Are you tired of cats wandering around your property and causing a mess? Despite their adorable appearance, cats can be quite a nuisance for homeowners, especially for those who are allergic or have a pet of their own. Cat feces, destroyed plants, and scratched furniture are only a few of the issues cat owners face daily. However, keeping cats away from your house is simpler than you think. Below, we’ll provide you with effective and humane methods to keep felines at bay.
Create physical barriers to keep cats out, such as chicken wire or fencing (2)
One effective way to keep cats away from your property is by creating physical barriers around your house. Installing chicken wire or fencing is a straightforward way to achieve this, as it can block any access points for cats. This method can also be cost-effective, as chicken wire is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Make sure to secure the wire or fence tightly to the ground and any nearby structures to prevent cats from finding a way in. Not only will this physical barrier keep unwanted felines at bay, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected.
Scatter unpleasant smells around the perimeter, such as citrus or vinegar (3)
One effective way to keep cats away from your house is to scatter unpleasant smells around the perimeter. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and there are quite a few aromas that they find unpleasant or offensive.
Citrus and vinegar are two smells that cats dislike, and they can be used to create a barrier around your property. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it around the areas where cats are getting into your yard. You can also soak cotton balls in citrus essential oil and place them around the perimeter.
Just be careful not to spray or place these scents directly on any plants you want to keep, as they can be harmful. With a little effort and some smelly solutions, you can keep those pesky cats away from your house.
Install motion-activated sprinklers to deter cats from entering the yard (4)
One effective way to keep cats away from your house is by installing motion-activated sprinklers. These are easy to set up and operate using sensors that detect any movement within the yard. When the sensors detect a cat or any other animal approaching, the sprinklers turn on and release a spray of water. The sudden burst of water is startling for the cat and is usually enough to make them stay away from the yard.
Motion-activated sprinklers are safe and humane, and they also provide a natural way to keep your garden well-watered. They are rechargeable and low maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for keeping cats away from your house. This method is also environmentally friendly as it does not involve the use of harmful chemicals that can harm the cat or the environment.
However, it is important to note that motion-activated sprinklers can be triggered by other animals such as dogs, squirrels, or birds. You may need to adjust the sensors or the angle of the sprinklers to ensure they are only activated when a cat is present. Overall, installing motion-activated sprinklers is an effective and humane way to keep cats away from your house.
Use ultrasonic deterrents that emit high-frequency sounds that cats dislike (5)
Ultrasonic deterrents are a great way to keep cats away from your house without causing them any harm. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that cats find unpleasant, making them avoid the area. They work by producing a noise that is too high-pitched for humans to hear but is very effective in deterring cats. Ultrasonic deterrents come in different models, and some are solar-powered, ensuring they run day and night. However, it is essential to note that these devices might not work on all cats, as some are accustomed to the sound or have hearing issues. It is also important to place the deterrents strategically around the house to ensure maximum effectiveness. Ultrasonic deterrents can be an excellent addition for pet owners who want to keep their cats safe while maintaining their property’s cleanliness and appearance.
Secure garbage cans and other food sources to discourage cats from scavenging (6)
One effective way to keep cats away from your house is to secure your garbage cans and other food sources. Cats are naturally attracted to food and can easily scavenge through your garbage cans looking for scraps. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids to prevent cats from accessing them. You can also consider placing a weight or bungee cord on top of the lid to keep it in place.
Apart from garbage cans, other food sources that can attract cats include bird feeders and open pet food bowls. If you have a bird feeder, make sure it is placed high enough that cats cannot reach it. Additionally, avoid leaving pet food outside for extended periods of time. If you have to, feed your pets indoors and remove any leftover food immediately.
By securing your garbage cans and other food sources, you can effectively discourage cats from scavenging around your house and minimize their presence. This will not only maintain the hygiene of your property but also reduce the likelihood of cat-related damage or conflicts.
Introduce plants that cats dislike, such as rosemary or lavender (7)
Introducing plants that cats dislike is a natural and humane way to keep them from approaching your house. Rosemary, lavender, and rue are among the plants that deter cats with their strong scents. These aromatic plants not only keep your yard cat-free but also add aesthetic value to your property. Place them in pots or plant them in strategic areas close to or around your house to keep cats at bay. Moreover, adding plants that cats find irritating such as citronella, pennyroyal, and lemon thyme is a useful approach to keep cats away from your home. While these plants offer other health benefits, it’s best to keep them out of reach of children and pets as some of them may also be toxic. Using plants is not only an effective way to keep cats away from your property, but also an environmentally friendly solution compared to using chemicals and harmful methods.
Use repellent sprays designed specifically for cats (8)
If you have tried all the natural ways to keep cats away from your house and still experience their presence, then you might want to consider using repellent sprays designed specifically for cats. These sprays contain natural ingredients that act as a deterrent for cats, making them avoid your property altogether. Most of these sprays are safe for both humans and the environment and can be sprayed around the perimeter of your yard or directly on areas where cats tend to frequent. However, it’s important to check the label before using any spray and make sure it’s appropriate for your situation. Remember, repellent sprays are most effective when used in conjunction with other methods, such as removing food sources and blocking access points. So, if you’re willing to invest a little extra effort to protect your property from cats, repellent sprays might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Set up humane traps to capture and release the cats away from your house (9)
One of the most humane methods of keeping cats away from your house is by setting up humane traps to capture them and release them elsewhere. These traps are designed to trap cats without causing them any harm. Once they are captured, you can take them to an animal shelter or a remote area where they won’t bother anyone.
When setting up these traps, it’s important to ensure that you place them in areas where the cats are likely to frequent. This could be near dumpsters or food sources. You should also monitor the traps regularly to ensure that you release any trapped cats as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that trapping and relocating cats is not a long-term solution, as other cats may move into the area. Additionally, some people may not agree with this method and may view it as cruel. Therefore, it’s important to explore alternative methods first before resorting to trapping and relocating cats.