How to Keep Cats Out of the Dumpsters

Some cats are fond of dumpsters. This is especially true for hungry stray and feral cats looking for something to eat. Dumpsters outside of apartment buildings, supermarkets and restaurants are especially prone to cat problems. The cats open the garbage bags looking for food and leave behind a mess. But there is also a safety concern. Cats can get trapped in the dumpsters and then get hurt or even worse when the dumpster is emptied. But there are a few methods for repelling cats from dumpsters.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottles (2)
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon balm or lemongrass oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the lid to the dumpster closed at all times. Remind everyone who uses the dumpster to close the lid.

    • 2

      Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray a cat every time you see it near the dumpster. Over time the cat may realizes that the dumpster means getting wet. Cats hate water. This method only works when you are going to the dumpster to throw out garbage.

    • 3

      Fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Spray the vinegar around the dumpster. Cats hate the smell of vinegar so this is a natural cat repellent. Re-spray the dumpster every three to four days. Within this timeframe the vinegar evaporates.

    • 4

      Apply essential oils to the sides of the dumpster. Citrus smells also offend cats' sensitive olfactory sense. Lemon balm oil and lemongrass oil are two examples of citrus essential oil. The concentrated oil can last for one to three weeks.