Budget-Friendly Ways to Deter Cats from Flower Beds

Budget-Friendly Ways to Deter Cats from Flower Beds

A gardener sought an economical alternative to pricey plastic spike mats for keeping cats out of perennial beds.

Low-Cost Solutions

• Sweetgum balls: Scatter the spiky seed pods among plants; they're free if you have a sweetgum tree.
• Coat hanger wire: Cut into 4-inch lengths and push halfway into the soil throughout the bed. The wires poke cats when they roll around, discouraging them without harm.

Both methods are inexpensive, effective, and use readily available materials.