Some cats are detered by the smell of citrus fruit.
You can use orange, or lemon peel.
I scatter a little lemon flavoured jello powder.
It does discourage squirrels and some cats.

Pepper tree was not the answer to keep the cats out. It was ground pepper sprinkled on/in the containers to keep the cats busy in sneezing and away. They learn to keep away. The pepper tree discussion was between Lynn and me.
Regards,
Masud.

Yes, I have used the ground pepper as a deterrent with very good results. The top of the soil needs to be on the dry side when you apply it. Try it before you get the new plant Hetty and see if it works for you.

I could send you a box of sweet gum balls - they work around hostas
for slugs and snails and would probably work in a double layer in a pot.

LM

Thank you. My DH and I planted the pot with a big Bromeliad that was in our yard - I'll post a picture tomorrow - and keeping my fingers crossed.....
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Can't wait to see the photos Hetty.

Lynn, did you enjoy the spectacular antics of your cats when they first came across the ground pepper. I enjoy the show, their behaviour is quite cute.
Regards,
Masud.

They quickly left the area sneezing and running. Sure didn't want to play in the area again.

So far so good, they are leaving it alone...

Wow, Hetty great choice. Can't wait to see it in bloom.

Yes, great choice but I think Lynn is talking about one plant in particular while I am talking about the complete picture gives me a few ideas. Are those palm trunks, must be generating a pleasant eco system as top canopy.
Regards,
Masud.

Yes Masud, they are palms (Adonidia merrillii) which are on the outside of our screen enclosure, as are the Crotons in the background. Inside I have a few more pots with spiky plants and hanging above it is a variegated Sweetheart Hoya.

Seashells can deter digging. My cats used to dig in the flower pots until I spread a layer of seashells on the top of the soil to deter them. I had a big collection of my own shells to use, but they're usually available in decent-sized bags at dollar stores or hobby shops.

zuzu said:Seashells can deter digging. My cats used to dig in the flower pots until I spread a layer of seashells on the top of the soil to deter them. I had a big collection of my own shells to use, but they're usually available in decent-sized bags at dollar stores or hobby shops.

--Or go out to the beach and pick up a bag full! Since you are in Naples, I know you can't be too far from the beach.

rocklady said:

--Or go out to the beach and pick up a bag full! Since you are in Naples, I know you can't be too far from the beach.

three blocks.....
At the moment there is no soil visible or touchable in this particular pot but I will remember this for future use!

zuzu have you ever been cut by the sea shells edge? I think pepper is still humane, cats get the peppery whiff and then the choice is theirs to sneeze.
Crotons?? I miss Crotons. You get fifteen feet Croton trees in the Far East(Bangladesh) stunning display. Must have plenty humidity sun is not that important, don't move them away from the swimming pool and do try to give it soil which you will find on a forest floor. Rich, moist and free draining. They absolutely hate frost.
Come to think of it, you seem to have tropical rain forest plants plus Aloe family. Manila Palm is also tropical. Is Florida tropical?

Todays banner Bougainvillae Pink Pearl. Not bad. What about the new multiple colour grafted Bougainvillae's. Each colour flowering at its appointed time.
Regards,
Masud.

Where Hetty lives it is very tropical. And beautiful.

In hind sight, let me make a observation about seashells. Seashells are composed of soft calcium carbonate. Alkaline soil loving plants they would be the ideal solution but if you are applying acetic acid, elemental sulfur or sulphates then they are acidic soil loving plants. Seashells and acid don't go together.
Lynn, Succulents, Semps, Sedums I think you should try crushed seashells coarse in the mix as an experiment.
Regards,
Masud.