Coleus Canina

• Also known as Scardy Cat, Coleus canina has a strong smell that repels cats and other animals. The National Gardening Association suggests creating a hedge with Coleus canina plants spaced about 3 feet apart around flowerbeds, sandboxes and other areas where cats are unwelcome.
  
  

Herbs

• Among the herbs that repel cats are citronella, lavender, rosemary and chives. Cats should stay away if you plant them as a border around your flowerbeds or intersperse them among the other plants in your garden.
  
  

Rue

• Although rue repels cats, it is toxic to people if ingested and can cause skin irritation if touched, so plant it with caution.
  
  

Prickly Plants

• Cats will not like rubbing against prickly plants, such as cactus, if they are interspersed among the other plants in your garden.
  
  

A Garden for the Cats

• A separate bed of catnip and catmint will give cats a happy alternative to your vegetable garden and flowerbeds.
  
  

Toxic to Cats

• Although mothballs and mothball flakes are often used to keep cats away from gardens and bird feeders, they are toxic and can contaminate the soil. Stick with natural deterrents.