| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe SSSCAT Motion-Activated Dog & Cat Spray, 3.89-oz bottle |
| Best Mat | Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat |
| Best Permanent Option | Outdoor Ultrasonic Solar Animal Repeller |
| Best Scratch Deterrent Tape | Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape |
Cat repellents can help cat owners keep their kitties away from spaces in the home where they’re not permitted and ensure they don’t damage furniture or plants. If you’re currently dealing with feral or neighborhood cats entering your property, an outdoor cat repellent can discourage them from entering your yard. Cat repellents are available in a variety of forms including indoor and outdoor sprays, repellent mats, furniture pads, motion-activated devices, and ultrasonic options.
If you’re ready to find the best cat repellent to match your specific needs, continue reading. We researched and tested some of the top products on the market and narrowed down our selections to the repellents featured below.
$49.95Check Chewy Check Amazon- Motion-Activated - works while away
- 3 foot range - effective for furniture, counter tops, and more.
- Four AAA batteries - Good for 80-100 sprays (replacements available online or through PetSafe)
Check Amazon- Emits ultrasonic sounds
- Completely humane and safe
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Solar-powered
Check Amazon- 12 double-sided anti-scratch sticky tape panels
- Dimensions 17"L x 0.35"W x 12"H, customizable
- 100% transparent
The Top Picks for the Best Cat Repellent: Ranked
#1 Overall Best: PetSafe SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray Cat Deterrent
The SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray System from PetSafe is our pick for the #1 Best Overall cat repellent. The reason we selected this as our favorite cat repellent is that it’s quite effective at keeping cats away from furniture or out of areas in the home where pet parents don’t want them to enter. The spray is motion-activated, so you simply need to place it at the entryway of the area you want cats to stay away from, and when they get within 3 feet of it, the sensor will release a spray.
The spraying sound will startle cats and help them learn that they shouldn’t enter that area in the home. No odor is released, so you don’t need to worry about the spray making your house smell. It is also completely safe for pets and doesn’t leave a residue on furniture or carpets.
The motion sensor is powered by four AAA batteries. This makes it easy to replace the batteries when needed, and you won’t need to seek out any special types of batteries. The included can of spray provides between 80 and 100 sprays. Replacement cans are available through PetSafe.
Some buyers reported that the motion detector was “flaky” and didn’t work reliably.
Pros and Cons of the PetSafe SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray Cat Deterrent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This motion-activated device sprays a harmless, odorless spray when cats enter areas that are off limit. | Some pet parents reported that the motion detector didn’t work reliably. |
| The spray doesn’t leave any residue on furniture on carpets. | |
| The device is powered by four AAA batteries, which are readily available. |
- Motion-Activated - works while away
- 3 foot range - effective for furniture, counter tops, and more.
- Four AAA batteries - Good for 80-100 sprays (replacements available online or through PetSafe)
2. Best for Outdoor Use: Homarden Cat Scat Mat
If you have an outdoor garden or another small area you want to keep your cats or other neighborhood cats away from, consider trying the Homarden Cat Scat Mat. These mats feature a spiky texture that cats won’t want to walk on or touch with their paws, so they can help keep kitties away from objects and spaces you don’t want them by.
Each mat is made using high-quality, non-toxic materials that won’t endanger your cat. While the spiky texture is unpleasant for cats, it is not sharp enough to actually injure them.
The mats are flexible, so in addition to placing them flat in front of spaces, such as a garden, you can also wrap them around objects that you don’t want cats to scratch. They can be used indoors and outdoors, so you could wrap them around trees, table legs, and other items.
This pack includes 10 Scat Mats. Each mat is 16 inches long and 13 inches wide.
A number of users reported that cats quickly learn how to maneuver around the mat, rendering it ineffective.
Pros and Cons of the Homarden Cat Scat Mat
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cats find this mat to be unpleasant to walk on, but the spikes aren’t sharp enough to actually injure them. | Users report that cats learn how to maneuver around the mat, rendering it ineffective. |
| Because the mats are flexible, you can wrap them around objects, such as trees and table legs, in addition to laying them on level surfaces. | |
| You can use these mats indoors and outdoors. | |
| There are 10 mats in a pack, each measuring 16″ x 13″. |
- Durable and flexible material
- Non-toxic
- Very sturdy
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
3. Best Ultrasonic: Outdoor Ultrasonic Solar Animal Repeller
If you want to keep your yard free of neighborhood or feral cats, consider giving the Lubatis Ultrasonic Animal Repeller a try. This is a solar-powered device that emits ultrasonic sounds that are unpleasant to cats. When cats hear the sounds, they’ll stay away from your property.
The device has a dual-speaker design that can cover up to 5,000 square feet of space. It uses a motion sensor that will initiate the sounds whenever a cat is within 30 feet of the device. It also has five mode settings, which will adjust the ultrasonic sounds depending on what creatures you want to repel.
This device is waterproof, so it will continue working even in the rain. In addition to keeping cats away from your property, it can also keep your yard clear of other animals including dogs, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, deer, mice, and skunks. However, it isn’t the best option for pet owners, since it may scare the pets you own and want in your yard. In addition, some purchasers said that it makes awful noises that annoy them and their neighbors but do little to deter targeted animals.
Pros and Cons of the Outdoor Ultrasonic Solar Animal Repeller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This solar-powered device repels cats by emitting ultrasonic sounds that they find to be unpleasant. | Some buyers said that the device emits noises that are annoying to them and their neighbors and don’t repel targeted animals. |
| This waterproof device is triggered whenever a cat comes within 30 feet. | |
| It has a dual-speaker design that covers up to 5,000 square feet and features five settings/modes based on what type of animal (dogs, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, deer, mice, and skunks) you want to repel. |
- Emits ultrasonic sounds
- Completely humane and safe
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Solar-powered
4. Best Scratch Deterrent Tape: Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape
If your cat has a particular bad habit of scratching on your furniture, and you’d rather not mess with sprays, you can always place a clear barrier between your cat’s claws and the fabric with Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape. A 12-pack contains five XL sheets (16” x 12”), five Large sheets (17” x 10”) and two Medium sheets (17” x 6”). Each peel-away sheet is sticky on both sides, so when you place them on sides, corners, or any area on your furniture, the cats paws will temporarily stick to the surface, giving the cat that “ick” feeling.
Since the tape is see-through, it’s a great option for covering your furniture without covering it’s beauty at the same time. The tape is non-toxic and residue-free, so it won’t harm your cat or the furniture once removed. There’s also a 100% money-back guarantee on the product if damage comes to the furniture upon removal.
One thing to watch out for with this product is that some consumers have complained that it did damage some fabrics when removed, with fibers remaining stuck to the tape. Be aware of fabrics it warns are not meant to withstand damage, but also do some research if you are in doubt that your furniture will hold up to the tape.
Pros and Cons of Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This product creates a clear barrier between your cat’s claws and your furniture. | Some verified buyers reported that the sheets damaged fabric when removed. |
| Each pack contains five XL sheets (16” x 12”), five Large sheets (17” x 10”) and two Medium sheets (17” x 6”). | |
| The sheets are sticky on both sides, so your cat will get an “icky” feeling if it scratches a covered surface. | |
| The manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee if the sheets damage furniture when you remove them. |
- 12 double-sided anti-scratch sticky tape panels
- Dimensions 17"L x 0.35"W x 12"H, customizable
- 100% transparent
Our Criteria
In determining our recommendations for the best cat deterrents, we considered a number of factors. Based on the cat’s personality and temperament, we wanted to provide multiple options so you can choose what’s best if you’re using a cat repellent for a pet. We found the best products for keeping cats out of specific rooms in your home or off furniture pieces. And while some solutions are better for a pet, we took into account the issue of keeping cats away from outdoor spaces, which may involve a different strategy. The top-performing products are featured below, but here are a few additional observations we made for each product:
- PetSafe SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray Cat Deterrent: Cats definitely don’t like the sound this spray deterrent makes and it has helped to keep them away from furniture and other areas pet owners don’t want them in. However, the spray empties quickly, which can make this an expensive option with all the replacements you’ll need to order.
- Homarden Cat Scat Mat: We liked that the size of these mats can be customized by cutting them down to fit one’s exact needs. Users reported that cats really didn’t like the texture and stayed away from the areas where they were placed. However, using them on flat and smooth surfaces, such as counters or hardwood floors, isn’t ideal because the mats can slide around too much.
- Outdoor Ultrasonic Solar Animal Repeller: From analyzing consumer testimonials who dealt with feral cats entering their property, this ultrasonic repellent was found to be quite effective at keeping cats away from areas close to the device, but not always as effective for other areas of the yard.
The Different Types of Cat Repellents: Pros and Cons Compared
Sprays
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sprays give off a scent that cats don’t like. | Owners need to purchase replacement canisters frequently, which can be costly. |
| They’re available for indoor and outdoor use. | The louder sounds of the motion-activated sprays may annoy others in the home. |
| Some are motion activated to startle cats and train them not to enter a specific area. | |
| Most are formulated using cat-safe ingredients. |
Spiky Mats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cats don’t like the spiky texture. | They’re not a good solution for an entire yard or even an entire room. |
| These mats don’t actually harm cats, but they make the animals feel uncomfortable. | They can be an eyesore. |
| Most are made with non-toxic materials. |
Ultrasonic Devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many are solar-powered. | They’re not a good choice if you are only trying to keep cats away from a small area of your yard. |
| Cats don’t like the noises they make and will stay away. | They’re not good for dog owners. |
| They can also clear your yard of other pests. | |
| These devices don’t employ chemicals of any kind. |
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- Our Top Picks for Best Cat Muzzles: Reviewed for You — Keep your cat calm in stressful situations with these recommendations for the best cat muzzles.
- Our Top Choices for the 4 Best Cat Water Fountains — Give your cat a constant stream of fresh water with a cat water fountain.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe SSSCAT Motion-Activated Dog & Cat Spray, 3.89-oz bottle |
| Best Mat | Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat |
| Best Permanent Option | Outdoor Ultrasonic Solar Animal Repeller |
| Best Scratch Deterrent Tape | Panther Armor Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape |
Best Cat Repellent: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the most effective cat repellent?
The most effective cat repellent will vary based on your need. For example, some cat repellents are designed for indoor use, while others are more suited for outdoor use. The right repellent can also vary depending on whether you are trying to keep cats away from an entire space, or just a specific item like a piece of furniture or a plant.
The PetSafe SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray Cat Deterrent was our favorite cat repellent, but we also liked the Homarden Cat Scat Mat and Lubatis Ultrasonic Animal Repeller.
What is the best cat repellent for outside?
We think the Homarden Cat Scat Mat is the best cat repellent for the outside. This spiky mat can be placed around areas that you don’t want a cat to access to keep them away. If you’re looking for an outdoor repellent to keep cats off of your entire property, we’d suggest investing in an ultrasonic device like the Lubatis Ultrasonic Animal Repeller.
What is the best feral cat repellent?
If feral cats have been entering your property and you wish to keep them away, we’d suggest trying the Lubatis Ultrasonic Animal Repeller. You can also try the Homarden Cat Scat Mat if there are just a few areas of your property you want to keep them away from.
Are cat repellents harmful to humans?
Most cat repellents are designed to be safe for humans as well as cats. Sprays to keep cats away are not poisonous, they are simply formulated to smell very unappealing to cats to make a particular area or piece of furniture less appealing. You can also consider making your own natural, homemade spray as well.
How do you make a homemade cat repellent?
There are many natural ingredients and textures that cats do not like the smell of. You can try some of these to make your own homemade cat repellent. These natural ingredients and other DIY solutions include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Citrus fruits and citrus-scented sprays
- Cayenne pepper, dry mustard, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon essential oil mixed together
- Sandpaper
- Double-sided tape
- Flipping carpet runners or area rugs upside down
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
