Digging is a common feline behavior and they love to dig in soil and they can wreak havoc on garden plants. There’s nothing more frustrating than coming home to find your garden has been turned upside down by your cat.
However, there are some ways you can discourage your cat from digging in the garden.
In this blog post, we will discuss 7 proven tips to stop your cat from digging behavior and keeping cats out of the garden and keeping your flowers and vegetables safe.
How to stop cats from digging?
#1. Create a designated digging area for your cat
One way to stop your cat from digging in the garden is to create a designated digging area for them. This can be done by filling a large container with sand or soil and placing it in an area where your kitty likes to dig.
You can also add some toys or treats to this area to make it more appealing to them.
#2. Train your kitty at young Age
If you want to train your cat not to dig in the garden, you can do so by using positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they use their designated digging area and ignoring them when they try to dig in the garden.
You can also use a spray bottle filled with water to deter them from digging in the garden.
#3. Use deterrents to keep cats out of the Garden
There are a variety of felines deterrents that you can use to keep cats out of the garden, such as motion-activated sprinklers, chicken wire, or fencing.
There are many commercial products available that will deter cats from entering certain areas. These can be sprayed around the perimeter of the garden or placed on specific plants that you don’t want your cat to damage.
Some common deterrents include citrus-scented sprays, cayenne pepper, and mothballs.
These deterrents will startle your cat and discourage them from entering the garden.
#4. Plant Catnip or Valerian in the Garden
Catnip and valerian are two plants that are known to be appealing to cats. By planting these in your garden, you may be able to lure your kitty away from digging in other areas.
#5. Use chicken wire or fencing around the perimeter of the garden
If you have a serious problem with your cat digging in the garden, you may need to take more drastic measures such as fencing off the area.
Chicken wire can be placed around the perimeter of the garden or on specific plants. You may also want to consider installing a physical barrier such as a fence or gates.
#6. Train your cat with positive reinforcement
One of the best ways to stop a behavior is to train your cat not to do it in the first place. If you catch your cat in the act of digging, you can use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to let them know that this is not the desired behavior.
#8. Provide your cat with plenty of toys and enrichment
Cats dig for many reasons, but one of the most common is boredom. If your cat is bored, they may start to dig in the garden as a way to entertain themselves.
To prevent this, it’s important to provide your cat with plenty of toys and enrichment. This can include things like scratching posts, catnip toys, and puzzle feeders.
#9. Keep your cat indoors
The best way to stop your cat from digging in the garden is to keep them indoors. This will protect both your garden and your cat from any potential dangers. If you must let your cat outdoors, be sure to supervised them at all times.
Why does my cat keep digging in the dirt?
Your feline may show interest in digging dirt due to the below reasons:
1) The scent of other animals: If your cat spends time outside, it may be attracted to the scent of other animals that have been in the dirt. This can be a way for them to mark their territory and show other cats that they are around.
2) The texture of the dirt: Some cats enjoy the feeling of digging their claws into something soft. The texture of dirt can be appealing to them and provide a good sensation under their paws.
3) The taste of the dirt: Believe it or not, some cats actually like the taste of dirt! This could be due to the minerals and nutrients found in soil, which can be appealing to their palate.
4) The temperature of the dirt: The temperature of the ground can be cooler than the air around them, which can be a relief on hot days.
5) The opportunity to bury food: Cats instinctually like to bury their food, and dirt provides the perfect material to do so. This behavior is often seen in wild cats, as it helps them to hide their food from predators.
6) The satisfaction of digging: Some cats simply enjoy the act of digging, regardless of any other reason. It can be a fun and stimulating activity for them, similar to how we might enjoy playing with a toy or exploring a new place.
How to stop cats for digging in the dirt?
If your cat is attracted to dirt. There are a few things you can do to deter them from this behavior:
1) Provide an Alternative
If your cat likes to dig in the dirt because they enjoy the sensation of digging their claws into something soft, try providing them with an alternative such as a scratching post or toy.
2) Make the area less Appealing
If your cat is attracted to the smell or taste of dirt, make sure to clean their litter box regularly and keep their food and water dishes away from any areas where they like to dig.
3) Keep them occupied
If your cat digs out of boredom, make sure to provide them with plenty of toys and playtime. A tired cat is less likely to be interested in digging.
4) Supervise them
If all else fails, the best way to prevent your cat from digging in the dirt is to simply supervise them when they are outside. This way, you can stop them before they start and redirect their attention to something else.
How to stop cats digging in plant pots?
#1. Put up a fence or barrier around the area where the plant pots are located.
#2. Put netting or chicken wire over the top of the plant pots.
#3. Cover the soil in the plant pots with rocks or gravel.
#4. Use deterrents such as citrus peels, cayenne pepper, or mothballs to keep cats away from the area.
#5. Train your cat with positive reinforcement to stay away from the plant pots.
You May Also Like To Read:
