to keep mosquitoes away while you're enjoying the outdoors. Alternatively, you could plant cat-repelling plants like rosemary or lemon balm around your garden beds to keep your furry friends from digging up your plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these plants safe for pets?

While some of these plants may be toxic to cats if ingested, most are safe when used as directed. Be sure to research each plant thoroughly before introducing it to your pet's environment.

2. Can I use these plants in place of commercial insect repellents?

While these plants can be effective in repelling mosquitoes, they may not be as potent as commercial insect repellents. It's always a good idea to use multiple methods of protection against mosquitoes, including wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito nets.

3. Do I need to do anything special when growing these plants?

Each plant has its own specific requirements for growth, so be sure to research each plant thoroughly before planting. Generally speaking, most of these plants prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

4. Can I use these plants indoors?

Yes, many of these plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive plenty of sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil.

5. Do these plants really work?

While the effectiveness of these plants may vary depending on the situation, many people have had success in using them to repel cats and mosquitoes. Give them a try and see if they work for you!


Incorporating plants that repel cats and mosquitoes into your home or outdoor space is an easy and natural way to keep unwanted pests at bay. From citronella to rosemary to marigolds, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to research each plant thoroughly before introducing it to your environment, and consider using multiple methods of protection against mosquitoes for maximum effectiveness.