Plants which discourage cats but aren't harmful to guinea pigs?

Jon880

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One of my neighbour's cats has developed a sudden fascination with my family, house and garden; for the last week they've started hanging around here constantly and even trying to get into the house whenever we open the front or back doors!

In the past I've shoo-ed cats away and used the ultrasonic repellent devices. But having had two rat infestations in our back garden over the last couple of years, I'm trying to strike a balance because obviously I want to deter the rats too. That said, I still need to keep cats away from the house and, when summer comes, away from our guinea pig run. So I'm thinking of adding a few deterrent plants to strategic areas in our back garden, particularly close to the house, and I need to make sure these can do the job without harming the guinea pigs.

I know lavender can be effective in deterring cats but is also an allergen for guinea pigs, so I guess that's ruled out. What about the 'scaredy cat plant'? Are there any other options? Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Actually guinea pigs can have lavender in small amounts, it's in the forage I give mine.
 
Apparently cats hate the smell of citrus. Throw some lemon or tangerine peels around the perimeter of your garden. It's non-toxic too. It stopped my neighbours' cats from pooping in my garden!
 
Apparently cats hate the smell of citrus. Throw some lemon or tangerine peels around the perimeter of your garden. It's non-toxic too. It stopped my neighbours' cats from pooping in my garden!
Thanks - I've been thinking of doing this - my only worry is whether the citrus smell will have any adverse effects on the guinea pigs? They're currently in the conservatory directly adjacent to the garden, and I want to discourage the cat from approaching the house so I'll have to put the peel very close to the house. I keep the trickle vents open so the guinea pigs can smell outside scents and hear what's happening outside, as well as for ventilation.
 
Thanks - I've been thinking of doing this - my only worry is whether the citrus smell will have any adverse effects on the guinea pigs? They're currently in the conservatory directly adjacent to the garden, and I want to discourage the cat from approaching the house so I'll have to put the peel very close to the house. I keep the trickle vents open so the guinea pigs can smell outside scents and hear what's happening outside, as well as for ventilation.
I very much doubt it. It's peel rather than a diffuser anyway.
 
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