Cats can be a real problem for pond owners.
Not only do they prey on your prized fish, they can also kill frogs, toads and lizards and damage the pond liner with their sharp claws.
Most domestic cats don’t like getting wet, so it’s rare that you’ll see a cat wading into a pond to catch a fish, but there are always exceptions.
Cats are interested in looking at the fish and some will wait at the edge of the pond for the fish to surface and then take a swipe at the fish with their claws.
Koi are generally too large for cats to scoop out of the water, but cats can inflict some nasty scratches to the fish that can become infected.
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My four rescue cats are former stray cats and their hunting instincts are still strong.
I often see them displaying predatory behaviour when they’re out in the backyard so I wouldn’t leave them alone with my pond full of fish.
If you’re having trouble with your own cats or neighbourhood cats stealing your fish, there are many ways to keep cats away from your pond.
Here are 7 of the best natural cat deterrents.
1. Install a pond cover
Pond covers
You can easily move the cover to the side when you want to feed the fish or clean the pond.
2. Use netting to cover the pond
Covering the pond with thick netting
When measuring your pond, add a couple of extra feet on each side to allow the netting to completely cover the whole pond area.
You can use metal pegs to stake the netting to stop cats getting underneath it to access the pond.
Chicken wire
When installing chicken wire it’s best if it’s raised one or two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) above the surface of the pond so that the fish can still come to the surface without injuring themselves.
3. Use sprinklers
A motion-activated sprinkler
After the cat has been sprayed with water a few times it should learn to stay away.
You could also try an ultrasonic pest repeller
The sounds emitted are inaudible to humans but intolerable for cats.
4. Water gun
If you see a cat near your pond you can use a long range water gun
You can also spray the cat with a hose if you’re fast enough.
5. Provide hiding spaces for fish
Shallow ponds mean that fish are easy pickings for cats and other predators, so it’s ideal if your fish pond is at least two feet deep to give the fish an opportunity to retreat to the deeper parts of the pond when a predator is near.
Some large flat rocks overhanging the edge of the pond or a fish cave
6. Use plants to help fish hide
Pond plants like water lettuce
The fish will still be able to come up to the surface in the middle of the pond where it’s safer.
7. Natural cat deterrents
Cats really dislike the smell of cayenne pepper and black pepper, so you can sprinkle these powders around the perimeter of the pond.
Just be careful that they don’t get washed into the pond after rainfall.
Cats don’t like the smell of citrus either, so you can leave some orange, lime or lemon peels around the pond area or sprinkle a few drops of citrus essential oil.
Planting lavender or lemon thyme near the pond will also help to keep cats away. [1]
So there are my tips for keeping cats away from your pond.
Hopefully these natural solutions will deter any problem cats so that your fish can live in peace.
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Have you tried any of these methods to keep cats away from your fish pond? Let me know in the comments below.
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