Effective and environmentally safe deterrents for cats.

Here are some helpful suggestions for neighbors who wish to keep 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.

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.

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 $19.99 from Catscat Pty Ltd, we hear reports that many people consistently reorder this product. Sounds like it works!