What could be more alive than a garden? Trees, shrubs, and flowers attract, feed and house birds, bugs, and butterflies. The soil teems with earthworms, insects, and millions of microscopic critters. All find a place of rest and refuge in the green paradise you’ve helped create. Surely, your house pets should be invited to share this special place.
But what about the cat that defecates in the dahlias, the dog that digs your newly-planted bulbs? Pets can be a pain in the Asplenium, but there are safe, humane measures you can take to minimize problems they may create in the garden.
For dogs, obedience training is a must. If your dog doesn’t heed the most basic commands, your efforts to maintain a garden will be wasted. Your dog cannot be expected to stay out of the roses if he doesn’t understand what “Off” or “No” means. I’m certainly not a dog expert, but I live with two smart and lovable canines (and four felines). Fortunately, Judah and Emma were well trained before I began gardening here. The only time they get in trouble is when a curve ball lands in the perennial bed. You can hardly blame an exuberant doggy for human error!
Delineate areas that are off limits to the dog. A low shrub border or knee-high fence will help him understand where he may or may not go.
Conversely, create a dog-friendly area where Butch or Princess can dig, roll and run. Even if your garden is small, there’s usually a place out of public view, such as a side yard or behind tall shrubs, where your dog can play. This is also a good spot for a doggy toilet. Teach him to “go” on a special area of gravel or wood chips. It will be more sanitary and easier for you to clean than the flowerbeds or the lawn, which can be damaged by urine.
Speaking of lawns, if you have a large dog or multiple dogs, consider seeding a playground mix that can take a lot of roughhousing from dogs and children alike. Avoid delicate plantings in areas where your pet is prone to frolic. If your flowerbeds are densely planted, they’ll be less inviting for canine exploration. You’ll also have better moisture retention and fewer weeds.
Cats present a different set of problems. Like dogs, they dig, but instead of digging for fun, they seek soft, dry earth in which to eliminate. Even the staunchest cat fancier is put off by a smelly surprise in the topsoil.
For centuries, gardeners have used everything from cayenne to coyote urine to prevent cats from creating faux pas in the flowers. Since this is natural feline behavior, you may have varying degrees of success. Commercial repellants work with some cats and not others. I’ve heard of sprinkling flowerbeds with cut-up branches of thorny roses, but this will deter gardeners as well as cats. Cats supposedly dislike digging in cocoa mulch, but that hasn’t been my experience. Placing pieces of chicken wire just under topsoil or mulch does work, but the gardener must remember it’s there!
Another habit that comes natural to cats is killing. Face it: felines are predators. What cat owner has not opened the front door to be proudly presented with a beheaded mouse? But what really bothers most gardeners is when cats kill birds. Many of us have birdbaths and feeders to attract feathered friends. So when kitty catches a bird, there’s dismay and even guilt on the part of the gardener.
There are several things you can do to make it more difficult for your cat (or your neighbor’s cat) to kill birds. Place your birdfeeder at least five feet off the ground and a minimum of 10 to 12 feet from shrubs, where birds can take cover from airborne predators such as sharp-shinned hawks. The area under the feeder should be open, so cats can’t hide and stalk. If the feeder pole is wooden, cover it with PVC pipe, or better yet, use a steel pole so it can’t be climbed. I’ve read that smearing the base of the pole with a mixture of petroleum jelly and hot pepper sauce will deter cats. The theory is that they get the stuff on their paws, lick it off, and Yow!
Keeping kitty indoors with a litter box is the ultimate solution to protecting birds, maintaining your garden, good neighborly relations, and your cat’s nine lives. This is especially important in our area, where coyotes, eagles and owls abound.
If you have more tips on making the garden a Peaceable Kingdom for pets and owners alike, please share!
Mariana Graham is an Island County Master Gardener who lives and works at Flying Frog Gardens near Deception Pass. Email her at frogardn@
whidbey.net.
