Pet Repellent Plants

A beautiful garden can easily be ruined by foraging pets like cats and dogs, whether they are using it as a playpen or a litter box. There are many products on the market to repel pets and pests, such spray repellent and liquid and electric fences. But you can keep pets out of your fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables by planting some key vegetation cats and dogs naturally don't like to be around.

Coleus Canina

This annual plant has beautiful dark green foliage and spiky blue flowers that bloom in the warmer seasons. The benefit of Coleus canina is that it releases an odor cats detest but humans only smell it if they touch the flowers. Plant them every yard or two as a hedge to block out cats. Let the soil completely dry out between waterings--this will produce the strongest smell.


Rue is an evergreen shrub with bright yellow flowers that can accent a landscape while deterring cats at the same time. Native to the Mediterranean regions, the feathery leaves emit an odor cats hate. Rue is toxic when it is digested, and can cause irritation on human skin. Plant this with caution, especially around homes with children. This plant can act as a border around produce beds.

Garlic and Onions

Ornamental garlic and onion bulbs repel cats and dogs with their strong odor, particularly in areas where pets like to dig.


Planting succulents such as cacti as a garden border or in places where cats and dogs like to dig will deter them because of the dangerous needles and prickly texture. Pets will not venture into this part of the garden after a couple times around the cacti. There are many plants that can aesthetically enhance landscapes as well, such as prickly pear, paddle cacti, aloe and agaves.


The scent of cayenne peppers repels cats, dogs and even raccoons and rabbits. In powder form, this can be sprinkled around a landscape or flower garden. Planting actual peppers accomplishes this task as well, since the capsicum in the pepper will irritate sensitive skin on a dog such as his nose. Once cats and dogs sniff the plant a couple times, it will deter them from wanting to be in the garden area.


Citrus is another scent cats and dogs do not prefer, especially orange and lemon. You can place actual oranges, lemons or grapefruit around your garden, or citrus peels or oil. You can also actually plant a citrus tree. The only problem is that it takes a long time for citrus plants to mature and produce.

Keywords: deterring cats, deterring dogs, pet repellents, plants deterring pets, plants repelling pets

About this Author

Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.