What Smells Deter Cats From Peeing? (22 Alternatives)
Cats have a reputation for inappropriate urination, whether on the couch, in the bed, or elsewhere. But the good news is that some smells can help you to stop this cat behavior.
So, what smells deter cats from peeing? To deter cats from urinating in undesirable spots, use scents they dislike. Examples include citrus peels (cats hate orange and lemon fragrances), vinegar, peppermint, pinecones, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, pipe tobacco, coffee grounds, and essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, and mustard.
Apply these scents to previously marked areas or where you want to discourage urination.
In this article, we’ll explore what smells deter cats from peeing and how you can use natural and commercial products to keep your home clean and odor-free.
Looking for more articles about cats:
Reasons Why Your Cat Urinates in Unwanted Places
Inappropriate urination is an ordinary problem among cats, and there can be several reasons why they may choose to urinate outside of their litter box. Some of the common reasons include:
Medical Issues: Infections, bladder stones, and other urinary tract issues can cause discomfort and pain, making it difficult for your cat to use their litter box.
Litter Box Problems: Cats are very particular about their litter box and may refuse to use it if it’s not up to their standards. Make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly and is in a quiet, private location.
Cats also prefer unscented litter, so avoid using heavily scented products. As for multiple cats, make sure each cat has their litter box.
Stress or Anxiety: When your feline experiences changes like moving or the arrival of a new furry companion, it can trigger stress and anxiety.
These emotions may manifest as inappropriate urination, highlighting the importance of addressing their emotional well-being in such situations.
Behavioral issues: In certain cases, cats might urinate outside their litter box to mark their territory or due to underlying behavioral problems.
Understanding their unique needs and addressing any underlying issues can help resolve this unwanted behavior.
By taking proactive measures and understanding your cat’s needs, you can guide them toward using the litter box appropriately. Also, successfully preventing any future instances of inappropriate urination.
Take Heed Before Continuing
Before proceeding further, beware of some ingredients like citrus, alcohol, essential oils, and vinegar. Essential oils and citrus fruits are harmful to cats. They contain d-limonene and linalool, two compounds that are toxic to cats if they consume them.
Ingesting citrus fruits or essential oils can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and sometimes respiratory problems. They can also lead to skin irritation if the oils come into contact with the cat’s fur or skin.
Types of Cat Pee Deterrent
Cats can create unpleasant odors, leave stains, and even attract more cats when they decide to urinate in inappropriate places. Therefore, it becomes crucial to find an effective solution to prevent this behavior.
Thankfully, a variety of products available in the market can assist you in tackling this issue. You have the freedom to experiment with different techniques based on your preferences.
To provide you with the necessary guidance, we have divided these methods into three distinct categories:
Take a moment to explore the options below. Discover the procedure that best suits your needs in deterring cats from choosing unusual spaces.
Top Natural Remedies for Deterring Cats from Peeing Outside the Litter Box
Cats undoubtedly bring joy as lovable pets, yet occasionally, they can be quite a handful to deal with. Owners face their feline friends peeing in places they shouldn’t. This can be difficult to manage, especially when the behavior becomes habitual.
Lots of natural remedies are available that can help you stop this behavior. Here are some regular natural solutions that can help deter cats from peeing in unwanted places:
01. Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural remedy for deterring cats from peeing. Cats dislike the smell of vinegar, so spraying a vinegar and water solution around the areas where they’ve been peeing can be a good way to keep them away.
In general, vinegar can be used both inside and outside of your home to stop cats from peeing here and there.
To make the solution, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the areas where your cat has been peeing.
Be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first, as vinegar can sometimes discolor fabrics and different surfaces.
02. Citrus
Cats also dislike the smell of citrus, so using lemon or orange peels can help you shut down this inappropriate cat urination.
You can place the peels in the designated area or mix some citrus juice with water and spray it around the area.
FYI, citrus is an effective natural remedy to deter cats from peeing on the bed.
03. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another scent that cats detest. You can use eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle with water or even place eucalyptus leaves around the areas where your cat has been peeing.
Be sure to keep the eucalyptus oil away from your cat’s sensitive nose, as it can be too strong for them.
04. Lavender
Lavender is a natural remedy known for its calming properties. It can also help deter cats from peeing in the house. You can use lavender leaves or dried lavender flowers. Put them in the areas where your cat wants to pee.
05. Mint
Mint has a strong odor that cats avoid, making it an excellent natural deterrent. Place mint leaves where cats are prone to pee.
You can also crush fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them around the areas where you don’t want cats to enter.
06. Rosemary
Rosemary is a natural cat deterrent that can help keep your home free of cat urine. The scent of rosemary is unpleasant to cats, making it an effective natural repellent. Place rosemary leaves in areas where cats are prone to pee.
07. Coffee
Believe it or not, coffee is a natural remedy that can help deter cats from peeing in certain areas. The pungent smell of coffee is unpleasant to cats, so you can sprinkle used coffee grounds in the affected areas.
08. Peppermint
Peppermint is another herb that cats dislike the smell of. You can use fresh or dried peppermint leaves and place them in the affected area to keep your cat’s peeing behavior checked.
09. Cayenne Pepper
A helpful tip is to sprinkle cayenne pepper in places where you don’t want cats to urinate. The strong scent and spicy taste act as a deterrent, making them steer clear of those spots and promoting appropriate bathroom habits.
10. Chili Pepper Flakes
Similar to cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes can also repel cats with their pungent aroma and flavor. You can use them alone, mix them with water, or spray them on the surfaces.
11. Other Herbs
There are many other herbs that cats are not fond of, including rue, pennyroyal, and lemon balm. So, you can use these herbs like the ones mentioned above to keep your cats away from places.
Remember that not all cats will behave similarly to a certain method. Some may work better than others, and you have to be patient and persistent o find the most effective ones.
Also, clean the affected area thoroughly to remove any existing odor that may attract your cat back to the area.
Best Essential Oils for Preventing Cats from Peeing in Unwanted Places
Essential oil, also known as volatile oil, is another great natural remedy that cats find unpleasant or irritating. Take a look at some of the most effective essential oils for deterring cats from peeing in non-designated areas:
12. Cedarwood Oil
This oil has a strong woody scent that cats dislike. You can spray it on the areas where your cat pees or add a few drops to a diffuser.
13. Peppermint oil:
Just like leaves, peppermint oil is also a good cat deterrent. It has a minty aroma that cats find too strong. You can dab it on cotton balls and place them near the pee spots or spray it on your furniture and carpets.
14. Tea Tree Oil
This oil has a medicinal smell that cats avoid. Use it as a disinfectant for the pee stains or mix it with water and spray it on the affected areas.
15. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has a citrusy scent that cats dislike. Dilute it with water and sprinkle it in the spaces where you want to keep cats away.
16. Citronella Oil
Citronella oil is another essential oil that cats find unpleasant. It also has insect-repelling properties, so it can help you get rid of other pests as well. Use it in the same way as lemongrass oil.
17. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil has a strong and bitter smell that cats can’t stand. You can apply it directly on the surfaces where cats pee or mix it with water and splash it.
18. Other Essential Oils
Some other essential oils that can deter cats from peeing are lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary. You can experiment with different combinations and see what works best for your cat.
Essential oils can be used in several ways and are best for deterring cats from peeing on the floor and other spaces. So, do your research before using them.
And as mentioned, if your cat comes into direct contact with essential oils, it could harm your cat.
Commercial Products for Deterring Cats from Peeing Improper Spots
You already know about natural solutions for your cats peeing in Off-limits areas; now let’s highlight some commercial products that can handle the job. Let’s introduce some of the most common and effective ones:
19. Cat-Repellent Sprays
Cat-repellent sprays contain scents or chemicals that cats find unpleasant or irritating. You can spray them on the areas where you don’t want cats to pee, such as furniture, carpets, plants, or fences.
Some examples are PetSafe SSSCAT Spray, Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Spray (the link will take you to Amazon), and Pet MasterMind Cat Spray.
20. Plug-in Diffusers
These are devices that plug into an electrical outlet and release a synthetic version of a pheromone that cats produce when they feel calm and secure. This can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, which can be a cause of inappropriate peeing.
Some best products are- Feliway Classic Diffuser (Amazon Link), Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser, and Sentry Calming Diffuser.
21. Odor Eliminators
Odor eliminator products that can neutralize or remove the smell of cat urine from your home or garden. This can discourage cats from peeing in the same spot again and make your environment more pleasant.
Some of the best cat odor eliminators are Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator, Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator (the link will take you to Amazon), and Bubbas Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner.
22. Other Commercial Products
Some other products can stop cats from peeing in Inappropriate areas, such as motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellents, or scat mats. These products can either scare away cats or make the area uncomfortable for them to pee on.
Some instances are Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler, Waterproof Cat Repeller (the links will take you to Amazon), and PetSafe ScatMat Indoor Pet Training Mat.
As you understand, not all products work equally well for all cats, and it may take trial and error to find the most effective solution for your cat.
Remember to clean any previously soiled areas thoroughly, as cats are attracted to the scent of their urine. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed to eliminate the odor and discourage them from returning to the same spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. What Should I Put on Furniture to Keep Cats from Peeing?
To deter cats from peeing on furniture, you can try using citrus-scented sprays, aluminum foil, or double-sided tape on your furniture to deter your cat from urinating on it. Covering with plastic is also an option.
02. Can I Use Mouthwash to Stop Cats from Peeing on Furniture?
Using mouthwash is not an effective way to stop cats from peeing on furniture. Instead, try using a cat deterrent spray or the things we mentioned above or providing a litter box in a more accessible location.
03. Why Can’t My Cat Stop Peeing on The Door?
Cats may urinate on doors due to various reasons such as marking their territory, stress or anxiety, medical issues, or a dirty litter box. Identifying the root cause and providing appropriate solutions to prevent this behavior is important.
Verdict
Using certain scents can be a simple and effective way to deter cats from peeing in unwanted areas. Citrus, vinegar, and peppermint are just a few examples of smells that cats find unpleasant.
These items can be used on surfaces where you want to discourage them from urinating. Incorporating these scents into your cleaning routine can help prevent unwanted markings and maintain a clean and odor-free home.
References:
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/6-reasons-your-cat-peeing-outside-litter-box
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-house-soiling
Image Source:
- Canva.com/photos
