what to look for in cat repellent
“Being the sensitive creatures that cats are, a mild deterrent is not only usually sufficient, but doesn’t need to be used for a long time due to its shallow learning curve,” feline behavior specialist mieshelle nagelschneider told the spruce pets. “A cat repellent should also be remote, so cat owners don’t get involved. we don’t want the cat to put up with the stress of its owner by discouraging it. Yelling at your cat or spraying it with a squirt gun can break the cat/human animal bond and increase stress, lead to aggression problems, create owner-absent behavior (i.e. scratching at your favorite chair when you’re not around), and even create new stress-related behaviors (like chewing on the wicker basket)”.
behavior
First clearly identify the behaviors you are trying to discourage. some products target just one or two of the unwanted behaviors, while others address all of them. Decide if you’re trying to avoid lying down, scratching, chewing, or spraying, then make sure the product specifically addresses that behavior.
Duct tape or protective plastic barriers may keep them from lying down and scratching, but they won’t help with spraying. sprays and pellets may contain foul-smelling ingredients to keep animals away from a particular area and/or contain bittering agents that will prevent them from being chewed. If the product label doesn’t mention the specific behavior you’re trying to prevent, keep looking for one that does.
location
First think about whether you need a product for indoors or outdoors, or one that can be used in both places. Some products can only be used indoors because they don’t hold up to the weather or rely on concentrated odor as a deterrent. others may need to be plugged into an electrical outlet or can only be used outdoors because the odor is unpleasant to humans or the ingredients are not appropriate for applying to furniture and fabrics.
Please read the label carefully before purchasing to ensure it is suitable for the surfaces you wish to protect. Any time you use a new product on objects such as furniture, painted surfaces, drapes, carpets, or decking, always spot test a small, unnoticeable area for stain and odor acceptability. If the area is adversely affected by the spray, you can apply it to a cloth or towel, allow it to dry, and then place it on the area you want to protect.
coverage area and application rate
Consider how much space you are trying to protect and whether you will need to treat the area just once, daily or weekly. Are you trying to keep feral cats from using your flowerbed as a litter box or are you just trying to keep your tenacious kitty away from your grandmother’s antique chair? Some cat repellents are designed to cover small areas, a few feet at most, while others can cover up to 3,000 square feet or more. some can be applied just once (completely), while others require multiple, consistent applications to really break the habit.
Many sprays and granules are sold in a variety of volumes and sizes, so check the label to make sure you’re getting enough product to ensure you can follow application recommendations to give yourself the best chance of success.
For large outdoor areas, consider motion or infrared-activated repellents that use sound, water, flashing lights, or a combination of all three. however, cats are crafty and can often figure out through trial and error where the edge of the hedge is. then they simply modify their route to avoid triggering sensors. To avoid this phenomenon, you may need to reposition or move the sensor regularly to keep the cat guessing.
why trust fir?
the spruce pets uses a combination of research, analysis and expert analysis to determine the best pet products in a wide range of categories. this article was written by lorraine wilde, who has had at least two cats and two dogs as companions in her home for the past 35 years. In researching these brands, Lorraine evaluated the type and health of the ingredients, application methods and product research and development, and the company’s business ethics. She drew on years of pet product experience, extensive research, and customer and expert reviews.
lorraine holds the highest standards for her pets and family, so she only included products that she would be willing to use in her own home.
He also has a BS in Biology and an MS in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Toxicology. Lorraine firmly believes that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally conscious choices to protect their pets, their families, and our planet.
cat behaviorist mieshelle nagelschneider of the cat behavior clinic is an oxford-trained certified cat behaviourist™ and a national geographic and discovery channel cat science author. she has 25 years of experience providing comprehensive behavioral care based on feline evolutionary biology. Nagelschneider is a pioneer in the specialty of cat behavior and has helped thousands of pet owners understand and solve problems related to cat aggression, urination, defecation, spraying, and vocalization.
