Let’s face it, cats are individuals with minds of their own, which is why you yell, scream, grovel, threaten, entreat, bribe and even try reasoning with them to stop some of the things they do (with little success, we bet!). Truthfully too, they’re just hard wired like that. They love to play everywhere, without boundaries – even after you’ve bought them
their own tree.
Scratching, for cats, is instinct and helps them achieve a lot: mark a territory, exercise, get a manicure (that you sometimes forget to give them) and play. It’s the reason experts advise you to get them
their own scratch post. They can’t help it.
Okay, so this explanation (though true) doesn’t pay for your ruined furniture so, let’s thank the heavens for cat deterrents. They have sort of made life easier for the entire populace of cat owners/parents. But if the question of the best cat deterrent has ever popped in your head, then sorry to burst your bubble, darling – there really isn’t any absolute best cat deterrent that works for all cats.
We have already established cats are their own people – or cats, as the case may be. And really, one cat’s deterrent might just be another cat’s thoroughfare. So, the correct question should be: what cat deterrent works best with my cat? This may mean you have to try out a few options before settling on one.
Read this story:
So, this woman has two cats: a male and a female. One day, she got herself a cat deterrent because of the reason every serious human being gets a cat deterrent. She got the spray type. Installed everything and blah blah blah. So, after installation, male cat jumps to the countertop where spray is. “Achoo!” goes the spray and male cat darts to
his little house for dear life and swears to never go back.
Enter Madame female cat. Different story. Female cat jumps on countertop. Same reaction: spray “sneezes”. Female darts for dear life. But does that deter female cat? Oh no! She’s a survivor (probably listened to Destiny’s Child way too much).
She walks to the countertop. Again.
“You really think you can outsmart me?” She climbs again. Same path of reaction recurs.
Does that deter female cat? Fat chance. She continues the pattern one more time, no doubt thinking: “’Countertopville,’ you will be mine!”
When she didn’t seem to be making any progress, she went to enlist the help of now demure male cat stuffed full with humble pie.
Well, they are still circling the area as we speak, planning and strategizing on how best to reclaim the lost territory. Well, the female’s dictating, the male is just… well… there. They just might be calling on the UN pretty soon. Let’s not forget to put them in our prayers, please.
As you can tell, one method does not fit all. There have been reports of cats that turned an ultrasonic cat deterrent into a toy of first choice. In the end, though, there are different types of cat deterrents which are effective in their own rights, there are also over one million individual cats who are equally unique in their own rights (and well beyond, if we might add). The only general rule that should apply to picking out a cat deterrent for your use should be that it comes at no detriment at all to your cat, your family, your environment or you. Period.
Price
If you love your cat, please stay away from the cheap cat deterrents and their fake promises. There are just so many ways a cheap cat deterrent can go wrong. If spray, the spray can be toxic. If shock mat, then it could fry your cat. If foil, then your cat could just shred it out of its way and get comfy on your expensive sofa that your so-called cat deterrent is supposed to protect.
On the other hand, a good cat deterrent will hardly cost you anything outside the range of $10 - $25, give or take a few dollars. Please, the margin is too insignificant to unnecessarily risk harm and damage to your cat. If you’re going to get a cat deterrent, just get a good one already.
Features
There are so many features to look out for in choosing a cat deterrent. Although there is a wide variation in the forms in which cat deterrents come, we’ve compiled a list of general features here for you. We will try to explain each feature and its import to each form of deterrent…
- Type
- Design
- Size/coverage
- Where to be used
- Durability
You’ll see their import to the various forms of deterrents shortly.
Construction and Design
There isn’t enough space on the internet to properly explain every cat deterrent that exists, but we’ll give you a crash course.
- Yelling and Punishment: Aha! These are not real types of cat deterrents. Please bear it in mind that scratching by cats is not a behavioral problem. It’s simply instinct. Yelling or physical harm will not “exorcise’ the “demon of scratching”. Actual cat deterrents like the real ones we will list are better options.
- Double Stick Tape: As the name implies, this type is in form of a sticky tape. Naturally, it deters because cats do not care for any form of stickiness at all.
- Aluminum Foil: The noise and feel of aluminum, put mildly, simply annoys the life out of cats. So, on their own, they’ll keep away, at least for a while, even after just one contact.
- Water Gun: Errr… are you ready to follow your cat around like a police escort and “shoot” her with a stream of water from a water gun every time she trespasses? We didn’t think so too but if you insist, by all means, carry on! Just make sure you have a plan to get a less time-consuming option.
- Citrus Scents: They hate them! No love lost at all. You could also try it.
- Ultrasonic Sound: This is the most common type available. They can either be solar powered or otherwise run by batteries. They deter your cat by letting off a high-pitched sound usually inaudible to humans and irritating to their ears. They are good because they do not harm your pets.
- Repellent Sprays: These are undoubtedly the best for indoor use. Usually, they contain lavender or lemon scents which cats cannot stand. These sprays aren’t ideal for a permanent situation but they are the most affordable. Before purchasing though, make sure the spray contains strictly naturally occurring chemicals to prevent any danger to you, your cat or anyone else within the vicinity.
- Repellent Plants: Curry, lavender, rosemary, and citrus plants are big enemies of cats. So, if you plant them in your farm or keep a potted one in your house, your cat will steer clear. Before moving to use repellent plants though, be sure. Not every repellent plant works for every cat. And some of them react funny with some other plants in your garden. Ask questions.
- Natural Oils: Get as many bottles of natural oil as you can get. Open them up and let your cat sniff all. Watch her reaction. Then take that same one that she can’t stand and mix with water (4 parts). This could be your DIY, not to mention eco-friendly, cat deterrent.
- Baby Gates: Place one of these on your doorways and fortify with netting if gaps are too large. This method works best for smaller/younger cats that cannot jump so high yet. A big cat will have no trouble leaping over this thing.
- Netting and Chicken Wire: It’s a great idea to use with your plants. Surround the plant with chicken wire, or lay on problem areas on the ground and cats will definitely avoid. They hate the feel of the metal wire under their paws as it’s extremely uncomfortable for them.
- Spikes: Before you continue, please do not use metal spikes. That’s just wrong and way too harsh. Use plastic instead, it’s gentler and still sends a strong message to the cat.
There are different ways in which a cat deterrent is designed to do its job. For some, like the aluminum foil, it’s the crinkling noise and texture. For others it’s the scent, others it’s an ultrasonic sound, while for some others, it’s a short sharp pain (see above for spikes) or stickiness. At the risk of sounding repetitive, only use what works best with your cat.
Performance and Ease of Use
The type of deterrent you decide to use will determine its modus operandi. An aluminum foil will be laid. A repellent plant will be planted (obviously). A spray can will just be kept. An ultrasonic deterrent will be installed and so on and so forth. Method of application is a simple matter that common sense and manufacturer’s instruction will easily fix.
Now, size and quantity is another matter. Different cat deterrents, especially those that are manufactured, come in different sizes. Some are only large enough for one chair or an ottoman, different sprays cover different distances, while others can extend enough to accommodate a sofa. So, what’s your cat’s favorite chair? Consider that before you make a purchase.
Spray cans also have capacities. You might want to find out how many sprays it holds before making a purchase. That way, you know if you’re getting your money’s worth and if and when you should be thinking of getting a refill.
If the cat deterrent is battery-operated, then a good knowledge of how long the batteries last is invaluable, else you might end up not getting value for your money. Check to see also if the product comes with batteries or if they are sold separately instead.
Not all cat deterrents can be used everywhere. There are those for indoors and others for the outdoors. A cat spray, e.g. is best used indoors, same with aluminum foil. But you definitely won’t be using chicken wire inside your house. Again, a simple formula of common sense and manufacturer’s instructions will solve this issue.
Many cat deterrents are relatively low-maintenance and almost none require cleaning. Durability, though, is another matter entirely. It varies greatly from product to product. You might want to check out the warranty of the product as provided by the manufacturer to get word on that. Should the product fail to deliver, follow procedure and file a warranty claim.
Aha! You have successfully armed yourself with enough info to go cat deterrent hunting. As you read the product reviews following, be sure to keep your eyes open for the one that will most likely work for your cat.
Features
Mosher Pets is a brand committed to customer satisfaction. But what’s absolutely unique about this brand is its dogged determination to cut out the bumbledom and simply serve its customers their needs in the simplest, most uncomplicated, and down-to-earth manner possible. For Mosher Pets, simplicity is key and that is evident in the nature of its deliverables. This has also gained the brand a high commendation among new and returning customers.
There are many ways to get your pets to stay off your furniture. Some are humane and others are just downright wrong. A good example of downright wrong is “electrocuting” your pet (calling it little shocks doesn’t make it any less an electrocution) just to get it off the furniture. That’s serious overkill. Understandably though, pet owners haven’t been left with many options as pets can be impossible at times, what with the scratches, clawing, peeing, and what have you! Good news is, today, there exists a non-electric pad that can keep your pets away from your expensive furniture without being a beast about it – the Mosher Pets Pet Repeller Furniture Pad.
Question: So, if it does not shock my pet, then how does it work?
Simple. The material from which this pad is made has an extremely unpleasant sound and feel to your pet. They just cannot bring themselves to feel comfortable sitting or lying or playing in such. So, when they jump on the couch, their first instinct is “flight!” They’ll still come back to you, but with time, they’ll learn to totally avoid the marked areas altogether. So, it’s a win-win. Pet is safe. You’re spared the heartbreak. And the world is happy.
No matter how effective this pet repeller is, though, a simple limitation such as a small surface area can hinder it from giving you the best results. A good thing the repeller also comes in a large size; large enough to extend to the back and sides of your couch or sofa. It measures 70 by 56 inches, so however big your furniture, one repeller (or worst case scenario, two) should absolutely suffice.
With the Mosher Pets Pet Repeller Furniture Pad, you get a 90% assurance of effectiveness. The other 10% is because pets will be pets. You know that, right?
PS: Here is a tip. Mosher Pets suggests not tucking the repeller in on your furniture, as leaving it loose creates more crinkle!
Go ahead and protect all that’s yours by making that purchase. Your cats will surely love – sorry, hate it! But it’s for the general good so get yours now.
