How to Keep Cats Out of Mulch
- 1). Lay mousetraps face-down in the problem mulch areas. Set the mousetrap and then lay them flat-side up where the cat typically goes to scratch. When the cat triggers the mousetrap, the mousetrap flies into the air, startling the cat away. This may be enough to keep cats away from your garden.
- 2). Create an obstacle course in the mulched area. Lay pine cones in the area and half-bury forks in the area, tine ends up. If a cat has to remove the objects before scratching, it will be significantly less attracted to the area.
- 3). Spread tea leaves in the mulch where the cats go to scratch. Cats find the strong taste and smell of tea leaves unpleasant and avoid the area. Tea leaves do contain a high amount of acidic tannin, however, so be sure not to overload the garden with them.
- 4). Spray the cat with water from the garden hose whenever you see it getting into the mulch. The mulch won't be harmed by the spray, while the cat will be startled into running away. Repeated hosings make the area significantly less attractive to the cat.
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