Best Cat Deterrents Reviewed & Rated for Efficacy
Ana Nodilo 
Cats are one of the most adorable and beloved in the animal kingdom and make fantastic pets and companions. However, they can be quite the trouble-makers with their tendency to chase after birds and ruin sofas and gardens. Luckily there are products you can use to deter cats and keep them away from potentially dangerous situations or harmful environments. Ultrasonic devices, for example, dispense a high frequency sound specific and pointedly irritating to cats. Others utilize chemical options such as methyl crystals or citronella oil both of which are quite disagreeable odors, at least to cats. With a multitude of conventional and unconventional methods at your disposal, it may be a challenge to select the right one for your specific need, so if you are looking to purchase one be sure to read on!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 3 hrs of research
Useable on any indoor surface
Easy to store
Multiple settings
Extended coverage
Product Support
Reputable brand
10 Best Cat Deterrent
1. PetSafe Indoor Training Mat
Useable on any indoor surface
Easy to store
Multiple settings
Extended coverage
Product Support
Reputable brand
May be incorrectly packaged
Shock can be delayed
The petsafe indoor training mat is ideal for training your cat to stay away from undesignated areas in your home and to track their progress.
This is a sensory device and it can assist in teaching your cat to keep clear of areas such as window sills and countertops. It has a built-in sensor so you can track your pet’s progress during training and see exactly how many times they have tried to cross your designated barrier.
Effectiveness
This device dispurses a static pulse that will shock cats as a means of deterring them. It has a low setting as well as a medium and a high setting. This makes it effective on any sized cat. It is versatile enough to be used on a number of different surfaces. This enables you to position it at different locations within your home.
Ease of Use
This mat is made of a durable but flexible material that can be rolled up into a ball making it easy to store. It also has a removable battery back so you can easily clean the device at your convenience. It also has separately sold extensions that allow you the preference of extending your undesignated area.
Cost and Value
This cat mat has a low cost and a product service available from Monday through to Saturday with customer care experts available to serve you at any point of need.
2. Wikoo Solar Powered
Motion detection of up to 3 feet
Adjustable vertical settings
Adjustable horizontal settings
Safe unscented spray
Over 80 uses per canister
High price range
May not contain spray volume advertised
The Wikoo Solar Powered Animal Repeller is a great addition for any avid gardener looking to protect their precious fruits and vegetables from many different types of animal visitors. Though we are focusing solely on how to deter cats with this buying guide today, buyers will find that this repellent also works to repel birds, deer, squirrels and raccoons.
Motion Activated
This product is equipped with a PIR motion sensor that will detect any movement that is within a 110-degree arc of the device.
Ultrasonic Sound
This device emits an ultrasonic sonic sound coupled with flashing LED lights that work in combination to deter pests from your yard and garden. The sound and lights begin to be emitted when the motion acivator is tripped.
Cost and Value
This product is moderately priced for the benefits that you will receive from using it. With an incredible five star rating on Amazon at time of writing, you will find that the value far outweighs any costs associated with this product.
3. Bitter Chewing Lemon Spray
Non-toxic
Safe on almost every surface
Can be used in and around the home
Environmentally friendly
Easy application
The formula may not be as potent as advertised
May be eaten by pet
This bitter lemon spray is a non-toxic spray that will discourage your cat from biting and chewing items in and around the house
This spray is designed to prevent your cat from chewing and biting furniture and other items you have in and around your home. It can be used on a number of surfaces including wood, leather, carpet, and marble. It can even be used on plants. Natural ingredients such as lemon make this item safe for pets.
Bitter Taste
Bitter lemon spray creates a bitter taste that is effective in repelling pets and keeping them away from undesignated areas. Its formula is a blend of natural bitters and lemon extracts. This helps to prevent allergic reactions that can typically occur with the use of chemicals.
Ease to Use
Simply spraying on the surface of an item is sufficient for training. No added discipline is necessary as the taste will train your pet to avoid chewing and biting on undesignated items around the house.
Cost and value
The price range of this item is very low and it is also safe for the environment.
4. PetSafe Motion Activated
Motion activated
Adjustable vertical settings
Adjustable horizontal settings
Customer service
Manufacturer warranty
Sensor may malfunction
May be harmful if inhaled
The PetSafe motion activated spray is a safe, unscented spray that is designed to keep your pet away from undesignated areas in and around your home.
This product releases an automatic spray that is meant to repel cats and keep them away from areas that are designated off-limits to them. The spray is harmless, unscented, and does not leave a stain. You can effectively keep your pet off of your countertops, away from your garbage bins and avoid the destroying your furniture with this small yet effective device.
Motion Activated
Although the spray is harmless is will be immensely irritating to your cat. As soon as their movement toward an undesignated area is detected the will receive an automatic spray that warns them to keep away. The device is operable from up to three feet away and is equipped with adjustable settings.
Battery Operated
The device is battery operated and the canisters can be easily replaced. It is lightweight and can be used in multiple places in and around your home. Motion activation means training can continue with or without you being present, making it consistent and reliable.
Cost and Value
The price range of this item is moderately high however customer service is available to consumers 6 out of 7 days of the week via phone or email.
5. SENTRY Stop That!
Noise emitter
Pheromone dispersal
Lavender chamomile scent
Patent pending technology
Harmless to cat
May not be effective for sensitive cats
The scent may not be as pleasing as advertised
The Sentry Stop That spray is ideal for behavior modification as it uses both noise and pheromone technology.
Stop that from Sentry is a behavior correction spray for cats. Not only does it use noise but it releases a pheromone that can calm your pet and help it to refocus. The mist is very effective in modifying your pet’s behavior and can encourage it to refrain negative habits.
Pheromone Technology
The noise alone as a deterrent can see your cat returning to previous behaviors once conditions change however coupling the noise with pheromone technology is longer lasting and proven effective in modifying negative behaviors and habits.
Strong Spray Burst
The spray is dispersed manually which allows you to correct your pet as soon as the infringement occurs. The canister is pressurized which allows for a strong burst of spray that can reach between 12 inches to 18 inches away.
Cost and Value
Very low price range and features a lavender chamomile scent.
6. Sofisti-Cat Tape
Double-sided adhesive
Generously sized sheets
5 sheets per pack
Money back guarantee
Can be used on any fabric
Some sheets may be defective
The cat may start licking or eating the tape
The cat scratching deterrent tape will assist you to teach your cat, not to scratch surfaces such as carpets and sofas.
Cats despise sticky surfaces and this double-sided adhesive is a great option for teaching your cat exactly where they are not to scratch. This product can be applied to any fabric surface and is proven to get results. The adhesive sheets can then be removed once the right behavior has been learned.
Interior Protection
This tape is specially designed to protect areas such as sofas, drapes, and carpets. The sticky surface is a great deterrent for your cat. It is completely transparent so your cat won’t be able to tell it’s there except by touch.
Won't Destroy Furniture
It sticks easily to fabrics but is gentle enough not to destroy them when the adhesive is removed. Each sheet is 12 inches by 14 inches and can be cut to suit your designated area.
Cost and Value
This is a very low price range item and it comes with a 100% money back guarantee. If you have any problems with the product you can return it and be refunded without any questions or queries.
7. Mindful Pets Spray
All natural solution
Effectively tested performance
100% money back guarantee
Very low price range
The scent may not be long lasting
Spray nozzle may be defective
This cat deterrent spray is effective at preventing your cat from scratching and destroying furniture and other items around the home.
The mindful pets anti-scratch deterrent spray is formulated with unique additives that give off a scent that would be absolutely repulsive to your pet. You can spray the solution on almost any surface including furniture, flooring, and walls. Your pet is unlikely to return due to the repulsive smell of this product.
Specially Formulated Formula
With the lack of a scratching post, it is easy for your cat to find an unwanted location within your home to claw at. The specially formulated formula contained in this anti-scratch deterrent lets off a smell so irritating it is tested effective in repelling them from undesignated areas within your home.
All-Natural
Simply spray the contents on surfaces such as furniture, drapes, floors and even walls and your pet is unlikely to return to the treated area. The formula is all natural making it safe to be used around pets and humans.
Cost and Value
This product has a very low price range and it is backed by a 100% money back guarantee.
8. Homarden Garden Mats
Harmless plastic spikes
Flexible material
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Covers up to 9 feet of surface area
Effective with variously sized pets
May not function as advertised.
May not met required surface area needs
Homarden garden cat mats are perfect at preventing cats from digging through your garden.
This item features a smartly crafted barrier of plastic spikes. It is perfect at preventing cats from digging through your garden, scraping at your vehicle and mounting your countertops. It can be used indoors or outdoors. It can even be wrapped around trees or table legs to discourage climbing.
Harmless
This scatmat features a bed of harmless plastic spikes that are effective at keeping cats away from a designated area. It can be used indoors on counter tops and furniture. It is also flexible enough to be wrapped around any surface to discourage climbing.
Versatility
It is versatile enough to be used in multiple areas in and around the house. Each pack contains 6 strips that are 19.25 inches long and 5.5 inches wide. This allows you to cover large surface areas at a time.
Cost and Value
This item has a low price range and can be used with a variety of different sized pets
9. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co Spray
Alcohol-free
Bitter formula
Tea tree oil
Safe on furniture
Money back guarantee
May not work as effectively as advertised
May have an unpleasant smell
The Rocco & Roxie anti-chew repellent is designed to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of pets to discourage them from licking, chewing and biting
This spray has an extremely bitter taste your cat will abhor. It is designed to be sprayed on the surface of beds, sofas, drapes or any other surface your pet just loves to lick, chew and bite into. It also contains tea tree oil so it can also be placed on wounds and bandages.
Bitter Tasting
The extreme bitter taste of this anti-chew formula is effective in preventing your cat from licking, chewing and biting into your belongings in and around the home. It also contains tea tree which has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it great for wounds and bandages as your pet will be discouraged from tampering with them so injuries can heal properly.
Simple to Use
A simple shake is all that is required to prepare this item for use. It can then be sprayed on almost any surface.
Cost and Value
This product has a low price range and also features a 100% money back guarantee.
10. Bonide Cat Repellent
Made from natural ingredients
Highly concentrated
Non-toxic
Can be used in and around the home
Has a barely average general rating from consumers
May not retain its potent smell
The Bonide Cat Repellent features all natural ingredients and is designed to deter cats from entering undesignated areas.
This product is ideal for repelling cats. It contains white pepper, cinnamon oil, and thyme oil. These are all natural ingredients that are highly effective as cat deterrents. The contents are highly concentrated and help pets to avoid digging and urinating in undesignated areas.
Non-Toxic
Pets have a sensitive nose that is highly irritated by the chili smell of the white pepper. Cinnamon is non-toxic but it is not comfortably digested by cats and other pets. They will likely avoid anything containing this food. Herbs such as thyme are also scientifically tested and approved as effective repellents for a variety of animals including cats.
Natural Ingredients
Contents can be placed in any well ventilated are in and around the home. It can be left in the area to deter cats and barriers should be replaced or renewed as is necessary. Simply wash hands after each use.
Cost and Value
This item has a very low price range and comes with an instruction manual that outlines uses and best practices for utilizing the product.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Portability
One of the main reasons a pet owner would use a deterrent for their pet is to prevent them from chewing and clawing at furniture and other valuables around the home. It is natural for pets such as cats to claw at the items, especially in the absence of a scratching post. Portability refers to the ease of removing and or carrying an item around. This feature is useful in cat deterrents for a number of reasons. The first and most important reason is that cats are very intelligent creatures. If they are unsuccessful in one area of the house, it is likely they will try another.
Utilizing a deterrent that can be easily moved around will increase your coverage area and therefore prove more effective in training away the bad habit of your cat scratching and biting at areas within your home that they ought not. This makes items such as sprays and sticky strips highly effective. Odor produces, although they cannot be moved away from the location at which they are set, they can be placed in multiple locations in and around your home and therefore also have a high level of “portability”.
Effectiveness
This is a measure of how successful anything is at the job it was designed to do. This is an important feature when it comes to cat deterrents. Cats scratch for a number of reasons and one of them is not to drive you insane. It helps them to remove dead cells from their claws, mark their territory and stretch their muscles. It’s an instinct and no amount of training can remove that. You can, however, train them on where they can scratch. In order for this training to be effective, your method must be reliable and the product has to do what it was designed to at every instance of use.
Inconsistent training can confuse a cat leaving both you and your pet frustrated and uncomfortable. Air canisters and ultrasonic devices tend to have sensors attached to them that automatically disperses the deterrent. These are highly effective as they can instantly and decisively correct wrong or inappropriate behavior exhibited by your pet. It also offers the added benefit of operating ideally with or without your presence and supervision. Odor crystals and sprays are also a great choice as many of them can be left on a surface to ensure your pet adheres to instructions and does not enter an undesignated area.
Adjustability
Cats come in many shapes and sizes. Due to this fact it is likely that what works well for one sized animal may not be as effective on a pet of another size. Some deterrents have a high level of adjustability while others may be lacking in this vital area. Spray canisters top the list with adjustability. Their attached sensors do not usually exceed 3 feet however, their spray zone can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. This is great when accounting for size. The aim is to startle your pet so they avoid the area. If the dispersal is not within eye view it becomes ineffective.
Deterrents such as sprays, sticky pads, and odor crystals are not as adjustable and can, therefore, prove ineffective over time. These products can lose their potency and therefore must be replaced on a regular basis in order for training to be effective. Although scents included in these solutions may be offensive to pets, over time they can become accustomed to the smell rendering it ineffective. The initial concentration of the product cannot be adjusted, so if the current potency proves ineffective on your pet, there is no longer a way to utilize the product.
Ease of Use
This is vital when it comes to using any item. Training, in particular, is an area where quick and easy is very important. When training your pet you need to be able to discipline for unwanted behavior immediately. Waiting until after the event occurs will send mixed signals to your pet and make your method of training highly ineffective. Choosing a deterrent that takes a long period of time to find or must be used or set up with your supervision may make training ineffective.
Ultrasonic devices, air dispensing canisters, sticky pads and leave on sprays are all great choices for easy to use deterrents. Many only require an initial set up. They can then be transported to any area inside or around your home that becomes an area of concern. Sprays that must be used by the owner at the time of an incident may prove ineffective in their purpose as spraying technique can be inconsistent, you may not always be present at the time of your pet’s transgression or even worse, the nozzle of these items can be defective rendering it unusable. Selecting the right tool, therefore, is necessary for the training of your pet to be most effective.
Brand
The PetSafe brand has been in existence for over 25 years. They are one of the largest manufacturers of pet training products in the United States of America. They operate in over 50 countries worldwide and have a reputation for quality. Their products are tested by professionals and pet owners alike and they consistently receive positive reviews on their product lines. Their parent company also owns a number of global reputable brands such as Invisible Fence, Sport DOG, Drinkwell and Innotek. Their values of honesty, solution seeking, and improvement keep them at the top of the pack as one of the leaders in this industry.
The Sentry brand markets an extensive catalog of products for cats. From behavior modifiers to dental care. They even cater to fleas ticks and other health care requirements for pets. Their line also features treats and chews. They utilize avenues such as pheromone therapy and even provide tips and tricks on their website for pet owners, to assist them in training and getting rid of bad or unwanted behaviors and habits. They have categorized their products into a chart that tells you the ideal method to use for each habit you wish to wean your pet off of. This is a great guide that helps pet owners get the best out of what Sentry has to offer.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Effectiveness Ease of Use Portability Adjustability Brand
While we think that the products found on our top ten list are great additions to your repertoire, there are some natural ways you can attempt to deter cats from your yard. Scattering orange or lemon peels in your garden or area you wish to protect has been proven effective in turning away cats. They dislike the scent of citrus. Lemongrass and lavender are other scents that deter cats. Planting rue or sprinkling the dried herb can help as well. You can use these natural methods in conjunction with the products on our list for ultimate effectiveness.
Sometimes trying to deter the neighborhood cats from our yard and gardens can seem to be a fruitless task. They are persistent little buggers. But there are plenty of reasons why you need to stand your ground when it comes to deterring these feline foes from your yard and especially from your garden. Cat feces can contain the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis which can damage the brain, eyes and other organs and can prove to be deadly in pregnant women. Even just touching the soil that has been contaminated with cat feces can expose you to this parasite, so it's important that you always wear gloves when working in your garden.
Other Factors to Consider
Flexibility
Flexibility is a useful feature in a cat deterrent when using items such as indoor pet training mats and garden scat mats. Indoor pet training mats are made of flexible plastic this enables it to be adjusted easily to any space you want to remain off-limits to your pet. This includes small surface areas such as window sills and ledges. It can also be expanded to include a larger surface area like countertops. It can also be folded up to a quarter it’s size for easy and convenient storage.
Outdoor mats tend to be a much lighter however they are just as flexible. They can be laid down flat to protect places like gardens or certain areas surrounding your motor vehicle. They can also be twisted around trees and the legs of indoor furniture to discourage climbing and other unwanted habits of your pet.
Motion Control
This is a great feature to have in a cat deterrent. Ultrasonic and automatic dispersal units all utilize this. This makes them a highly effective and reliable tool for training your pet on a consistent and beneficial level. Some products utilize infrared technology. These are set to detect the natural body heat of pets such as cats. Once they have entered an undesignated area an unpleasurable noise is emitted from the device. There are other motion control units such as training mats that may release a static shock to warn pets to stay away from areas that are off limits. Air canisters also carry sensors that have a range up to at least 3 feet. These will then disperse a spray meant to startle your pet and train them to say away from the designated area.
Potency
This feature is applicable to deterrents such as sprays and odor crystals. Sprays are designed to have a bitter taste that is repulsive to pets. These generally include non-toxic, natural ingredients such as lemon and cinnamon. It may also feature herbs such as thyme. This ingredients are bitter to the taste and not digested well by your pet. They are likely to stay refrain from licking or chewing any object that has these ingredients.
Pets also have sensitive noses and deterrents containing things like white pepper is highly irritating to them. They are likely to avoid that smell at all costs. These products tend to be highly concentrated and can be used in multiple areas of the house to highlight no entry points to your pet. They are very effective training methods and can be utilized safely.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility training mats top this category and effective cat deterrents. They can be manipulated to fit a multitude of different areas in and around your home. Garden mats can discourage a number of different habits such as digging, jumping and climbing in unwanted areas. Since they are effective for more than one training technique they are the most versatile. Sprays are also very versatile as they can be used on a variety of different surfaces. They can be used on fabric, wood, marble and also on walls and trees. Because they are just as effective on a number of different surfaces, they also make for very versatile training.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do you know the right setting to put on training mats and similar cat deterrents?
You can test the device on yourself first to ensure higher settings will not be harmful to your pet. If it is safe for you, it should be safe for your pet. A best practice would be to start on the lowest setting and see how your pet reacts to it and adjust according to need in the future.
q: Would my electronic device that emits a shock reset automatically after every trespass?
Yes, these devices will sustain a shock for up to 3 seconds and immediately reset.
q: Do sticky tapes work on fabric only or can it be used on other places around the house?
The adhesive is strong enough to be placed on wood, however it may cause damage when being removed. Caution should be exercised when administering the tape to surfaces not recommended on the packaging.
q: Can the garden mats be dismantled into smaller pieces?
This is only possible if you cut it yourself. Its durability allows it to be cut through using a knife or scissors. The downside to doing this is that you can damage the integrity of the product and it may not work as effectively.
q: Can pheromones help with feline aggression?
The pheromones tend to have a calming effect on most cats and many have shown a decrease in aggression, however, this was observed in cats with average temperaments. It is not advisable to start this type of training with a pet that is highly aggressive. Since this is not an automatic dispersal and must be administered manually. The loud noise and spraying can lead to irritation and can possibly provoke an attack. An alternative means of training is best when dealing with highly aggressive pets.
q: Do motion sensor deterrents work on cats only?
No, they will sense and react to any type of movement from any source. It is, therefore, necessary to be selective and specific when setting up your device to avoid any wastage.
q: Can my ultrasonic device be mistakenly triggered by my kids?
No it can’t. This and other similar devices that use infrared track heat signatures not motion. The body temperature of a cat is over 100 degrees celsius. The body temperature of a human is only 37 degrees celsius. Unless they apply an alternate heat source they will be unable to trigger the device. Animals with a similar heat range such as dogs are capable of triggering the device.
q: Are deterrent sprays safe to use with my cat
Yes many are non toxic and actually made with natural ingredients such as lemon, cinnamon, and thyme. These are non-toxic but will be an unpleasant taste to your pet and therefore discourage them from licking, chewing and eating your furniture and other personal effects. It is best practice to check the labeling to ensure there are no ingredients that can be overly harmful to your pet or that may produce an allergic reaction.
q: Are sprays safe to use on times such as extension cords?
Yes, they are. You can spray the solution on extension cords to discourage chewing and biting. No liquids should be sprayed into or onto active or inactive electrical sockets. As this can produce a fire and or electrical hazard. Instruction manuals contained in these products provide an extensive guide as to what surfaces the item would be most effective on.
