Cat Repellent Tips

Not everyone wants stray cats running through their yards. Stray cats can spread diseases to pets and to humans, as well. Cats can give a host of diseases to other cats by getting into fights and defecating in your yard. In fact, if the stray has parasites, they can also be transmitted to your other pets and you. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways you can repel cats from your home.

  1. Ammonia

    • Cats will often spray and urinate in your yard as a way of marking their territory. When other cats smell this distinct scent—which smells like ammonia—they know that another cat has claimed it as its own and stay away. Therefore, take a cue from the cat and claim your yard as your territory by using ammonia. Spray the ammonia around your home or the area you want the cat to stay out of, suggests the Gardening Know How website. When a cat smells the ammonia, it will think another cat has been there already and will likely stay away.

    Chicken Wire

    • Cats will often eliminate in garden areas and other spots where there is soil. To prevent this, lay chicken wire on the area. Most cats will not like walking on the wire, and it also prevents them from being able to scratch or dig. Be sure to remove any feces that the cat has left, as this can encourage it to continually come back.

    Citrus Scents

    • Most cats do not like the way citrus smells. Use this against them by placing these scents around the perimeter of your yard or areas you want them to stay out of, recommends the Alley Cat Allies cat rescue. Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels around your yard, or purchase a citrus spray and apply it to the areas you want the cat to stay away from. In addition, coffee grounds, lavender oil, pipe tobacco, lemongrass, and citronella also work well at keeping cats away.

    Animal Repellent

    • The Alley Cat Allies rescue also suggests using animal repellents to keep the cats away. Animal repellent—which is available at most pet stores—can be applied to your yard, fences and other popular cat areas to keep them away. In addition, motion-activated sprinklers also work well to discourage cats from entering your property. Once the sprinkler detects the cat, it shoots water at it, which not only gets the cat out of your yard, but will likely prevent its return, as well.