November 14, 2025, 2:11 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Stray cats in the flower bed, dogs in the front yard—a real nuisance for many garden owners. A quirky tip from the internet promises a solution with a simple household item. But what seems clever at first glance turns out to be questionable upon closer inspection. An expert has strong words about it.
Forks Against Cats in the Garden? Quirky “Tip” from the Internet
A supposedly simple trick against unwanted animal guests is circulating online: forks stuck into the ground with the tines facing up. These are supposed to deter cats or dogs from entering or digging in flower beds. For those concerned about aesthetics, clear plastic forks can be used—they are barely visible in the garden and thus less conspicuous.
NABU Expert: “Maybe Just a Bad Joke”
The German Nature Conservation Union (NABU) firmly rejects this suggestion. “We don’t know who came up with this ‘trick’ or with what intention it was launched,” says Helge May from the German Nature Conservation Union e.V. (NABU) in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. “Maybe just a bad joke.”
He considers the idea of using forks to drive away animals completely absurd: “It would be quite ridiculous to try to deter cats with forks stuck in the ground.” Whether alternative measures like plants, ground coverings, or acoustic means are helpful, he cannot judge. NABU itself sees no fundamental problem with cats in the garden.
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House Cats Hardly a Threat to Wildlife
“Locally, so-called free-roaming cats can indeed impact wildlife populations, such as birds or lizards,” May admits. However, these “house tigers” are mostly harmless. Free-roaming house cats with a permanent home usually hunt only out of boredom. “The bigger problem is feral house cats,” the NABU expert emphasizes. “They are forced to meet their nutritional needs almost entirely through hunting small animals, aside from human waste.”
To address the problem in the long term, NABU has long advocated for comprehensive measures: neutering or spaying feral animals and requiring neutering and identification for house cats with outdoor access.
Prefer Animal-Friendly Methods
Those still trying to keep their garden cat-free can opt for more animal-friendly measures. Certain plants, for example, can deter with their scent. Besides the so-called “Scaredy Cat Plant”, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass are also considered natural deterrents. Many animals find the strong scent unpleasant—humans generally do not. Alternatively, one can also try coffee grounds.
Not Everything Is Allowed
“According to conservation law, measures that can lead to injury or even death of an animal are prohibited. Anyone wishing to deter cats or dogs should always resort to safe and animal-friendly methods. And sticking forks in the garden, where animals might get hurt, certainly doesn’t count. Moreover, cats are smart enough to avoid the sharp tines.”