What repels cats: All you need to know

Tired of finding cats digging in your garden, spraying your porch, or lounging where they shouldn’t? Whether it’s strays, neighbor pets, or your own cat, unwanted cat visits can quickly become frustrating. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about what truly repels cats. Let’s help you reclaim your space, peacefully and effectively.

Cats keep coming back? It’s time for a smarter solution. Click here to discover it. 

 

Common reasons cats invade gardens and homes

Cats don’t show up randomly. They’re clever creatures with strong instincts and clear motives. Understanding why they’re drawn to your space is the first step in keeping them away.

Food sources attract them

Leftover pet food, unsecured trash bins, or even compost piles can turn your yard into a buffet. Cats have an excellent sense of smell and will return to any place where they’ve once found a snack.

 

Comfortable shelter and warmth

Sheds, porches, cars, and cozy corners offer protection from the weather and predators. If your outdoor space feels safe and warm, cats may claim it as a resting spot, especially in colder months.

Soft soil makes for the perfect litter box for them

Freshly tilled soil, flowerbeds, or mulched areas are often mistaken by cats for giant litter boxes. It’s one of the most common reasons people look for cat repellents. 

Mating and territory marking

Unneutered males are especially likely to roam far in search of mates. They spray to mark territory, leaving behind a strong odor that can attract other cats and signal that your space is “claimed.”

Hunting instincts

Cats are natural predators. If your yard has a high population of birds, rodents, or insects, it may be viewed as prime hunting territory. They’ll return as long as the food chain stays active.

Smells that repel cats

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. That’s why using specific scents is one of the simplest and most natural ways to keep them away from places they shouldn't be. Here are some of the most effective smells that repel cats.

Citrus

Cats can’t stand the sharp, zesty aroma of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. The oils found in citrus peels are especially strong and unpleasant for them. You can scatter peels around the garden, rub them along doorways, or use citrus-scented sprays to deter them. Just be cautious, too much citrus oil can be irritating to pets if they come into direct contact.

Vinegar

The sharp acidity of white vinegar is another scent that cats instinctively avoid. It masks pheromones and other scents they’re drawn to, disrupting their sense of territory. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas you want to protect. However, the strong smell may also be off-putting for you, so it’s best used outdoors or in ventilated spaces. Vinegar is effective short term, but if cats return repeatedly, consider using it alongside our ZeroCat ultrasonic cat repellent for more consistent results.

 

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, especially peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender, are known to keep cats at a distance. You can create a repellent spray by diluting a few drops in water and spraying it where needed. Be aware that many essential oils are toxic to cats if ingested or absorbed through the skin, so never apply them directly on pets or surfaces they lick.

Spices

Cats dislike spicy aromas such as cayenne pepper, chili powder, or mustard. Sprinkling a light dusting of these around garden beds or trash bins can make the area less inviting. Be subtle though that too much can irritate a cat’s nose or eyes. The goal is to repel, not harm them.

Coffee grounds

Used coffee grounds have a strong, earthy scent that cats find unpleasant. They're especially effective around garden beds and plants. Just avoid overusing them in one spot to prevent soil imbalance.

 

Plants that repel cats

Certain plants naturally give off scents that cats find offensive, making them excellent allies in your quest to keep cats away from specific areas. By strategically planting them in your garden or placing pots near entry points, you can create an environment that cats instinctively avoid.

Coleus Canina (Scaredy Cat Plant)

Often nicknamed the "Scaredy Cat Plant," Coleus Canina is one of the top plants that repel cats. It emits a strong, skunk-like odor that’s harmless to humans but highly unpleasant to cats. It works best when planted in borders or near the areas cats tend to frequent, like flowerbeds or pathways. This low-maintenance plant grows best in sunny spots and adds a deterrent layer without affecting your garden’s aesthetics.

Lavender

While most people love the calming scent of lavender, cats feel quite the opposite. Its intense floral aroma is overwhelming for their sensitive noses. Planting lavender along garden borders or placing dried bundles near windows and doorways can help keep cats out.

For more stubborn cases, combining the lavender with an ultrasonic cat deterrent can offer longer-lasting, layered protection.

Rue

Rue has long been used in folk remedies, and it’s also an effective cat repellent due to its strong, bitter scent. It grows into a small, bushy plant and is particularly helpful in deterring cats from herb or vegetable gardens. However, wear gloves when handling it. It can irritate human skin in some cases.

Citronella

Known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, citronella is equally effective against cats. Its lemony aroma overwhelms their senses and makes them less likely to enter treated zones. You can grow citronella plants directly or use natural citronella oils diluted in spray form for added coverage.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, emits a sharp fragrance that naturally repels cats. It’s especially useful as a ground cover or in containers near areas cats frequent. However, it's important to note that pennyroyal can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities, so avoid using it in areas where animals may chew or graze.

 

Physical barriers to repel cats

When it comes to keeping cats out, sometimes scent alone isn’t enough. That’s where physical barriers come into play. These methods create surfaces or obstacles that cats find uncomfortable or impossible to cross, discouraging them from returning without causing harm. Here are some of the most effective physical barriers you can use.

Electric fences

Special low-voltage electric fences, designed specifically for animals, can act as a strong deterrent for persistent cat intruders. These systems emit a harmless but unpleasant zap when touched, teaching cats to stay away. While effective, this method should only be used outdoors and with proper installation to avoid accidental harm to other pets.

Cat scat mats

These are flexible plastic mats with soft, upright spikes that make walking or digging uncomfortable for cats. They’re great for protecting garden beds, doorways, or furniture without hurting the animal. The spikes don’t injure cats. They simply make the area unwelcoming.

Plastic carpet runners 

Flipping over plastic carpet protectors so the nubby side faces up is a clever and inexpensive indoor deterrent. Cats dislikes bumpy ground, pokey texture and will avoid walking or resting on these surfaces. It’s a discreet solution for furniture, window ledges, or countertops.

Chicken wire

Laying chicken wire just beneath the surface of garden soil can prevent cats from digging. You can also use it upright along fences to make climbing difficult. Cats dislike the unstable, uncomfortable texture underfoot and quickly lose interest in the area.

Aluminum foil

Cats have a strong aversion to both the texture and crinkling sound of aluminum foil. Lining countertops, window sills, or plant pots with foil often stops curious cats from jumping up or digging around. While not ideal for long-term use outdoors, it’s a quick and effective temporary fix inside the home.

Plastic forks in soil

A surprisingly effective and low-cost hack: stick plastic forks (tines up) in garden beds to make the surface unpleasant for cats to walk or dig in. This method blends into the soil and works as a physical reminder that this is not a comfortable litter box.

 

Tired of setting up physical obstacles? Switch to a smarter, low-maintenance alternative with the ZeroCat ultrasonic repeller — it activates only when cats are near and keeps them out for good

Commercial cat deterrents to repel cats

If you want an easy, ready-to-use solution to keep cats away, commercial deterrents offer practical and often highly effective options. Here are some of the most commonly used commercial cat deterrents on the market. 

Ultrasonic cat repellents

These devices produce high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to cats but inaudible to most humans. They activate only when motion is detected, creating a sudden and uncomfortable environment that encourages cats to leave. Ultrasonic repellents are ideal for driveways, patios, or garden edges and are completely contact-free. One of the best ultrasonic cat deterrents on the market is the Sonic Barrier ZeroCat outdoor cat repellent. 

 

 

Motion-activated sprinklers

Water is one of the most effective deterrents for cats. Motion-activated sprinklers detect movement and instantly spray a short burst of water in the direction of the intruder. It’s harmless but startling, and cats learn very quickly to stay away. These are perfect for protecting lawns, flowerbeds, or vegetable gardens without using any chemicals. A good example is The JetSentinel from Sonic Barrier, which features an adjustable spray range and sensitivity settings, allowing you to cover large areas while conserving water. Its quick response and durable design make it a practical choice for keeping outdoor spaces cat-free.

Cat repellent sprays

These sprays contain natural or synthetic scents that cats dislike, such as citrus, cinnamon, or menthol. They’re convenient for both indoor and outdoor use — you can spray them on furniture, walls, garden borders, or garbage bins. While effective, sprays often need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or cleaning.

Cat deterrent granules

Granules are a long-lasting outdoor solution that releases odor over time to repel cats. Typically made with natural oils or bittering agents, they’re scattered around plants, fences, or walkways to create an invisible barrier. Many are weather-resistant, making them ideal for larger areas or ongoing problems.

 

Homemade solutions to repel cats

If you prefer natural, budget-friendly methods, homemade cat repellents are a fantastic option. These DIY solutions are easy to make, safe when used correctly, and surprisingly effective.

Citrus and vinegar spray

A mix of citrus and vinegar creates a powerful, non-toxic repellent. Simply combine equal parts white vinegar and water, then add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil (or fresh citrus juice). Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to doorsteps, fences, or indoor corners. Cats dislike both scents, making this combo a double hit. Reapply every few days or after rain.

Citrus peels

Instead of throwing away orange or lemon peels, put them to good use. Scatter fresh peels around flowerbeds, potted plants, or walkways to create a natural scent barrier. As the peels dry out, their fragrance weakens, so replace them weekly for the best results. It’s a great zero-waste method that’s pet-safe and eco-friendly.

Garlic and pepper spray

For a stronger deterrent, crush 2–3 garlic cloves and mix them with a tablespoon of black pepper or cayenne pepper in a liter of hot water. Let it steep, then strain and pour into a spray bottle. Spray this around outdoor areas like fences or garden perimeters. Be careful not to oversaturate delicate plants, and avoid spraying it where pets might lick the surface.

Herb sachets

Bundle dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or rue into breathable cloth sachets and place them in drawers, garden pots, or near doorways. These aromatic herbs give off smells cats dislike, helping to subtly protect certain zones. You can also tuck them into your garden beds or hang them near windows. It’s a gentle and decorative solution that blends well into your space.

 

Homemade sprays work, but they fade fast. For lasting results, use ZeroCat alongside your natural efforts. Its targeted technology ensures cats won’t come back.

 

 

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