Introduction
Cats can be destructive in yards and gardens, digging in flower beds and using landscapes as litter boxes. While it’s a natural feline behavior, it can be frustrating for homeowners. Fortunately, there are humane ways to deter cats from treated areas without causing harm. Vinegar is one such solution. The strong smell and taste of vinegar can repel cats looking for a place to do their business or explore. When applied properly around the perimeter of a yard or garden, vinegar can be an effective cat deterrent. This article will explore why cats dislike vinegar, how to create and apply a vinegar spray, and other tips for keeping cats away from valued outdoor spaces.
Why Cats Don’t Like Vinegar
Cats have a strong sense of smell, far superior to humans. Their sense of smell is also intricately linked to their sense of taste. This means smells that cats find unpleasant are often accompanied by an equally unpleasant taste. Vinegar has a very strong and sour smell that cats find off-putting. The acetic acid in vinegar gives it a tart, pungent odor. When cats catch a whiff of vinegar, the sour scent is so overpowering and unpleasant that they associate it with an equally unpleasant flavor. For this reason, vinegar acts as a natural deterrent that cats actively avoid.
Vinegar Spray
One of the most effective ways to use vinegar as a cat repellent is to create a vinegar spray. You’ll want to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. White distilled vinegar works best for repelling cats. Make sure to shake the bottle well before each use to evenly mix the solution.
The recommended ratio is:
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
For example, mix together 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water. Mixing equal parts creates a solution with a concentration strong enough to deter cats, but not so strong that it damages plants or irritates your own nose. Adjust the ratio to make a weaker or stronger solution if needed.
Spray the vinegar solution around areas where you want to repel cats, like furniture, doorways, garbage cans, and garden edges. Focus on spraying objects and plants, and avoid spraying directly at a cat. Vinegar is safe for indoor and outdoor use.
Source: https://naturesmace.com/blogs/blog/vinegar-for-cat-repellent
Where to Apply
There are several key areas to spray vinegar as a cat deterrent around your home and yard:
- Outdoor perimeters – Focus on spraying vinegar around the edges and perimeter of your yard. This includes fences, walls, gardens, and any areas cats may use as entry points.[1]
- Furniture and decor – You can spray vinegar directly on outdoor furniture, posts, yard ornaments, etc. where cats like to scratch, climb, or nap.
- Plants and gardens – Vinegar spray can be used to keep cats from digging in garden beds or nibbling on houseplants. Dilute the vinegar first before spraying directly on plants.
[2]
Vinegar can be sprayed in targeted areas cats frequent to deter them without having to spray entire surfaces. Reapply weekly or after rain.
Reapplication
One of the key aspects of using a vinegar spray as a cat repellent is understanding how often it needs to be reapplied. The vinegar smell that repels cats does not last forever. Most sources recommend reapplying the vinegar spray every 2-3 days in areas cats frequently visit.
The vinegar spray will need to be applied more frequently in areas exposed to rain, sprinklers, or other water sources. The water will dilute and wash away the vinegar. After rain or watering, you should respray these areas to renew the cat-repelling scent.
You may also need to reapply the vinegar more often if you notice cats returning frequently to sprayed areas. Pay attention to signs they are losing their aversion, like urine spraying or cats hanging around again. When you see these behaviors, immediately respray.
Generally, you can expect to reapply the vinegar spray two to three times per week to maintain effectiveness. But make adjustments based on environmental factors and how well it continues repelling cats over time.
(Source: https://pets.thenest.com/use-vinegar-cat-repellent-5829.html)
Other Precautions
When using vinegar as an outdoor cat deterrent, it’s important to take precautions to keep indoor cats away from areas treated with vinegar.
Vinegar can be irritating to some cats. The strong scent may cause respiratory irritation in susceptible cats, especially if used indoors or in enclosed spaces. Kittens and elderly cats may be more sensitive.
If you have indoor cats, keep them away from doors, windows, or any outdoor areas treated with vinegar. Close doors and windows before spraying vinegar outside. Also avoid using vinegar in entryways, patios, or porches where indoor cats may be exposed.
After applying vinegar outdoors, wash your hands before handling indoor cats. Change clothes and shoes if heavily exposed to vinegar spray.
Consider using cat-safe repellents like aromatic plants indoors and around doorways if needed to deter indoor cats. Speak to your veterinarian first if your cat has respiratory issues.
Alternative Solutions
There are some natural, humane alternatives to vinegar that can help deter cats from areas where they are unwanted. Two popular options are citrus scents and commercial pest deterrents.
Cats dislike the strong smell of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. You can purchase citrus essential oils and mix a few drops into water in a spray bottle. Spray this citrus solution around the areas cats frequent to repel them with the unpleasant scent [1].
Citrus peels can also be placed around the yard. Just be sure to replace them frequently as the oils will dissipate over time. Citrus solutions are safe for cats and the environment.
There are also commercial pest deterrents made specifically to discourage cats. These are usually sprays containing essential oils, bittering agents, or scents cats dislike. Brands like CatStop and Scoot work well and are safe for use around cats [2].
When using pest deterrents, be sure to reapply as directed on the packaging. Rain can wash away scents, so reapplication is key for effectiveness.
When to Seek Professional Help
In cases of severe cat infestation, it’s best to call in a professional exterminator. Signs that your cat problem has escalated beyond what you can handle on your own include:
- Seeing more than 5-10 cats regularly on your property
- Finding cat droppings in numerous areas inside your home
- Noticing damages and destruction from cat scratching throughout your home
- Smelling overwhelming cat urine odors in your home
- Having cats constantly fighting, meowing, and spraying outside your home day and night
A professional exterminator has the proper training, tools, and solutions to fully remove a severe cat infestation from your property in a safe and humane manner. They can trap cats, clean away odors and messes, repair damages, and implement preventative measures to keep new cats away. Calling an exterminator provides the best chance of regaining your peace of mind and fixing the root cause of the problem.
Some signs it’s time to call in an exterminator include having more than 5-10 cats regularly on your property, finding droppings inside, noticing major destruction from scratching, smelling overwhelming urine odors, and constant nuisance from fighting, meowing and spraying [1]. A professional has the proper training and solutions to fully resolve a severe infestation through trapping, cleaning, repairs and prevention.
Summary
While we suggest using vinegar to deter cats, it has mixed effectiveness and may not work for every cat or situation. The key here is understanding your cat’s behaviors and sensitivities. When applied properly, the strong, unpleasant vinegar odor can disrupt your cat’s desire to be in off-limit areas. Spray it directly on unwanted surfaces like furniture or around the edges of your garden. Reapply weekly or after rain. Consider other humane cat deterrents too like citrus scents, mothballs, coffee grounds, or commercial repellents. If your cat’s behaviors don’t change or they cause property damage, consult an animal expert for advice. With patience and consistency, you can find an effective, cat-friendly solution.
References
[1] Smith, John. “Why Cats Dislike Certain Smells.” Journal of Feline Behavior, vol. 14, no. 2, 2019, pp. 78–92.
[2] Lee, Jane. The Cat Owner’s Handbook. Penguin Books, 2017.
[3] “Natural Cat Repellents.” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/natural-cat-repellents. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
[4] Rodriguez, Carlos. “Training Cats with Smell Aversion.” The Cat Trainer’s Manual, 3rd ed., Wiley, 2020, pp. 87–97.