The Best Outdoor Cat Repellents

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: February 26, 2023
© Monika Surzin/Shutterstock.com

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Depending on where you live, feral cats can easily become a huge problem. You might have an indoor cat at home that gets extremely territorial the moment she spots an outdoor cat, wreaking havoc inside your home with her redirected aggression. You may have set up lovely birdfeeders to enjoy the sight of feathered friends out the window during your morning cup of coffee. You may just want to let in some fresh air without the stink of cat urine! Whatever your reason for trying to use cat repellant to deter outdoor cats, you do have several solutions to select from.

The goal of cat repellant is to deter them, never hurt them. We put together a list of the best outdoor cat repellents and include several different types. The cat repellant that received our vote for the best overall is a spray that works magnificently. We also include some granular options, a cat mat, and even an ultrasonic cat deterrent. Each of these options has been thoroughly tested and we give you plenty of feedback to help you decide which might be the best product for your needs.

  1. Nature's Mace Cat Repellent
    • Ready-to-use formula
    • Made from natural ingredients
    • Biodegradable and non-toxic
    • The spray doesn’t wash off
    Check Amazon
  2. Bonide Go Away! Rabbit, Dog, & Cat Repellent Granules
    • All-natural cat repellent granules
    • Contain cinnamon oil and thyme oil
    • Ready and easy to use
    • Safe to use around children and pets
    Check Amazon
  3. Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor - Cat Scat Mat
    • Durable and flexible material
    • Non-toxic
    • Very sturdy
    • Can be used indoors and outdoors
    Check Amazon
  4. America's Finest Scram for Cats Granular Repellent
    • Organic cat repellent
    • Contains all-natural ingredients
    • Trains cats to stay out of your garden
    • Environmentally-friendly
    Check Amazon
  5. Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent
    • Drive animals away humanely
    • Solar-powered
    • No chemicals 
    • SAfe to use around children and other pets
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Outdoor Cat Repellents

#1 Best Overall: Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent 1 Gallon Spray

The #1 Best Overall outdoor cat repellent is Nature’s Mace. This ready-to-use formula is both powerful and effective. Compared to other cat repellents, this formula has more active ingredients and is scientifically backed to make sure you have a product you can rely on. It is made up of natural ingredients, using a combination of scents and odors already found in nature. Nature’s mace products are biodegradable and non-toxic, which makes them safe for use around plants, vegetation, and children. You can rest easy knowing that your yard and garden are protected without the use of harmful chemicals on your plants, fruits, or vegetables.

We suggest a 1-gallon spray because this way, you have plenty to use throughout a long period. Stray and feral cats appear at different times of the year, whether it be spring, summer, fall, or winter. The spray doesn’t wash off during rain, irrigation, or normal use. It can effectively cover and repel 15,000 ft.² to protect your lawn, garage, garden, shed, or wherever you need protection from outdoor cats. This spray offers a humane solution for repelling and training cats to stay away from your home. This way, you’re protected against scratching, gnawing, or other bad behaviors. If you have a cat indoors that you need to establish boundaries with, this is also a safe formula to use inside the home for domestic cats.

One reviewer tested this product out for seven days. He faithfully followed through with the saturation as instructed for the first seven days and saw immediate results. He has had no cats in his backyard since he started using it. If you have a cat problem, he highly recommends you get this stuff! Previously, he was receiving tons of doorbell motion sensor notifications, and the majority were because cats were prancing about his home. However, his notifications have changed to only alert him of his mailman and some delivery people. Zero cats. He’s excited to keep using this and keep his home a cat-free zone.

Some reviewers said that this product smelled really bad. A few others reported that it didn’t work for them.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent 1 Gallon Spray

ProsCons
This spray formula is ready-to-use, powerful, and effective.Some reviewers said that this product smelled really bad, so you probably won’t want to use it indoors.
It’s made of natural ingredients, including a combination of scents found in nature.A few others reported that it didn’t work for them.
It’s biodegradable and non-toxic and safe to use around plants, fruits, or veggies.
It doesn’t wash off in the rain, irrigation, or normal use and can effectively cover and repel 15,000 ft.².
It’s safe for use indoors.
Best Overall
Nature's Mace Cat Repellent
  • Ready-to-use formula
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Biodegradable and non-toxic
  • The spray doesn’t wash off
Check Amazon

2. Best All-Natural: Bonide Go Away! Cat Repellent Granules

If you prefer a different type of solution for deterring outdoor cats, check out these Bonide Go Away! Cat Repellent Granules. All you have to do is sprinkle a four-foot band around the perimeter that you want to protect. You’ll notice immediately that in two weeks, cats are no longer visiting your protected area. All you have to do is reapply it every two weeks. This helps to repel cats and other animals from forbidden areas in your yard, lawn, and garden. The natural active ingredients in this formula include cinnamon oil and thyme oil, which both acts as natural deterrents to keep cats, rabbits, and even dogs out of your garden. You can use this product as a training aid to break domestic animals and pets out of existing bad habits!

These granules arrive ready to use. The dispenser cap allows you to evenly distribute pellets throughout your outdoor space so that you can start with your pest control as soon as possible. It works effectively and safely to keep animals away from areas that you don’t want them sneaking into. Whether it’s your garden, shrubs, or trees, you get maximum protection. You can even place these around garbage cans to keep animals from poking around. With the use of the essential oils, you can trust that it’s safe for use around children and pets as well.

One reviewer had some trouble with both cats and dogs pooping on some rocks she has in her front yard. She did put up a “no pooping” sign but unfortunately, dog owners ignored it (and cats can’t read… not that they’d listen if they could). She was tired of having to clean up after them because it is quite difficult to get poop off rocks. She hated that her front lawn had turned into a public restroom for the strays and pets in the neighborhood. She used these granules hoping that they would deter these activities and she noticed that with one sniff of the granules, the animals that were previously using her space as a public restroom decided to move on to find a better spot to poop. She’s extremely satisfied and relieved and recommends it to anyone looking to repel and deter animals from invading their space.

Some reviewers said that this product didn’t repel targeted animals (dogs and cats).

Pros and Cons of Bonide Go Away! Cat Repellent Granules

ProsCons
To use, simply sprinkle a four-food band around the perimeter you want to protect. Within two weeks, cats will no longer be visiting that area.You must reapply it every two weeks.
It’s made of ingredients such as cinnamon and thyme oil, which are natural deterrents.Some reviewers said that this product didn’t repel targeted animals (dogs and cats).
The dispenser cap allows you to distribute pellets evenly.
It’s safe to use around children and pets.
Best All-Natural
Bonide Go Away! Rabbit, Dog, & Cat Repellent Granules
  • All-natural cat repellent granules
  • Contain cinnamon oil and thyme oil
  • Ready and easy to use
  • Safe to use around children and pets
Check Amazon

3. Best Mat: Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat

If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it option to keep outdoor cats away, you may be more drawn to the Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat. With each purchase, you get 10 scat mats that measure 16“ x 13“ with one-inch spikes, which altogether cover 13 feet. This is a durable and flexible material that you can use to wrap around anywhere in your yard or house. You can easily cut it to adapt it to any surface. It’s made with high-quality materials and it’s non-toxic for a humane solution to repel cats from your yard. It has a breathable pattern that keeps your plants safe and won’t harm any pets you might have or any cats that attempt to invade your yard.

You can use this mat outdoors and indoors. Simply wrap it around any poles or trees to prevent cats from climbing. It can also protect your garden bed and even your outdoor shed or garage. One reviewer had a problem with neighborhood cats roaming around his property and treating a certain spot next to a window where his dryer vent is installed as their personal litter box. He tried different methods like bleach and ammonia but neither worked. Because they were going close to the dryer vent, he started smelling cat faces in his dryer. That’s when he knew he had to figure out a solution that actually worked.

He still went through and tested a couple of other products, but he loved that this particular product consisted of 10 separate, large individual squares instead of a continuous roll that he would have to cut. He’s very pleased with both the quality of the product and how quickly it was shipped and delivered. The little plastic spikes are quite sturdy and offer a very strong deterrence to animals that treat private areas as their own. After a week of having laid these out, none of the neighborhood cats have been back to do their business by his dryer vent. As you can imagine, he is greatly relieved.

Some users reported that cats “walked right over” the Cat Scat Mat.

Pros and Cons of Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat

ProsCons
Each set includes 10 scat mats measuring 16″ x 13″ each with one-inch spikes. Together, they cover 13 feet.Some users reported that cats “walked right over” the Cat Scat Mat.
This material is durable and flexible, so you can cut it to fit any surface.
It’s non-toxic and has a breathable pattern that keeps plants safe and won’t harm pets or invading cats.
It’s safe for indoor and outdoor use.
Best Mat
Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor - Cat Scat Mat
  • Durable and flexible material
  • Non-toxic
  • Very sturdy
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
Check Amazon

4. Best for Gardens: America’s Finest Scram for Cats

If cats are ruining your garden, just tell them to “Scram!” with America’s Finest Scram for Cats. Gardening is a meditative experience and watching your seedlings grow into full-grown plants, fruits, and vegetables is extremely satisfying. Unfortunately, outdoor cats can completely ruin a garden that you’ve been nurturing. America’s Finest Scram for Cats granular repellent is an organic cat repellent that naturally trains cats to stay out of your garden. It’s a green solution that is safe to use around children, pets, and your environment. It contains all-natural ingredients and stops cats from visiting your garden. It comes in a 3.5-pound bag.

A number of reviewers had gardens that they wanted to protect. One of them had problems with several different cats messing up her flowerbeds and after she scattered these granules around them, she hasn’t seen a cat since. They really did “Scram!” Another reviewer saw cat poop on her lawn every single morning. She used these granules and the next day, there was no cat poop. She knows it will wash away, but she’s committed to going out there to replenish it until the cat’s behavior changes. Both reviewers highly recommend this product for protecting lawns and gardens.

Some reviewers said this product didn’t repel cats.

Pros and Cons of America’s Finest Scram for Cats

ProsCons
This granular, organic cat repellent trains cats to stay out of your garden.Some reviewers said this product didn’t repel cats.
This green solution is safe to use around children, pets, and the environment.
It comes in a 3.5-pound bag.
Best for Gardens
America's Finest Scram for Cats Granular Repellent
  • Organic cat repellent
  • Contains all-natural ingredients
  • Trains cats to stay out of your garden
  • Environmentally-friendly
Check Amazon

5. Best Ultrasonic: AeapYar Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent

The AeapYar Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent works differently from the spray, granules, and scat mats highlighted above. This is an ultrasonic cat deterrent that is extremely effective in driving animals away in a humane way. There are five different sensitivity modes that you can set, depending on your needs. The sensitivity modes affect different types of animals, so you can set levels that fit your range area and that signal cats to stay away from the protected area you designate. This ultrasonic cat deterrent is solar-powered and has a charging indicator. You can use AA batteries and you can also charge it with a USB cable.

This ultrasonic speaker is designed to make noise that scares away common outdoor animals. It doesn’t use any chemicals that could be harmful to pets, children, or plants. It’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about bringing it inside on rainy days and it’s made with a rugged hard plastic construction that also withstands snow, ice, and wind. Mount it to the ground with the provided spike or hang this on objects like trees, fences, or walls. It has a 110° angle and works effectively at distances of about 30 feet.

A sole reviewer reported that their unit didn’t hold a charge and once it did turn on, it wouldn’t turn off.

Pros and Cons of the AeapYar Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent

ProsCons
This ultrasonic cat deterrent features five sensitivity modes to deter different types of animal pests and keep them out of your target area.A sole reviewer reported that their unit didn’t hold a charge and once it did turn on, it wouldn’t turn off.
It’s solar powered and has a charging indicator, and you can also use AA batteries and charge it with a USB cable.
The ultrasonic speaker makes noise that scares common outdoor animals without using any chemicals that could be harmful to pets, children, or plants.
It’s waterproof and constructed from rugged, hard plastic that withstands snow, ice, and wind.
Mount it on the ground with the provided spike or hand it on a tree, fence, or wall.
It has a 110° angle and works effectively at distances of about 30 feet.
Best Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent
  • Drive animals away humanely
  • Solar-powered
  • No chemicals 
  • SAfe to use around children and other pets
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Type

There are different types of outdoor cat repellents. You can go for the classic spray — the one we highlighted as our top choice is non-toxic and safe for use both outdoors and indoors. It’s extremely effective but does require saturation during the first week and repeated applications, especially after rain. There are also granules that require less time on your end — simply set them out and refresh them every two weeks. These are ideal for garden beds and also offer a humane way to deter cats with a combination of strong scents, like essential oils, that naturally deter cats.

Scat mats help you create a physical perimeter and although the spikes may seem harsh at first, cats are intelligent and when they realize that the area has been protected, they will find somewhere else to hang out and do their business. The cat scat mat and the ultra-sonic cat deterrent are the set-it-and-forget-it, low-maintenance options. If you prefer something that offers the most convenience, those two options are your best bets.

Value

Consider year-round care for your backyard, front lawn, and garden beds. You may even choose to use a variety of outdoor cat repellents — the cat scat on a tree or fence, the granules for your garden bed, and a spray for your outdoor shed. Determine the cost of each product, how much of it you’ll need to use, and what that looks like over the course of a year. While a product may be more affordable upfront, you may find that a more expensive purchase up front offers more value over the long term.

Safety

Harsh chemicals can not only harm the health of outdoor cats, but they could also be harmful to your health, your kids’ health, and your pets’ health. It’s best to avoid products like these. Instead, focus on non-toxic, humane options that deter cats effectively without posing a health risk to your family and pets, and without harming your lawn, plants, fruits, or vegetables.

The Different Types of Outdoor Cat Repellents: Pros and Cons Compared

Liquid Outdoor Cat Repellent

ProsCons
Spray across large areasRequires daily applications, especially at first
Easy to use 
Effective formula 

Mat Outdoor Cat Repellent

ProsCons
Keeps cats from approaching your yard, garden, or balconyNot ideal if you have other pets or children who play nearby
Humane design 
Long-lasting materials 

Granular Outdoor Cat Repellant

ProsCons
Non-toxic for catsYou must reapply the granules every two weeks.
Perfect for gardens 

Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Repellent

ProsCons
Extremely effectiveMore expensive than other options
Set it and forget it 
Covers large areas 

Verified Reviews: Users’ Experience

Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent 1 Gallon Spray is a lifesaver for many. This user expresses how this repellent has saved the wild birds he cherishes: “In my area, we have a horrible feral cat problem… I spend lots of cash to feed and attract beautiful birds and the last thing I want to see is some deranged animal munching on a beautiful, feathered specimen. I read the reviews and thought I’d try it. I sprayed it around the far outside perimeter of my feeding station and not one cat crossed the line. I followed the directions to a ‘T’ and I haven’t had any problems with cats. I’ve watched the hairy beasts and they’re not interested in that particular area anymore. I will continue to use it as directed and time will tell. But, thus far, excellent!!!!”

Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor – Cat Scat Mat is a great option as well. One user got creative and waved goodbye to the persistent outdoor cat that kept approaching: “I cut strips of this to put on the fence outside my windows where the neighbor cat likes to sit and stare at my cat (this annoys her), and also wait for nearby nesting birds to fly into his mouth. He tried to walk on it when I first put it up, but did not go far, and hasn’t been back. Goodbye Otis!”

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Best Outdoor Cat Repellents FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What’s the best outdoor cat repellent?

We highlighted Nature’s Mace cat repellent as the top choice in this list because of how powerful and effective it is. It does require a daily application for the first seven to 10 days but then you can relax a bit, knowing that the outdoor cats have become used to the repellent and won’t be making any plans to return. You can do several follow-up applications but overall, this is a safe repellent that you can use around your children and around your plants and still get year-round protection.

How can I keep my neighbor’s cats out of my yard?

If your neighbor’s cats are popping up as unwelcome guests on your property, your first course of action should be to have a friendly chat with your neighbors. Usually, this can clarify whether they’re actual pets, if they’re strays, or if they’re feral. You can also determine if they may be spayed or neutered to protect your neighborhood from becoming infested with uncared-for kittens. Your other option is to use a nontoxic deterrent like the ones we listed above or place cat mats around your property to keep cats from entering your yard.

How do you stop cats from peeing and pooping in your yard?

The first step for getting cats to stop peeing and pooping in your yard is to completely remove the waste. Yes, it sucks but you do have to pick up the cat poop! Otherwise, they’ll remain attracted to it and keep coming back to the same spot, using it as an open litter box. You can use cat repellent plants in your garden (like rue and lavender) — pair that with a great cat repellent spray, and use any DIY fixes like lime and orange peels. If it’s in the budget, building a fence around your yard can also help to deter cats along with special cat deterrent mats that have prickly protrusions that cats naturally avoid.

Does vinegar deter cats from pooping?

Vinegar doesn’t exactly stop cats from pooping, but it is a repellent for cats. And not just for cats! You can also use vinegar to repel different pests and insects. The strong, sour smell that vinegar emanates is also super effective when it comes to removing the smell of cat poop. When you remove the smell, you also remove the attraction to the same area from that particular cat. So, yes, vinegar is fantastic to use if you’re trying to get a cat to stop coming around and pooping on your property.

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