Let’s talk about different effective ways of repelling outdoor cats around your neighborhood or home.
There are different reasons you should keep cats away from home, but for whichever reason, you should ensure that it is done in a humane way or approach.
In this post, I’ll be sharing some effective ways of repelling outdoor cats from your home.
Keep reading to find out more…
How To Repel Outdoor Cats
If you’re looking to repel outdoor cats from your property, you can use natural deterrents like citrus peels or coffee grounds, as cats dislike these smells.
Another approach is to install motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices, which can startle cats and discourage them from coming near.
You should also create physical barriers like fences or mesh can help keep cats out of specific areas.
You should remember to be mindful of local regulations and choose humane methods that won’t harm the cats.
Let’s break it down for a better understanding…
Effective Ways of Repelling Outdoor Cats
Based on the information I gathered from my friends who own cats in my Facebook group and the information online, here are some of the most effective ways of repelling outdoor cats:
1. Scatter citrus peels around your house
Cats have a strong aversion to the smell of citrus, making this a natural and safe way to repel them.
The scent of the citrus peels acts as a deterrent, deterring cats from entering your property.
To achieve this, you should follow these steps:
Step 1: To achieve this, you should enjoy some citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits.
Step 2: Once you have savored the juicy goodness, save the peels.
Step 3: Then you should cut the peels into small pieces or strips.
Step 4: Scatter the citrus peels strategically around your house, focusing on areas where cats tend to frequent, such as near flowerbeds or entry points.
Step 5: You should replace the peels every few days to maintain the scent and effectiveness.
Related: Different dangers outdoor cats face regularly.
2. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your house
Coffee grounds have a strong smell that cats find unpleasant, and this can help in repelling outdoor cats.
By sprinkling them around your property, you create a barrier that cats are less likely to cross.
Additionally, the coffee grounds act as a natural fertilizer, benefiting your plants.
To achieve this, you should take the following steps:
Step 1: After brewing your morning coffee, don’t throw away the used coffee grounds.
Step 2: You should ensure you allow the coffee grounds to dry out completely.
Step 3: Then you should sprinkle the dried coffee grounds around areas where cats tend to gather, such as near flower beds, around garbage cans, or along fences.
Step 4: Make sure you reapply the coffee grounds every few weeks or after rain to maintain their effectiveness.
3. Install motion-activated sprinklers around your house
Cats are startled by sudden bursts of water, and the motion-activated sprinklers deliver just that.
When a cat approaches your property, the sensors detect its movement and trigger the sprinklers, scaring the cat away.
This method not only repels cats but also helps keep your garden hydrated.
To achieve this, you should take the following steps:
Step 1: To do this, you should purchase motion-activated sprinklers from your local garden or home improvement store.
Step 2: Choose the areas where you want to install the sprinklers, ensuring they cover the desired range.
Step 3: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the motion-activated sprinklers. This typically involves connecting them to a water source, adjusting the range and sensitivity, and positioning them correctly.
Step 4: Test the sprinklers to ensure they activate when motion is detected.
Step 5: Leave the sprinklers on during times when cats are most likely to visit your property, such as at night or early morning.
4. Install a fence with pointy tops or attach chicken wire
Cats are agile climbers, and the presence of pointy tops or chicken wire makes it difficult for them to navigate and access your property.
This method acts as a physical barrier, preventing cats from entering your space.
To install a fence with pointy tops or attach chicken wire, here are some steps to take:
Step 1: To start you should assess the perimeter of your property to determine where the fence needs reinforcement.
Step 2: You should purchase fence toppers with pointy spikes or chicken wire from your local hardware store.
Step 3: If using fence toppers, carefully attach them to the top of your existing fence, ensuring they are securely fixed.
Step 4: If using chicken wire, you should attach it to the lower part of your fence, extending it a few feet above the ground.
Step 5: Finally, you should make sure there are no gaps or loose areas where cats can squeeze through or climb over.
5. Install an ultrasonic animal repellent
Ultrasonic animal repellents emit high-frequency sounds that cats find uncomfortable, discouraging them from coming near your property.
This method is safe and effective, providing a hassle-free way to repel outdoor cats.
Here’s how it can be done:
Step 1: To start you should purchase an ultrasonic animal-repellent device from a reputable retailer.
Step 2: You should try to determine the areas where cats frequently visit or enter your property.
Step 3: Install the repellent device following the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it is positioned correctly.
Step 4: Activate the ultrasonic repellent, which emits high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans.
Step 5: Regularly check and replace batteries as needed to ensure continuous operation.
6. Keep trash secure indoors and clean up food scraps
Based on the information I gathered, most outdoor cats are often drawn to properties with easily accessible food sources.
By securing trash indoors and promptly cleaning up food scraps, you eliminate their attraction to your property.
Additionally, removing potential hiding spots reduces the appeal of your space as a shelter.
To keep trash secure indoors and clean up food scraps to repelling outdoor cats, here are some steps to take:
Step 1: To start, you should store all trash securely indoors in lidded containers.
Step 2: You should avoid leaving pet food or other enticing food sources accessible outside.
Step 3: You should clean up any food scraps or spills promptly, ensuring there are no lingering scents that can attract cats.
Step 4: Remove any potential hiding spots or shelter opportunities, such as piles of leaves or open sheds.
Step 5: You should regularly inspect your property for any potential sources of food or shelter and address them promptly.
7. Removing all feces from the yard and adding baking soda to the soil
Most cats are less likely to revisit areas where their feces have been removed and where baking soda is present.
The baking soda helps neutralize odors and changes the scent of the soil, making it less attractive to cats.
To remove all feces from the yard and add baking soda to the soil, here are some steps to take:
Step 1: To start, you should put on a pair of gloves and gather all cat feces in your yard using a scooper or plastic bag.
Step 2: You should dispose of the feces in a sealed bag or in your regular trash bin.
Step 3: Then you should sprinkle baking soda generously over the areas where the feces were located.
Step 4: You can use a rake or garden tool to gently work the baking soda into the soil.
Step 5: Repeat this process regularly, especially after rain or whenever new feces appear.
8. Straight or diluted vinegar can be sprayed around your house
Cats dislike the strong smell of vinegar, making it an effective deterrent and a great way of repelling outdoor cats from your home.
This scent will discourage cats from approaching your house or marking their territory in those areas.
Straight or diluted vinegar can be sprayed around your house, here are some steps to take:
Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with either straight vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts).
Step 2: Identify areas around your house where cats tend to frequent, such as entryways or garden beds.
Step 3: Spray the vinegar solution onto these areas, ensuring a thorough coverage.
Step 4: You should repeat this process every few days or after rain to maintain the scent.
Related: Why cats hang around your house.
9. Regularly cleaning up any signs of cat presence
You should regularly clean and eliminate the scent markings left behind by previous cats, making your yard less appealing to them.
By removing these signs, you reduce the likelihood of the cats or other cats returning to your property.
To regularly clean up any signs of cat presence, here are some steps you should take:
Step 1: You should inspect your yard for any signs of cat presence, such as scratched surfaces, urine markings, or disturbed soil.
Step 2: If you find any signs, you should use a mild detergent or pet-friendly cleaning solution to clean the affected areas.
Step 3: Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any residue and odors.
Step 4: I recommend you repeat this process as needed to ensure your yard remains free of lingering scents that may attract cats.
Related: Scents cats hate.
10. Use essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus
Cats are sensitive to certain scents, and the strong aroma of these essential oils acts as a repellent.
The scent will discourage cats from approaching your property or marking their territory in those areas.
To use essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus, here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: I recommend you choose an essential oil known to repel cats, such as lemongrass, lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus.
Step 2: Then you should dilute the essential oil with water or carrier oil according to the instructions on the bottle.
Step 3: You should then fill a spray bottle with the diluted essential oil mixture.
Step 4: You should go and identify areas where cats tend to visit or enter your property, such as garden beds or entryways.
Step 5: Then spray the diluted essential oil mixture onto these areas, ensuring thorough coverage.
Step 6: You should make sure you reapply the mixture every few days or after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.
Related: Signs a stray cat likes you.
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’re looking to repel outdoor cats from your property, there are several effective methods to consider.
Using natural deterrents like citrus peels, and vinegar, or planting certain plants can help keep them away.
Additionally, setting up motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices can provide long-term solutions for deterring unwanted feline visitors.
