As cats mainly scrape their holes in areas of bare soil, make sure soil is covered with ground cover plants. And as they dislike wet soil, preferring loose, dry soil, water regularly used areas – and especially seedbeds.
Covering bare soil with thorny prunings may also deter them from scratching and digging.
Stout plastic or metal netting may be effective at keeping cats away from small areas within the garden.
Ultrasonic scaring devices that have an infrared detector and the ultrasound is tuned to the cats’ hearing range, are usually very effective.
Motion-activated water sprayers, which are connected to a hosepipe, may also be effective. They send out a burst of water accompanied by a hissing noise when activated by an animal walking past.
Plectranthus ornatus (Coleus canina), sometimes sold under the names of ‘Scaredy Cat’, is sometimes effective at deterring cats. It produces an unpleasant smell when touched. It is a half-hardy perennial and needs frost protection in autumn and winter.