Cat Deterrent Sprays are essential tools for cat owners looking to protect their homes and gardens from unwanted feline behaviors. Whether you’re trying to keep your cat from scratching furniture, chewing plants, or entering certain areas, a cat deterrent spray can be a humane and effective solution. Unlike harsher methods, these sprays are designed to be aversive to cats without causing harm, working on the principle of negative reinforcement in the least invasive way possible.
According to cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider, following the LIMA (Least Invasive and Minimally Aversive) principle is key when choosing a deterrent. “Cats don’t need much of a negative outcome to deter them from jumping up on the kitchen counters or clawing furniture,” she explains. “In fact, even a minor inconvenience will usually be quite effective, and most cats will learn after three experiences with a cat deterrent.”
This guide will explore the best cat deterrent sprays available on the market, catering to various needs and situations. From organic options to budget-friendly choices and specialized sprays for outdoor use or furniture protection, we’ve compiled a list of top picks to help you find the perfect solution for your feline friend. We’ll also delve into how these sprays work, what to look for when choosing one, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Cat Spray
- Best Organic Spray: Colton’s Naturals Cat Repellent Spray
- Best Budget Spray: Four Paws Keep Off! Outdoor & Indoor Cat Repellent Spray
- Best for Outdoors: Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent
- Best for Furniture: Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent
- Best to Redirect: High Country Gardens Catmint plant
- Best DIY: Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil
Best Overall
Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Cat Spray
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What We Like:
- Easy to use and target small areas
- Pleasant, light rosemary scent
- Effective in testing within three days
- Eco-friendly pump nozzle and natural ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
- Less economical for large areas
For an all-natural and effective cat deterrent spray suitable for various materials, the Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Scratch Deterrent Cat Spray stands out as our top pick. In our tests, this spray proved to be impressively fast-acting. When used on fabric couch cushions, our tester noticed their cat initially curious about the new scent but completely avoiding the treated area by the third day. While individual results may vary, Pet MasterMind suggests effectiveness within two weeks for most cats. The application is simple: spray the target area a few times daily for the first week, then gradually reduce frequency as your cat learns to avoid the area.
This cat repellent spray is particularly appealing due to its simple, safe, and eco-friendly composition. Made with just water, a rosemary-based herbal blend, and a paraben-free preservative, it’s a choice you can feel good about using around your pet and home. Our tester also appreciated the light rosemary scent, a welcome change from harsh chemical odors. Versatility is another key benefit, as this spray is safe for use on various surfaces, from carpet to leather. However, a spot test is recommended to prevent potential water stains. Safe for all cat life stages, this non-toxic, no-scratch spray is a proactive solution for kittens developing unwanted habits or senior cats exhibiting new scratching behaviors.
Size: 4 or 8 ounces | Active ingredient: Astragalus and rosemary herbal blend
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
Best Organic Spray
Colton’s Naturals Cat Repellent Spray
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What We Like:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Safe for pets and children
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Citronella oil may also repel mosquitos
- Hand-grip nozzle with mist and stream spray options
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive with limited size options
For those prioritizing natural and safe options, Colton’s Naturals Cat Repellent Spray is the best organic cat deterrent spray. This spray utilizes the power of peppermint and citronella oils to naturally deter cats and other small animals from treated areas. Its versatility extends to both indoor and outdoor environments, and importantly, the formula is safe for use around pets, plants, and children, giving peace of mind to families. The inclusion of citronella oil is an added benefit, potentially helping to keep mosquitos at bay as well. The user-friendly hand-grip spray nozzle offers two spray patterns: a mist for broad coverage and a stream for targeted application.
Application involves liberally spraying areas you wish to protect, such as indoor plants, gardens, or entry points. For initial training, it’s recommended to apply the spray multiple times a day for the first week, gradually reducing frequency in the second week, and then using touch-ups once or twice every two weeks for maintenance. The primary drawback is the potential for using a significant amount of product during the initial week, making it a pricier option despite the 32-ounce bottle size.
Size: 32 ounces | Active ingredient: Peppermint oil, citronella oil
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets
Best Budget Spray
Four Paws Keep Off! Outdoor & Indoor Cat Repellent Spray
What We Like:
- Easy-to-use aerosol spray with good coverage
- Works almost immediately
- Functions by disrupting a cat’s sense of smell
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires daily reapplication
- Strong odor
For a cost-effective solution, Four Paws Keep Off! Outdoor & Indoor Cat Repellent Spray is the best budget cat deterrent spray. We tested this aerosol spray to deter a cat from a TV stand. Spraying it on a towel placed on the stand, our tester observed near-instant avoidance behavior. The aerosol application was appreciated for its ease and coverage, but the strong scent was noted as overpowering.
While effective, the “stinky” nature and the need for daily reapplication (every 24 hours) led our tester to recommend it primarily for outdoor use. It’s important to note that this repellent uses chemicals, mainly methyl nonyl ketone, to confuse a cat’s sense of smell. While considered mildly toxic and safe for cats with proper use, it’s advisable to avoid using it on anything your cat might ingest.
Size: 6 and 10 ounces | Active ingredient: Methyl nonyl ketone
Best for Outdoors
Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent
What We Like:
- Quickly covers large outdoor areas
- Effective for up to three days in testing
- Dries odorless to humans
- Works on multiple animal species
What We Don’t Like:
- Strong chemical scent before drying
Specifically formulated for outdoor use, Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent is the best cat deterrent spray for outdoor spaces. It effectively deters cats, as well as other animals like skunks, dogs, raccoons, and squirrels. One bottle provides coverage for up to 320 square feet. Although the manufacturer claims a 30-day effectiveness, our real-world testing indicated it effectively repelled critters for about three days.
During testing on an outdoor stoop and entryway (cat escape routes), the cat immediately avoided the sprayed areas. While the spray dries odorless for humans, it initially has a strong chemical smell. This repellent uses a combination of unpleasant smells and tastes, including rotten eggs, dried blood, black pepper, and capsaicin (from chili peppers). Exercise caution during application to avoid inhalation. It is also available in granule form for broader area coverage.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Active repellent: Dried blood, putrescent egg, garlic, black pepper oil, capsaicin
The Spruce Pets
Best for Furniture
Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent
What We like:
- Easy to apply and customizable size
- Effectively prevents cats from clawing fabric
- Odorless and liquid-free
What We Don’t Like:
- Wears out in high-traffic areas
- Not for leather or faux leather
For furniture protection, Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent is the best cat deterrent spray alternative. This chemical-free deterrent is designed to protect upholstered furniture from cat scratching.
Each transparent sheet has an adhesive backing for easy application to various fabrics (excluding real or faux leather). In testing, it adhered well and effectively protected an armchair from scratching. These shields are more substantial than others tested, yet flexible and easily cut to size with scissors. While some adhesive wear was noted in high-traffic areas after a few days, the protection remained intact.
Cats scratch to maintain nail health and mark territory. Providing designated scratching areas, like a scratching post, and interactive toys, is crucial for redirecting this natural behavior.
Type: Adhesive shield | Size: 17 x 12 inches | Active Repellent: Translucent panel
The Spruce Pets / Frances Crouter
Best to Redirect
High Country Gardens Catmint plant
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What We Like:
- Natural repellent and decorative plant
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Low maintenance
- Doubles as a cat treat
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited effectiveness in some situations
- Unreliable with all cats
For a redirection strategy, the High Country Gardens Catmint plant is the best cat deterrent spray alternative. While not a spray, catmint offers a natural way to deter cats from unwanted plants by offering a more appealing alternative. Holistic vet Dr. Angie Krause suggests cat-attracting plants like catmint can redirect chronic plant nibblers.
Instead of chewing on houseplants or garden plants, cats are drawn to catmint, providing a safe and designated plant for them. Catmint has a pleasant lemony scent, is easy to care for, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It also serves as a treat for cats. However, redirection is not always foolproof, as cats can be curious and unpredictable.
Type: Distract | Size: N/A | Active Repellent: Catmint
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets/Alex Beaven
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets/Alex Beaven
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets/Alex Beaven
Best DIY
Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil, 200 Square Feet
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What We Like:
- Quick and readily available
- Versatile for multiple uses
- Inexpensive household solution
What We Don’t Like:
- Visually unappealing
- Covers entire surfaces
For a DIY approach, Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil is the best cat deterrent spray alternative. The texture, sound, and reflective surface of aluminum foil are highly unpleasant to cats, causing them to actively avoid it, at least initially. Cats’ sensitive hearing makes the crinkling sound of foil particularly jarring. The reflective surface may also trick them into perceiving it as water.
For example, placing aluminum foil on kitchen counters can quickly deter cats from jumping up. Foil can also be placed in front of areas you want to keep cats out of. However, this inexpensive and convenient method is not always a long-term solution, as some cats may become accustomed to foil and no longer avoid it. It is also not ideal for aesthetics or surface usability.
Type: Cover | Size: Custom | Active repellent: Aluminum foil
Final Verdict
Cats are unique individuals, and our testing of cat repellents showed varied responses to different deterrents. However, the Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Cat Spray is a great starting point. This all-natural spray uses herbal scents disliked by cats and is safe for use on various surfaces. For a positive redirection approach, consider cat-attracting plants like the catmint plant near off-limits areas.
How We Tested
We purchased 18 cat repellents to evaluate their effectiveness in real home environments. Over two weeks, we observed cat behavior and reactions to each product, noting any changes. We also considered our own experience with each repellent, including any residue or odors.
Testers provided feedback on effectiveness, ease of use, and value, along with detailed insights on testing methods and cat behaviors.
What to Look for in a Cat Deterrent Spray
According to Mieshelle Nagelschneider, “Being the sensitive creatures that cats are, a mild deterrent is usually enough and doesn’t need to be used for very long.” She emphasizes that “a cat repellent should also be remote, so the cat owners are not involved,” as direct deterrence can damage the cat-human bond.
- Behavior: Identify the specific behavior you want to deter (scratching, chewing, spraying, etc.) and choose a product that addresses it.
- Location: Determine if you need an indoor, outdoor, or dual-use product, considering surface compatibility and potential odors. Spot test on sensitive surfaces.
- Coverage Area and Application Rate: Consider the area size and application frequency. For large areas, motion-activated repellents may be suitable, but cats can adapt, requiring sensor repositioning.
FAQ
- Do cat repellents really work? Nagelschneider says, “Yes, the ones that work do. You need to use the right deterrent for the job.”
- Do sonic/ultrasonic cat repellents work? Nagelschneider notes they can deter outdoor cats but should not be used indoors and need to be turned off when indoor cats are outside.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was updated by K. Alex Beaven, a freelance writer for The Spruce Pets and lifelong cat owner, incorporating testing insights. Previous version by Lorraine Wilde, with biology and environmental science background. Expert input from Dr. Angie Krause, holistic veterinarian, and cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider.
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