The Best Homemade Cat Sprays to Keep Cats from Scratching

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Keep cats away with these homemade deterrents
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It can be frustrating when cats mess around where they shouldn’t, especially if your furniture or garden is involved. You shouldn’t have to deal with a cat scratching up or peeing on your things, even if you love them dearly! So, how can you stop them without being cruel? We talked with pest control specialist Elmer Bensinger to bring you advice on how to deter cats. Here are some of the best homemade cat repellents that’ll keep cats away from items indoors and outdoors. With just a few supplies, you can prevent cats from coming into your sacred space.

How to Make a Vinegar Cat Repellent Spray

  1. Pour vinegar and water into a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio.
  2. Squeeze a pump of liquid hand soap into the bottle.
  3. Twist on the top and shake the mixture until it’s well combined.
  4. Spray the repellent on indoor and outdoor areas you want to keep cats away from.

Ingredients

Vinegar Cat Repellent

  • 1 part vinegar
  • 1 part liquid hand soap
  • 1 part water

Citrus Cat Repellent

  • 2 cups (473 ml) water
  • 1 cup (96 g) orange, lemon, lime, and/or tangerine peels
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
  • Lemon-scented dish soap

Citronella Oil Cat Repellent

  • 20 drops citronella oil
  • ¾ cup (177 ml) water

Essential Oil Cat Repellent

  • 2 drops lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops wild orange essential oil
  • 2 drops lavender essential oil
  • Water

Garlic, Pepper, & Lemon Cat Repellent

  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) cinnamon
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • 3 to 4 drops lemon essential oil
  • Water
Section 1 of 7:

Vinegar Cat Repellent

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Cat Repellent
    Add vinegar and water to a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. For this homemade cat repellent, you’ll need a spray bottle. Pour 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water into the bottle, and swish them together quickly to blend them. [1]
    • You can use tap, filtered, purified, or bottled water for this repellent.
    • A plastic or glass spray bottle works perfectly for this recipe.
    • This homemade cat repellent is considered the safest option, as it doesn’t require any potentially toxic essential oils or fragrances.
  2. When the vinegar and water are mixed, squeeze 1 squirt of liquid hand soap into the spray bottle. Shake the mixture vigorously to ensure that the soap is fully combined with the vinegar mixture. [2]
    • Any type of hand soap will work for the repellent, but it’s best to use a clear formula.
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  3. Once the vinegar, water, and soap are fully mixed together, apply the repellent to the areas where you want to discourage cats from going. You can spray it directly from the bottle or apply it to a cloth and wipe it over the spots. [3]
    • Use this repellent to keep cats away from both indoor and outdoor locations. Just be careful with fabrics, as the vinegar might stain.
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Section 2 of 7:

Citrus Cat Repellent

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  1. Add 2 cups (473 ml) of water to a medium pot. Heat the water over medium-high to high heat until it boils , which typically takes around 5-7 minutes. [4]
    • Tap water is perfectly fine to use for this repellent.
  2. Once the water comes to a boil, add 1 cup (96 g) of orange, lemon, lime, and/or tangerine peels to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. [5]
    • Cats dislike citrus scents, so any combination of orange, lemon, lime, and/or tangerine peels that totals a cup (96 g) will work well! [6]
  3. After the mixture has simmered for 20 minutes, take the pot off the heat. Let the mixture cool completely, which should take approximately 30 minutes, before transferring it to a spray bottle. [7]
    • If the citrus peels are in large chunks, strain them out of the mixture so it’s easier to pour into the bottle.
  4. Once you’ve transferred the mixture into the spray bottle, pour 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice and a squirt or two of citrus-scented dish soap . Shake the bottle well to ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined. [8]
    • Using a citrus-scented soap adds an extra layer of scent that cats will be deterred from.
    • You can substitute lime or orange juice for the lemon, but be sure to use freshly squeezed juice.
  5. After you’ve thoroughly mixed the ingredients, spray the mixture in any area of your house that you want to keep cats out of. You can apply it to floors, walls, and even furniture. [9]
    • To be safe, test the repellent on an inconspicuous spot on a fabric-covered item to ensure that the ingredients won’t damage the material.
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Section 3 of 7:

Citronella Oil Cat Repellent

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  1. Add enough water to a glass spray bottle until the water is almost at the very top. Be sure to leave an inch or so of space so the repellent does spill over when you screw on the cap. [10]
    • Tap, filtered, purified, and bottled water will all work for this repellent.
    • Citronella and other essential oils can break down plastic, which is why it’s best to use a glass spray bottle. [11]
  2. After you’ve nearly filled the bottle with water, squeeze 20 drops of citronella oil into it. Mix the oil into the water by shaking the bottle well. [12]
    • Citronella oil has an extremely strong odor that repels cats. It is also effective in keeping insects away.
  3. Once you’ve mixed the citronella oil and water thoroughly, apply the mixture to any areas you want to keep cats away from. Use this repellent indoors and outdoors. [13]
    • For the best results, spray this repellent on areas where cats have peed in your yard. Make sure to clean the area well before spraying.
    • If you use this repellent outdoors, be sure to reapply it if it rains.
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Section 4 of 7:

Essential Oil Cat Repellent

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  1. Add the essential oil to a spray bottle . For the repellent, you’ll need a 2-ounce (59 ml) glass spray bottle. Squeeze 2 drops of lemon essential oil , 2 drops of wild orange essential oil , and 2 drops of lavender essential oil into the bottle. [14]
    • Cats are more sensitive to scents than humans, so essential oils with strong odors, such as citrus and lavender, can help repel them. You can substitute lime, peppermint, and/or eucalyptus oils in this recipe if you prefer.
    • It’s important to use a glass bottle for the spray because essential oils degrade more easily in plastic. [15]
    • Warning: Essential oils can be toxic and poisonous to cats. While the oils may deter cats, if they’re not diluted, they could be very harmful and cause liver failure, seizures, or death. Use them with caution. [16]
  2. After you’ve added the essential oils to the spray bottle, pour enough water into it to fill it. Close the bottle securely, and shake well to ensure that the oils are blended with the water. [17]
    • It isn’t necessary to use filtered or purified water for the spray. Regular tap water works fine.
  3. Once the water and oils are mixed, apply the cat repellent to areas that you want to discourage cats from visiting. In particular, it works well if you have house plants that you want to keep cats away from. [18]
    • As Bensinger advises, be careful spraying the repellent on carpeting, curtains, or other fabrics, as the oils may stain the material. Test the spray on an inconspicuous spot on the fabric to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
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Section 5 of 7:

Garlic, Pepper, & Lemon Cat Repellent

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  1. For this cat repellent, you’ll need a 2-ounce (59 ml) glass spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of black pepper, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dry mustard, and 1 teaspoon (3 g) of cinnamon to the bottle. [19]
    • You can substitute the black pepper with cayenne pepper if you prefer.
    • Warning: This homemade repellent can get smelly, so it’s best for outdoor use.
  2. After you’ve added the spices to the spray bottle, toss in a crushed garlic clove. Next, squeeze in 3 to 4 drops of lemon essential oil, and swish the contents gently to combine. [20]
    • If you don’t have a garlic clove, substitute with ⅛ teaspoon (½ g) of garlic powder.
    • Lime, wild orange, or grapefruit essential oil can also work in place of lemon oil.
    • Warning: Essential oils can be toxic and poisonous to cats. While the oils may deter cats, if they’re not diluted, they could be very harmful and cause liver failure, seizures, or death. Use them with caution. [21]
  3. Once all of the spices and oil are in the bottle, add enough water to fill the container. Shake the bottle vigorously to completely blend all of the ingredients. [22]
    • Make sure to leave some space at the top of the bottle so the repellent doesn’t spill out when you screw on the top.
  4. When the spray is fully mixed, spray it over any outdoor areas you want to keep cats away from. This repellent works best in garden beds and on bushes and other plants. [23]
    • Similarly, you can also use the repellent to keep cats away from indoor plants.
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Section 6 of 7:

How do you stop cats from scratching furniture?

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  1. Prevent cats from scratching with natural deterrents. Scratching is a natural, instinctive behavior for cats. They scratch because they’re sharpening their claws or trying to communicate. In the wild, this isn’t a problem, but it can be quite destructive indoors, especially for your furniture. Luckily, there are ways to help draw your cat’s focus elsewhere. Here’s how you can stop cats from scratching furniture : [24]
    • Place a scratching post near the area the cat is scratching.
    • Invest in a durable scratching post with a strong base and tall pole.
    • Purchase a scratching pad for a cat that likes to scratch horizontally.
    • Place catnip on scratching posts or pads to encourage scratching. [25]
    • Discourage scratching by moving the scratched item or using a deterring spray.
    • Stick double-sided tape on favored surfaces to protect them and deter scratching.
    • Protect furniture with thick, shiny plastic.
Section 7 of 7:

How do you keep cats away from your yard?

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  1. Keep cats away with smells, sprinklers, and other humane measures. Having stray or unwanted cats coming into your yard or peeing on your things can be frustrating. Thankfully, they’re are ways to deter them naturally without harming them. Here are the top ways you can deter cats from coming into your space: [26]
    • Plant herbs or spray scents of citrus, garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee, citronella, and/or eucalyptus in your garden.
    • Place motion-activated sprinklers on your lawn.
    • Secure any outdoor trash in closed or locked bins.
    • Place plastic mats with flexible spikes to discourage digging.
    • Put pine cones or lava rocks in outdoor potted plants to discourage digging.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you repel cats permanently?
    Jessica Char
    Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
    Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
    Jessica Char
    Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    I believe the most effective way of keeping cats off your property is to keep food out of your yard. Also, make sure your garbage is secure so that pets and wildlife aren't finding anything interesting in your property. If there's nothing to be found, these cats won't bother you anymore.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 132 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How can I stop cats from pooping in my garden?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can try odor-based deterrents, such as orange peels or mothballs. Certain plants, like the “scaredy cat plant” (Coleus canina) may also repel cats. If that doesn’t work, you can try installing a motion-activated sprinkler or putting a bristly “scat mat” around your garden bed to make it less appealing to cats.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What’s the best cat repellent for furniture?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    For keeping cats away from furniture, you need to pick a repellent that smells bad to cats, but not to humans! Try a citrus-based repellent to give your furniture a fresh scent while also keeping cats away. You may want to test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t damage the upholstery.
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      Tips

      • Try scattering chopped citrus peels or coffee grounds around your garden to prevent cats from digging in the soil.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Placing catnip or fun toys in an area you don't mind the cat being can distract them and keep them away from places you don't want them to be.
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      Warnings

      • As Bensinger advises, make sure the ingredients you use for your homemade repellent are safe for animals, because if they aren't, they could potentially harm them.
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      • Never spray any repellent directly on a cat, Bensinger warns. Some ingredients, such as the citrus essential oils and black pepper, can be harmful to them. Only apply the repellent to areas where you want to discourage the cats from going.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pest control, check out our in-depth interview with Elmer Bensinger .

      References

      1. ↑ https://colorglo.com/restoration-blog/diy-make-your-own-cat-repellent-spray
      2. ↑ https://colorglo.com/restoration-blog/diy-make-your-own-cat-repellent-spray
      3. ↑ https://colorglo.com/restoration-blog/diy-make-your-own-cat-repellent-spray
      4. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-in-the-house
      5. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-in-the-house
      6. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-hate-citrus-fruit
      7. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-in-the-house
      8. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-in-the-house
      9. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-in-the-house
      1. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/using-citronella-oil-cat-repellent.html
      2. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      3. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/using-citronella-oil-cat-repellent.html
      4. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/using-citronella-oil-cat-repellent.html
      5. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/04/cat-repellant-spray-keep-your-cat-your-houseplants-and-your-sanity.html
      6. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      7. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/cats-and-essential-oils
      8. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/04/cat-repellant-spray-keep-your-cat-your-houseplants-and-your-sanity.html
      9. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/04/cat-repellant-spray-keep-your-cat-your-houseplants-and-your-sanity.html
      10. ↑ https://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/keep-cats-out-of-the-garden/
      11. ↑ https://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/keep-cats-out-of-the-garden/
      12. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/cats-and-essential-oils
      13. ↑ https://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/keep-cats-out-of-the-garden/
      14. ↑ https://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/keep-cats-out-of-the-garden/
      15. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching
      16. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/destructive-scratching
      17. ↑ https://www.orangecountync.gov/2144/Humane-Deterrents-for-Free-Roaming-Cats

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make homemade cat repellent, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray your cat repellent wherever you want to keep cats away from. You can also make cat repellent with essential oils, like citronella, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass oil. Just mix 1 part essential oil with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Reapply your repellent spray every day so that cats don't come back. Another option is to sprinkle lemon or lime peels around the area since cats don't like the smell of citrus. Avoid using cayenne or chili pepper to deter cats since they can actually make cats sick. If you want to learn how to make other repellents with essential oils or citrus peels, keep reading!

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