Cats don’t need much of a negative outcome to deter them from jumping up on the kitchen counters or clawing furniture. In fact, even a minor inconvenience will usually be quite effective, and most cats will learn after three experiences with a cat deterrent," Nagelschneider told The Spruce Pets. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. Furthermore, cats can be attracted to certain plants, such as catnip or mint, and may chew on or roll around in them, damaging the plants. 12 Plants To Deter Cats The good news is that using a citronella spray for cats could give you a harmless way of making sure they know where they are welcome.

Another herb that serves as a pest deterrent is basil. Pests are deterred by the intense aroma that basil leaves emit. Additionally, since all varieties of basil are effective at warding off flies and mosquitoes, feel free to experiment to find the ideal varieties to incorporate into your garden. You can grow basil in pots, in the garden, or alongside other flowers. 5. Peppermint You can utilise lemon in different ways, whichever suits you best. Most of us use lemons and get rid of the peels; however, they can be useful to you. You can place the lemon peels in the soil, let the scent travel, and the cats will be repelled. Ultrasonic repellents come with built-in PIR (passive infrared) motion sensors, and they can be either battery or solar powered. The built-in motion sensor ensures the noise is emitted automatically, when the sensor detects movement. Some units will have an adjustable sensor and can be used to sense different animals. In these cases, the sensor can be adjusted to only detect large animals (such as foxes or large cats), or smaller animals such as rodents and other pests. Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Cat Repellents Sometimes, a variety of geranium is sold as a “citronella geranium,” but these are not a true citronella. They just share a similar citrus scent. In our real-world testing, the Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Cat Spray effectively deterred our participating feline from pouncing and clawing at the couch cushions in their home. The liquid spray cat repellent is safe to use on a variety of surfaces including furniture and carpet. We didn't experience any staining or discoloration, but you should always test fabric in an inconspicuous spot to be safe.

How to Make the Citronella Solution

On the other hand, your cat can start experiencing symptoms of citronella toxicity, such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, hypothermia, etc. In that case, you should visit a vet as soon as possible. Citronella toxicity can seriously threaten your cat’s health, so I urge you to act fast. The Defenders Cat and Dog Scatter Granules offer a simple method that works well to deter both cats and dogs. These granules are biodegradable, coated with garlic to produce a strong smell that cats dislike. They’re one of the best cat repellents if you’re after a simple, spreadable option (this one specifically is garlic-based).

The other way you can use citronella or other citrus oils is to make your own homemade spray. This is perhaps the most convenient method of all, as you can spritz it far and wide across the garden, including pathways, fences and The citronella plant itself isn’t directly harmful to cats based on currently available info, but it’s best to keep your cat well away from its other products, such as essential oils or candles. Here, we discuss citronella in its more popular forms and how they could affect your cat. A Bit About the Citronella PlantThese two species are used to produce citronella essential oil. This oil has many applications, used in insect repellent, candles, soaps, aromatherapy, etc. It has a scent similar to citrus fruits, wood and cinnamon. Geraniol is thought to be the major constituent contributing to various activities, including antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and wound-healing effects. Citronella has a citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and relaxing. In fact, research has shown that citronella essential oil seems to activate both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, which is beneficial for management of anxiety. To use citronella oil for hair, add several drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or try making your own homemade recipe using a cleansing oil like coconut oil, which also benefits hair. How to Use Given that the base ingredient is pepper, this product gives an alternative option to citronella or garlic products. If you find that you don’t like the smell of garlic or citronella, or haven’t found those products to be effective, this gives an alternative option to try.