Homemade Cat Deterrent Tips

Looking for a natural cat deterrent solution? Cats invading your yard or garden space can be destructive and unsanitary, especially when they choose the area for unhygienic purposes. Though many communities have rules against allowing cats to roam at large, many do not. This can result in unwanted cats being a hassle for some home owners. You can be a cat lover and still not appreciate a neighbor's cat turning your herb garden into his private restroom. Even a feline fan tends to not appreciate hoards of strays taking advantage of a birdbath as its own private buffet. Here are ten things that can be done to deter neighborhood cats from spoiling outdoor enjoyment.

Pepper the earth. Most cats do not like the smell of black pepper, but sometimes great quantities is needed to make an adequate cat deterrent, and it must be replaced after a rain. The good thing is, using pepper is a natural solution that isn't unsightly, and it is reasonably cheap.

Citrus peels can be unappealing. Many animals do not care for the smell of citrus peels and will avoid areas where bits of peel are left, so it is a great natural cat deterrent. It is recommended that peels are freshened up regularly. Unfortunately, this method is not always the tidiest looking, but it is affective on felines. Some have even found success using citrus spray, furniture polish with orange, or watered-down citrus scented dish detergent.

Vinegar is not just for windows. Vinegar spray is a great homemade cat deterrent. Just mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray areas the cats love to hang out. It will neutralize a lot of the cats' calling cards and improve a cat's disinterest in a particular location.

Make sure they are all scardy cats. Feline intruders can be scared by general methods like aluminum pie pans (disposable type) Tied loosely to a stake so that they can dangle and clang, this homemade cat deterrent offers both noise and movement to keep kitty too nervous to stick around. Sprinkler systems and ultrasonic alarms, especially those that are motion-sensor operated, also offer a great way to frighten off a cat without harming it. Unfortunately, many scare methods are not very aesthetic.

Predator sign says stay away. Predator sign like big-cat scent is said to do wonders at frightening off domestic cats. The strays will catch the hint that your property belongs to a much bigger kitty, and for most, that's enough to keep them away. Big cat sign is available through gardening specialty stores, some hunting outfitters, and some zoos and big cat rescues.

Dogs are not a cat's best friend. A dog is a great homemade cat deterrent for a stray feline. Most cats will not invade a yard that is frequented by dogs, and those who are adventurous might soon find reason to quickly exit once they realize a canine is keeping watch.

String some tripwire. Adding a taught string to the top of your fence is a great cat deterrent. Cats can't walk along a string, and crossing it is uncomfortable for many felines. Oling the top of a wire fence has a similar affect, as does adding two-sided tape to favorite surfaces.

Plant a deterrent. A variety of coleus has an odor to it that cats can detect, but most humans can't smell it unless it is bruised. The variety Coleus Canina makes cats leave an area where it is planted. Rosemary, garlic, and rue are other herbs some cats just don't like. Anything with a very heavy perfume can work but it varies from cat to cat.

Take away temptation. Put a lid on a child's sandbox to prevent litter confusion, and do not throw out kitchen garbage to attract hungry felines. Put arched screen covers over soft plant beds. Put curved screen on the base of birdbaths and feeders so cats can't jump on them.

Light fireworks. While considering the laws for your particular community, a noisy firecracker thrown in a yard will deter a cat. Just don't throw it at the cat. It will take a few days of watching for the invaders and quickly lighting a noisy firework to frighten the animal.

One of the best natural cat deterrents is educating the owner of the offending cat. Sometimes, cat owners have no idea that their pet is causing neighborhood disharmony. Though this is a highly sensitive matter, but in areas where the cat problems are relatively bad, it may be a good idea to get a community pet control law passed. This is one of the most cat-healthy methods, because a cat that is well controlled is better cared for, less prone to outdoor accidents, and is less likely to get lost. Roaming strays without owners should be rounded up and referred to a local rescue or humane association with which they can get necessary shelter, protection, veterinary care and nutrition.