Common Cat Repellents

Sprays and Pellets

The easiest method for repelling cats in the short term, these products can also be used to train pets. Dozens of different brands exist, so be sure to compare the labels to see which one best matches your needs. Some last up to 24 hours, others longer, and some can only be used outdoors. There are also a few organic sprays that contain all natural essential oils, and “Silent Roar” has pellets that contain real essence of lion dung.

Electronic Gadgets

As soon as the cat enters the radius of the electronic unit, it emits a high-pitched noise on a frequency above human hearing. It is a low enough frequency that it does not harm the cat (or any other animals/pets in the vicinity), but will startle it into fleeing. Some specific products for which to search include the “CatScram”, which covers an area up to 15 feet, and the Contech “CatStop”, which covers up to 330 square feet. If you still have problems, or a veritable horde of cats stalk your house, the Lentek “Yard Contro+” will do the trick. It uses not just audible sound but also a pulsing strobe light. It covers a 360-degree area with a 30-foot radius and is weatherproof. There are also some units that spray water from the garden hose instead of emitting a noise.

Renardine

Used for over 100 years, this liquid repellant contains about 30% bone oil. In addition to cats, it will also repel other common pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rabbits. Because it is a liquid it can wash away, so do not apply it directly to the ground. Soak twigs and sticks in it or mix it with sand and then spread it onto pathways. Putting the sand mixture in trays or an old gutter and then laying it around the area will work as well. Soaking old tea bags is a favorite trick, and these can be buried under freshly dug ground or strung on rope and run through a hedge. This same method with the rope can be used to prevent cats from climbing fences by stringing it up about 6-9 inches above the fence.

Be warned that Renardine will stain and has a very pungent scent, so be sure to wear gloves and clothes you do not mind throwing away afterwards, and do not put it on plants.

Home Remedies

If you are in a pinch, try some of these basic DIY tricks. If the area is small enough, put up a chicken wire fence that leans slightly in the direction the cat will approach from. To scare them out of the yard once they are in it, fill water bottles half-full and place them around the yard. This creates a reflective flashing of light that cats find very startling. In the same fashion, a wind-chime made of old CDs will create the same effect. Hang them over the flowerbeds or from posts and the bright reflections from the backs of the CDs will have the cats turning tail. A fake toy snake, a natural predator of cats, can be effective as well.

If, however, you have a cat that likes to flirt with danger, then it is time to bring out Mother Nature. A plant that has a scent naturally repellant to cats is Coleus Camina. Plant a few of those in the area and you will also take care of any fox and dog problems. And do not worry; humans cannot smell the plant unless it is touched.

Cats also dislike citrus smells, so peel some oranges and lemons and scatter the peels around the yard. Some other possible deterrents include coffee grounds, blood meal (found in many commercial plant fertilizers), cayenne pepper, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil (repels mosquitoes at the same time), peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil.

Bird Feeders

If the main problem is protecting a bird feeder, scatter thorns around the bottom. You can also attach a downward opening cone at the bottom to prevent the cat from climbing up. To really give the cat a challenge (that could also be fun to watch) rub Vaseline on the pole.