Having feral or outdoor cats roaming around your property can be a bit frustrating. It can also get out of hand if your dogs chase other animals or if they urinate in your garden.
Various methods can be used to keep cats away from your yard and garden. One of these is using moths. However, these are not the best options for cats, as they can be very harmful to felines.
There are also various humane ways to keep cats away from you, and mothballs are no longer the best option. This article aims to discuss the reasons why you should avoid using these products and the available alternatives.
Will Mothballs Keep Your Cats Away From Your Yard?
Yes, mothballs can repel cats. However, mothballs can be toxic to cats, and they can also be harmful. This is why it is not something we would recommend using.
Usually, keeping cats away from gardens is done by scattering mothballs. The pungent smell of these items can irritate felines, though not all of them will leave. Some cats will also play with the mothballs.
Cats exposed to toxic chemicals used to repel them will have serious health issues, such as liver and kidney damage. It is also dangerous to use these materials to repel your pets.
Does It Really Scare Them Away?
Although mothballs are commonly used to kill insects, some people have resorted to using them to scare away cats.
Although the mothball smell can be very strong, some cats will only become curious about it. This is because not all cats will react the same way to the scent. For instance, some cats will only smell the mothball and then play with it, while others will try and eat it.
It is very dangerous for cats to consume mothballs. The toxic effects of this substance can include kidney failure, vomiting, and liver damage. Although the symptoms of consumption do not appear immediately, they can only take a day to develop.
While it is important to repel cats, humane methods are also more effective at preventing them from playing in your yard. Various methods can be used to do so. In addition to being toxic to cats, mothball fumes can also harm people. This is why it is essential to avoid using it in your garden.
Why Mothballs Is Bad For Your Cat?
Because of their strong smell, cats do not like mothballs. They also contain harmful chemicals that can be harmful to humans and animals. Most moth balls are made from paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
Is Naphthalene Toxic?
In addition to being used as a pesticide, it can also be used to repel insects. Naphthalene mothballs are toxic and can cause illness. This is why it is crucial to avoid giving to your cat.
Naphthalenes are toxic and can be ingested, inhaled, or skin contact. They can cause anemia and the breakdown of red blood cells.
If a child or cat swallows a mothball, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. They can also experience kidney damage and liver failure.
Even after a mothball has dissolved, traces of naphthalene can still be found in your yard. This can also enter the soil and be absorbed by plants that may destroy them.
What About Paradichlorobenzene?
Paradichlorobenzene is a fumigant that can be harmful not only to humans but also to your cats. It can be ingested, inhaled, or skin-contacted. Similar to naphthalene, it can also cause liver damage.
Mothballs are known to have this chemical and cause various symptoms, such as nausea, anxiety, depression, and seizures. Humans and cats are also susceptible to experiencing these symptoms after being exposed to them. Since they can be dangerous to humans and animals, scattering them in your yard is very risky.
What Are The Alternatives To Avoid Using Mothballs In Your Garden?
Luckily, there are various ways to keep cats away from mothballs, but these are generally safer alternatives, and these can be used to keep kids and pets safe.
There are various ways to repel cats in your garden. One of the most effective ways is using something with a pungent smell. Cats have a natural sense of smell, and anything that smells powerful can be used to scare them away.
Put Foods with Unpleasant Smells
Cats also fear the smell of common food items, such as fruits and vegetables. In fact, they do not like the smell of coffee grounds, which is not safe to eat by felines.
Since cats do not like citrus, you can remove citrus peels from your home and put them in your yard. However, since these are not safe to eat, you might want to consider using a different deterrent.
Although cats do not like the fragrance of bananas, you can still place them in your yard. However, be careful not to let them get too close to your home to attract pests.
Also, you can add a few descents of pepper and curry to your garden to keep your cats away from certain areas, as these scents are not ideal for them. They need to be replenished regularly.
You Can Use a Commercial Repellent For Cats
In your local pet store or online retailer, you will often find cat repellents that are made with natural ingredients. Though efficacy varies depending on the cat, these products are safer alternatives to mothballs.
Put Some Mesh Covers Or Wire Fences Around Your Garden
Some people choose to build a cat-proof fence around their property. However, this can be very expensive. But, If you are worried about keeping felines out of your vegetable garden, you can use wire fencing. This type of fence has a mesh cover that can be used to keep them away.
These barriers can also help prevent rodents and other pests from entering a fenced area. They can additionally help cats get rid of their curiosity.
You Can Use Motion Activated Sprinklers
Sometimes, a surprise is all you need to scare away cats. This can be done by installing a motion-activated sprinkler in the area where the cats usually enter.
We all know that most cats do not like to get wet, and the combination of water and surprise can make it an unpleasant experience for them.
People often resort to using mothballs to repel their cats. However, since they are toxic, they should not be used. Some cats are known to get curious about moths and may end up consuming them. This can cause various health issues, such as kidney failure and vomiting.
You can also use various methods to repel cats, such as using strong scents such as garlic, vinegar, and pepper. You can also create a blend by adding these to water. For an even more effective solution, you can also place tea bags in bottles that have holes.
Conclusion
Although it is possible to keep cats out of your yard using a mothball, using it can have harmful consequences. They can contain toxic chemicals that can harm both pets and humans. It may also be possible to scare away felines; however, using mothballs can also expose your children and pets to harmful chemicals.
There are various ways to keep cats away from your garden, which can be done creatively. However, it is important to note that these options may require some creativity.
