Plants to Keep Cats Away

Do you love plants but hate the way your furry feline friend always seems to get into them? Are you tired of constantly cleaning up cat hair and dealing with knocked-over plant pots? If so, you're not alone. Many cat owners struggle with finding ways to keep their pets away from their beloved houseplants. Fortunately, there are some plants that can actually repel cats and help keep them at bay.

Why Do Cats Like Plants?

Cats are natural explorers and love to investigate new things. Plants provide an endless source of entertainment for cats, who love to rub up against them, chew on them, and even dig into the soil. For some cats, the attraction may be related to the texture or scent of the plant. For others, it may simply be a way to satisfy their curiosity and playfulness. Unfortunately, this can often lead to damaged plants and frustrated owners.

Plants That Repel Cats

Lavender

Lavender is a popular choice for gardeners and homeowners alike because of its fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. However, cats are not fans of the strong scent of lavender, which makes it an effective deterrent to keep them away from your other plants. Plant lavender around the perimeter of your garden or in pots near your indoor plants to create a barrier that cats will avoid.

Rosemary

Like lavender, rosemary is a fragrant herb that cats don't like. It also has the added benefit of being edible for humans, making it a great option for a dual-purpose plant. Plant rosemary in pots on your patio or balcony, or in a sunny window indoors to help keep your cats at bay.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. It also happens to be a plant that cats really don't like. You can use pennyroyal oil or dried leaves to make sachets to place around your home, or you can plant it in your garden to keep cats away from your other plants.

Rue

Rue is a perennial herb that has a strong scent that cats find unpleasant. It's easy to grow and makes a great border plant for your garden. Just be careful when handling rue, as the sap can cause skin irritation in humans.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb with a citrusy scent that cats find unappealing. It's also a great plant to have on hand for making tea or using in cooking. Plant lemon balm in pots near your indoor plants or use it as a border plant in your garden to help keep cats away.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is well-known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, but did you know that cats don't like it either? This tropical plant has a strong scent that cats find offensive, making it a great addition to your garden or patio.

Scaredy Cat Plant

As the name suggests, this plant is specifically designed to deter cats. The scaredy cat plant, also known as coleus canina, emits an odor that cats find repuve. It's easy to grow and makes a great addition to any garden or patio.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic garden flower that are known for their bright blooms and attractive foliage. They also happen to be a plant that cats don't particularly like. Plant geraniums around the perimeter of your garden or in pots near your indoor plants to help keep cats at bay.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular garden flower that cats tend to avoid. They're easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden or patio.

Citrus Trees

Cats are not fans of citrus scents, which makes citrus trees an effective way to repel them. Lemon, lime, and orange trees are all good options. Plant them in pots on your patio or balcony or in your garden to help keep cats away.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are not only great for cooking, but they also happen to be plants that cats don't like. Plant them in your garden or in pots near your indoor plants to help keep your furry friends at bay.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a great option for creating a natural barrier between your garden and your cat's favorite hangout spots. Cats don't like the texture of bamboo leaves, which can make it an effective deterrent.

Mothballs

While not technically a plant, mothballs can be an effective way to repel cats from your garden. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they can be toxic to both humans and pets.

How to Use These Plants

Plant Them Around Your Garden

The easiest way to use these plants is to simply plant them around the perimeter of your garden. This will create a natural barrier that cats will be hesitant to cross.

Use Them in Pots Near Your Indoor Plants

If you have indoor plants that your cat likes to get into, try placing pots of these repellent plants nearby. This will help keep your cat away from your other plants.

Make Sachets

You can also use dried leaves or essential oils from these plants to make sachets to place around your home. This is a great option if you don't have a garden or if you want to keep cats away from specific areas of your home.

FAQs About Plants to Keep Cats Away

1. Are these plants safe for cats?

Most of the plants on this list are safe for cats, but it's always a good idea to do your research before adding any new plants to your home or garden. Some cats may be allergic to certain plants, so be sure to monitor your cat's behavior when introducing new plants.

2. Will these plants harm other animals?

Some of these plants, such as pennyroyal and citronella grass, can be toxic to other animals in large doses. Be sure to use these plants with caution and keep them out of reach of pets and children.

3. Do I need to reapply essential oils or dried leaves?

Yes, you may need to reapply essential oils or dried leaves periodically to maintain their effectiveness. The scent will gradually fade over time, so it's a good idea to replace them every few weeks.

4. What if my cat still gets into my plants?

If your cat is particularly persistent, you may need to take additional measures to protect your plants. Consider using a physical barrier, such as chicken wire or netting, to keep your cat away from your plants.

5. Can I use these plants to repel other pests?

Yes, many of these plants are effective at repelling other pests, such as mosquitoes and flies. They can also be used to repel other animals, such as rabbits and deer.


In there are many plants that can help keep cats away from your beloved houseplants. From fragrant herbs like lavender and rosemary to classic garden flowers like geraniums and marigolds, there's no shortage of options to choose from. By using these plants in your home or garden, you can create a natural barrier that cats will be hesitant to cross. Just be sure to do your research and use these plants with caution to ensure the safety of both your cat and your other plants.