Feral Cats & Frustration
My hibiscus is dying. Last two nights there's been an orgy on the patio with two of the neighborhood feral cats. First night the hibiscus was dumped over. The second night it looked as if the Hulk had sent the container rolling down the patio. Now the hibiscus stands there in its container with leaves drooping. I tried watering it to see if it would revive, but little luck so far.
Was looking at solutions to the cats on the patio. Some suggestions have been pepper spray and orange peels. Others suggest urine of coyotes and other such creatures. Need to come up with some solution as the smell is quite strong out there.
If you have any ideas, please send them on.
Thanks.
All in a gardener's day,
Thanks for photo to Salssa
7/14 UPDATE: Robin's suggestion about the ecalyptus seemed to work (or the local cats are no longer in heat). The hibiscus is slowly starting to recover, but its flowers look to be over for this season. Again Robin thanks for the tip. Never received a call back from the feral cat group. Will try that resource again as well. Jan thanks for passing that tip on.
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Filed under Container Gardening, adaptive gardening, urban gardening by Dr. Craig
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Comments on Feral Cats & Frustration »
I have found that often it is not cats doing the damage, but opossums, armadillos or racoons who are damaging plants at night. I have an on-going battle with them over digging up plants. We have resorted to setting up a humane trap and then relocating these midnight marauders to woods a few miles away. If it is cats, you could set out a trap and then bring them to an animal shelter.
Jan
Always Growing
Thanks Jan. Have a call into the local feral cat association and will see what they suggest.
Cats hate the scent of Eucalyptus - can you grow some? If not, purchase oil of Eucalyptus and spread the drops around. Breathe in a bit and clear your sinuses while you are at it! Let me know if it works for you.
Robin at Getting Grounded
PS: Thanks for faving me!
Robin thanks for the suggestion. With the Eucalyptus it makes the area smell better. Appreciate it, will let you know if these cats dislike it.
Dr. Craig,
Below is a link to some ideas for getting rid of cats from an article called "There are Cats in My Garden"
http://urbangardencasual.com/2008/05/21/there-are-cats-in-my-garden/
Reggie,
Thanks for the additional ideas. I know after this experience, I will be more proactive in discouraging the cats in the area.
Appreciate the tips.