Cats and foxes can cause havoc in gardens, but there’s a simple homemade solution that will deter them
Katherine McPhillips and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
08:18, 11 Apr 2026Updated 08:19, 11 Apr 2026
Gardeners that cats and foxes can cause havoc in gardens, but there’s a simple homemade solution that deters them humanely(Image: Dgwildlife via Getty Images)
Cats and foxes rule the streets after dark, and while it can be charming watching them slink about, it becomes considerably less enjoyable when they begin frequenting your garden. Many gardeners have a soft spot for cats and foxes, but these creatures can prove to be a real headache during spring as they tend to dig up freshly turned soil, frequently uprooting bulbs and wreaking havoc on flowerbeds.
Both animals are fiercely territorial and regularly use gardens as their own personal lavatories to mark their patch, which is not only unpleasant but also contaminates crops such as tomatoes, rendering them unsafe for consumption. Alessandro Vitale, organic gardener and founder of Spicy Moustache, has spent years battling cats and foxes in London and has experimented with numerous remedies to protect his plants.
He has found that the “most effective” method to repel foxes and cats is to create a homemade herbal solution that will send them running in the opposite direction.
Both animals are used to humans so common deterrents like loud noises will not work on them (Image: Getty)
Alessandro said: “After the even years or so that I’ve been dealing with foxes, I [have] learned a few tips to avoid issues in my garden. I found that plants with a strong smell are ideal to keep foxes away from your garden.”
How can herbs keep cats and foxes out of a garden
Deterring cats and foxes can prove particularly challenging, as they are well accustomed to humans and are rarely startled by loud noises. Consequently, most conventional animal repellent devices are likely to prove ineffective against them.
Cats and foxes, however, are naturally inclined to use their sense of smell to detect potential threats, and are far more likely to be deterred by unfamiliar odours, as these signal to them that an area may be dangerous, reports the Express.
These animals also possess remarkably sensitive noses, meaning the compounds found in herbs or pungent vegetables such as garlic can easily overwhelm them.
Herbs will genuinely aggravate their nasal passages, cause their eyes to water, and leave them disorientated. Their natural instinct will be to avoid the scent rather than investigate it further.
Spraying a herbal solution around a garden also conceals the scents that attract foxes and cats in the first place. The spray makes it far more probable that they will swiftly move on in search of other smells elsewhere.
Preparing a herbal solution is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal effort, while also offering a humane approach to protecting your plants from troublesome foxes and cats.
Foxes and cats are more likely to be scared off by strange smells from strong smelling herbs (Image: Getty)
How to make a herb remedy that deters cats and foxes
You will need
1.4 litres of water30g of basil leaves30g of geranium leaves30g of sage leavesFour cloves of garlicOne big onion (optional)
Spray the solution around your garden and your plants should stay safe from foxes and cats (Image: Getty)
Method
Begin by placing the water in a pan over a low-to-medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer and is almost boiling.
Chop the basil, geranium and sage leaves before adding them to the water. Fresh herb leaves from a plant are essential, as they will be considerably more potent than dried alternatives.
Next, finely chop four cloves of garlic and add them to the water. An onion can also be chopped and added to the solution, though it will work perfectly well without one.
Once all the ingredients are in the pan, reduce the heat to low, place a lid on top and allow everything to simmer for approximately 30 minutes so the ingredients fully infuse into the water. Once the time is up, remove from the heat and allow the solution to cool down fully. Next, strain the liquid to remove the solid ingredients from the water.
Pour the liquid into an empty spray bottle and apply it to any areas of the garden you want to protect. Scatter the solid ingredients along the tops of fences, around gates, or wherever you suspect cats and foxes are gaining access to your property.
Reapply the solution once a week or following rainfall, and both foxes and cats should cease venturing into your garden.
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