How to Repel Cats From a Rug

When your cat starts to urinate on your favorite rug or use it as a scratching pad, you need to prevent the cat from getting to it. Sometimes a cat will urinate on a rug due to the scent of the non-skid backing or scratch at it because of its texture, according to Fanciers.com. If you cannot physically block the cat from the rug by closing a door or using a gate to prevent its access, use natural, harmless deterrents to discourage the cat from getting to the rug.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet deterrent mat
  • Double-sided tape
  • Thin baking pans
  • Empty soda cans
  • String
  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 1 cup water
  • Empty spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a pet deterrent mat that emits a harmless, small electrical charge when the cat walks on it, similar to a static charge. These flexible mats use a 9 volt battery to power them. When the cat walks on the mat, it will activate the charge to repel the cat from the rug. You can use these mats safely around children and other pets.

    • 2

      Cover the rug in double-sided tape to discourage the cat from walking or eliminating on it. Cats do not like the sticky feel of the tape on their paws and will avoid surfaces covered in the tape.

    • 3

      Place thin baking pans filled with water over the rug. If the cat tries to walk on the rug, it will get its paws wet by walking in the water, discouraging it from coming back to the rug, recommends "The Everything Cat Book." After a few weeks of using this deterrent, you can remove the pans from the rug when your cat consistently avoids the rug.

    • 4

      Tie empty soda cans together loosely with string by looping the string through the pull tabs of the cans. Leave a few inches of string between cans and place them around and on the rug. If the cat approaches the rug, it will disturb the soda cans make a loud sound if they fall into each other, scaring the cat away.

    • 5

      Spray the rug with a mixture of eucalyptus oil and water. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 1 cup of water, pour it into an empty spray bottle, and spritz it on the rug daily. Cats do not like the strong scent of eucalyptus and will avoid the area, according to "Cat Lover's Daily Companion."