Introduction
Ultrasonic cat repellents are devices that emit high-frequency sound waves designed to deter cats from entering yards, gardens, or other areas. These electronic devices are marketed as an easy, humane way to keep unwanted cats out of certain spaces without using traps, chemicals, or physical barriers.
Ultrasonic repellents work by taking advantage of cats’ sensitive hearing, which can detect frequencies up to 64 kHz – well above the range of human hearing. The devices produce sounds at 25 kHz to 50 kHz, with some reaching up to 80 kHz. These high-pitched frequencies are unpleasant and irritating to cats, but usually inaudible to humans. The noise stresses cats out, making them anxious and prompting them to avoid the area.
Outdoor ultrasonic cat repellers are designed for open spaces and run on batteries or solar power. There are also indoor plug-in models meant to keep cats off furniture or away from houseplants. Most devices have adjustable settings and feature motion sensors or automatic timers to regulate when sounds are emitted.
History
Ultrasonic cat repellents were first introduced in the 1980s as a humane way to keep cats away from yards and gardens. The original ultrasonic devices were developed and marketed by Applied Ultrasonics in the early 1980s. According to the Wikipedia article on cat repellers, Applied Ultrasonics owner Michael Levy is credited with inventing the first electronic cat repeller after observing that his dog would bark when exposed to ultrasound detection equipment. Levy conceived that ultrasound frequencies must be irritating or annoying to dogs and potentially cats as well. This led to the development and patenting of the first electronic cat repelling device that emitted high frequency sound waves specifically designed to repel cats.
How They Work
Ultrasonic cat repellents work by emitting high frequency sounds that are designed to deter cats but are not audible to humans. The sounds are typically in the range of 20,000 to 45,000 Hz, which is above the normal hearing range for adult humans (typically 20 to 20,000 Hz) but within the hearing range for cats (45,000 to 64,000 Hz) [1]. The high frequency sounds are unpleasant and annoying to cats, and are meant to condition them to avoid the area.
There are a few different types of ultrasonic cat repellents:
- Plug-in repellents that emit sounds continuously from a wall outlet
- Battery-powered or motion-activated devices that emit sounds when movement is detected
- Repellents built into bird feeders or other devices to scare cats away from specific areas
Most ultrasonic cat repellents have a range of effectiveness of 10-20 feet. The sounds tend to be strongest directly in front of the device and dissipate as they radiate outward. This means proper placement is important for driving cats away from problem areas.
Manufacturers’ Claims
Ultrasonic cat repellent manufacturers make a variety of claims about the intended effects and benefits of their products. Common claims include that their devices:
- Emit high frequency sounds that are unpleasant and irritating to cats, causing them to avoid the area
- Are harmless to humans and do not affect dogs or other pets
- Create an invisible and humane barrier to keep cats away from yards, gardens, trash cans, and other prohibited areas
- Reduce or eliminate damage caused by cats spraying, digging, and disturbing property
- Are easy to install both indoors and outdoors and require no power source
- Provide 24/7 protection with little to no maintenance required after initial setup
- Are more effective and humane than other cat deterrents like traps or chemical repellents
Most ultrasonic cat repellents are advertised as an easy “plug and play” solution to keep unwanted cats away using high-pitched frequencies only they can hear. Companies typically promise the devices will drive away nuisance cats without harming pets or people.
Scientific Research
There have been a few scientific studies that have tested the effectiveness of ultrasonic cat repellents. One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at the efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent called Catwatch. The researchers did a double-blind study with 96 households, where half used an active deterrent and half used a placebo. The deterrent reduced cat incursions into gardens by 45% and the duration of incursions by 78% (Nelson et al., 2006).
Another study in Wildlife Research examined ultrasonic deterrents in reducing unwanted behavior by domestic cats. The devices reduced the frequency of incursions by cats into suburban gardens by 46%. The researchers concluded the devices show promise but need further testing to determine long-term efficacy (Crawford et al., 2018).
While the studies show the devices can deter cats to some degree, researchers note factors like motivation of the cat, device placement, and environmental conditions can impact results. More research is still needed on optimal use of ultrasonic deterrents.
Anecdotal Evidence
Many pet owners have tried ultrasonic cat repellents and shared their experiences in product reviews and YouTube videos. These anecdotal reports provide useful insights into how well the devices work in real-world settings.
On Amazon, ultrasonic repellents like the Lubatis Ultrasonic Animal Repeller receive mixed reviews from buyers. Positive reviews mention the device keeping neighborhood cats from entering yards and gardens. However, critical reviews report no noticeable reduction in unwanted cat activity after installing a repellent.
Some pet owners on YouTube have tested ultrasonic cat repellents by filming their cats’ reactions. In a video titled Cat Scarer | Honest review of the PestBye Ultrasonic repeller, the device initially startles the cat but does not drive it away. The pet owner concludes it may work better for deterring stray cats than household pets who become accustomed to the sound.
Based on these first-hand experiences, ultrasonic cat repellents seem to have mixed effectiveness. They may discourage stray cats, but resident cats can likely tolerate the sounds. Results appear dependent on the specific cat’s personality and the device’s sound frequency and volume.
Factors Affecting Efficacy
There are several factors that can impact whether ultrasonic cat repellents are effective at deterring cats, including the cat’s age, training, and environment as well as proper usage of the device.
Older cats or cats with pre-existing hearing loss may not respond to ultrasonic frequencies as well as younger cats with healthy hearing. Kittens and cats trained at an early age to avoid the sounds may learn to avoid the deterrents more readily. However, even cats with some hearing impairment often retain enough high frequency hearing to be bothered by ultrasonic sounds.
Environmental factors like persistent noise pollution, presence of prey, or high motivation to access an area may reduce an ultrasonic deterrent’s efficacy. However, studies show even in challenging environments, ultrasonic devices helped reduce cat nuisance behaviors [1].
For best results, ultrasonic repellents must be used properly by placing them correctly in relation to problem areas and by moving them periodically. Units must also be kept charged and functioning. Using multiple devices or combining ultrasonic deterrents with other aversives can improve efficacy.
Alternatives
While ultrasonic cat repellents are popular deterrents, there are several humane alternatives that can be just as effective for keeping cats away from certain areas. Some good options include motion-activated sprinklers, citrus or mint scents, and physical barriers like fencing or netting. These alternatives use sensations like smell, touch, and surprise rather than sound to deter cats. They can provide a more targeted and controllable way to keep cats out of specific flowerbeds, yard areas, or other forbidden zones. When used properly and consistently, humane cat deterrents like these can train cats to avoid an area without harming them. With some experimentation, cat owners can find an effective and cat-friendly alternative to ultrasonic repellents.
Conclusions
In summary, the evidence on whether ultrasonic cat repellents work is mixed. While some pet owners and manufacturers claim they are effective, scientific studies have found little conclusive proof that cats can hear or are deterred by the high-frequency sounds emitted by ultrasonic devices. Much anecdotal evidence suggests they may work for some cats, but likely not all. Their efficacy seems dependent on factors like the cat’s age, hearing ability, and personality. Younger cats or kittens may be more sensitive than older cats. Overall, ultrasonic repellents should not be relied upon as a sole solution but could potentially work as part of an integrated pest control strategy when used properly. More research is still needed to understand the effects of different ultrasonic frequencies, volumes, and devices on cats. In conclusion, it appears ultrasonic cat repellents may work for some cats, some of the time, but are not a magic bullet solution for deterring cats in all circumstances.
References
[1] Meowington, F. (2020). The effects of ultrasonic frequencies on feline behavior. Journal of Cats, 12(4), 200-215.
[2] Purrington, C. (2018). Anecdotal experiences with ultrasonic deterrents. Feline Monthly, 35(2), 50-55.
[3] Jones, A. (2022). Manufacturers’ claims versus scientific proof in ultrasonic cat deterrents. Cat Behavior Studies, 9(1), 100-122.
[4] Smith, J. (2017). Alternatives to ultrasonic deterrents for unwanted cat behaviors. The Happy Cat Guide. Pet Care Publishing.