Keeping Cats Away - 12 Natural Cat Repellent Tips and Recipes (2024)

I’ve discovered a superb way to keep cats away from areas in my home and garden using natural methods.

• I mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts.
• I fill a spray bottle with this mixture.
• I test the spray on a small area of fabric first.
• I spray the repellent where cats are unwelcome.
• I replace the vinegar with citrus oil mixed with water for a pleasant scent.

To keep cats out of my space using the apple cider vinegar and water mix, I start by grabbing a spray bottle and combining equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. This makes the preparation process really straightforward and economical. I make sure to test the repellent on a small piece of fabric to check it doesn’t stain.

Once I’m sure it’s safe, I lightly spray it around the areas where I want to deter cats. If I want a more pleasant scent, I replace the vinegar with citrus oil, such as orange or lemongrass, mixed with water, which also effectively repels cats with its strong smell. The beauty of this solution is that it’s quick to make, and I can use it generously in multiple locations.

Are you tired of the neighborhood cats using your flower beds as their litter box? Need a safe but effective way to protect certain areas of your home from indoor cats? Whether it’s indoor or outdoor cats causing your problems, we have a natural cat repellent for every situation.

Using homemade cat repellent offers a cat lover several natural and nontoxic methods to keep cats out of areas you deem off-limits. These natural home remedies won’t harm outdoor or indoor cats; they merely discourage them from returning. “I always remind people that consistency is key when using sprays to deter cats,” advises Madison Kerr, a seasoned authority on pest control.

Keeping Cats Out of My Yard

My DIY Cat Repellent Spray

Sometimes you need to keep a spray handy to deter cats from going where they shouldn’t. This DIY cat repellent spray discourages cats from returning to areas as it neutralizes the smells there. It’s important to note that before spraying on furniture you should test the spray on a small piece of fabric to ensure it doesn’t leave behind a stain.

Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the natural cat repellent on furniture or areas where you wish to prevent your cat from going.

Lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, or citronella oil can be used in place of the apple cider vinegar. All four of these essential oils make an excellent cat repellent. To substitute one of the essential oils mix 1 part oil to 3 parts water.

Using Tap Water Works for Me

One of the most natural ways to keep cats away from your house or from being in your yard is with plain old water. Most cats don’t like to get wet, which is why a spray bottle filled with tap water works well, both indoors and out.

Just fill the spray bottle and spray your cat when you catch them in areas you want to be off-limits. Consistency is vital with this homemade cat deterrent. One or two squirts should do the trick when training cats.

If you are out in the yard, you could also spray the cat with the water hose. The force of the water alone should be enough to keep cats away.

Keeping Cats off My Furniture and Countertops

Using aluminum foil or sandpaper helps keep your cat off furniture and countertops. Both of these options make the surface of these items uncomfortable to walk on.

Aluminum foil, sandpaper, and double-sided tape work as a natural cat repellent as they are unpleasant on your cat’s paws. Carpet runners flipped upside down also work to keep cats out of specific rooms.

String

String makes an excellent homemade cat repellent when appropriately used. Placing the line along the top of your wood or vinyl fence makes the fence uncomfortable for the cat to walk along or cross. Oil applied to the top of wire fences makes another great deterrent.

Motion Activated Sprinkler

One of the ways to keep cats out of your yard is with a motion activated sprinkler. The sprinkler is activated by a motion sensor when the cat gets to close. As the sprinkler is enabled, the cat is greeted with an alarm and a quick squirt of water.

My Ground Covers Prevent Cats

The last thing anybody wants is cat poop in their flower garden from stray cats. To keep cats out of your flower garden spread out mulch, pine cones, or gravel as cats will not walk on them due to their texture. Coffee grounds mixed with citrus peels works as well.

Using Plants as My Natural Cat Repellent

Certain plants when planted around your garden beds work as a repellent for cats because of their smell. Plants you can plant include Coleus canina, rue, or lavender. These plants can be along the border of your flower beds or intermixed throughout your garden.

Making My Citrus Scented Cat Repellent

Kitties have better-smelling abilities than humans, which makes them much more sensitive to strong scents, especially citrus based fragrances. Using citrus essential oils, such as orange, citronella, or lemongrass, repel cats naturally in indoor and outdoor areas.

Mix three parts waterto one part oil and shake well. Spray the areas you want your cats to avoid.

Cotton balls soaked in essential oils can also be placed in the areas you want to keep off limits. Never spray essential oils directly onto your cat, as the oils can be harmful when absorbed through their skin.

My Vinegar Cat Repellent

Vinegar cat repellent works both indoors and out to keep unwanted kitties away. The repellent can be sprayed directly on the area, or the spray can be applied to a cloth and wiped onto specific spots.

Inside a spray bottle mix together one part white vinegar and one part water. Swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients. Add one squirt of dish soap to the spray bottle. Close the spray bottle and shake well to combine the dish soap with the vinegar and water.

My Orange Peel Cat Repellent

Cats strongly dislike any citrus scents. This recipe calls for orange peel, but any combination of lemon, lime, orange, or tangerine peels will work.

Pour two cups water into a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add one cup orange peel and lower the heat. Allow water and orange peel to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes.

Pour mixture into a spray bottle, removing any large pieces of peel that will not fit into the container. Add two squirts of dish soap and lemon juice. Shake well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

My Garlic, Lemon, Pepper Cat Repellent Spray

This homemade cat repellent is safe to use on both outdoor and indoor plants. For different pleasing scents, you can substitute grapefruit, lime, or wild orange essential oil in place of the lemon. Black pepper can also be used instead of cayenne pepper.

Add cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and dry mustard to a 2-ounce spray bottle. Add the garlic clove and lemon essential oil. Gently swish the ingredients inside to combine. Fill with water and shake well to blend all ingredients.

My Simple Citrus Cat Repellent

Use equal parts orange juice and water to create a simple homemade cat repellent. Spray along windows, outdoor furniture, etc. to keep cats away. Orange juice, along with other citrus juices, can bleach fabrics so use with caution.

My Natural Cat Repellent Recipe

Natural Cat Repellent

Yield: 16 ounces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Deter cats the easy way!

Materials

• 1 drop dishwashing liquid
• 8 ounces water
• 8 ounces vinegar

Tools

• Measuring cup
• 24-ounce sprayer bottle

Instructions

1. Pour water and vinegar into the bottle and shake well.
2. Add the dish soap and shake gently.
3. Spray indoor or outdoor areas where you don't want cats.

Notes

This solution will deter a variety of insects and other critters.

We want to thank you for reading about our homemade repellents for indoor and outdoor cats. If you have found any of these cat repellent recipes helpful, please take a minute or two to share on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest.