10 Best Cat Deterrents 2025 in the United States

The PetSafe ScatMat is a convenient indoor training solution for keeping cats and dogs away from areas they shouldn't access, like countertops or couches. The mat measures 48" x 20", providing ample coverage for many spaces within a home. It's designed for flexibility with customizable modes that include different static correction levels, with a tone-only option for sensitive pets. This feature allows for a gentle approach, ensuring that even nervous pets can be trained without undue stress.

One of its strengths is ease of use. The mat is controlled by a battery-operated controller with an LCD display that shows battery life and correction settings. However, it requires a 9-volt battery, which isn't included, so you might need to purchase one separately. The controller also tracks the number of times your pet steps on the mat, offering valuable feedback on the training process.

A potential drawback is that it's designed specifically for indoor use. This means it might not withstand long-term exposure to outdoor elements. However, its durable construction is likely to handle regular indoor wear and tear well. The product is lightweight at 1.5 pounds, making it portable and easy to reposition as needed.

The ScatMat is versatile, suitable for all breeds and life stages, making it a good choice if you have multiple pets. With its long history as a reliable pet training brand, PetSafe provides additional support for its products through customer service channels, which could be reassuring if you have questions or need assistance.

While some might find the lack of included power source inconvenient, the mat's effectiveness as a deterrent and adaptability in settings make it a practical choice for those looking to manage pet behavior indoors.

This motion-activated sprinkler is designed to deter various animals including cats by using a sudden jet of water combined with a clicking sound, which can be very effective for outdoor yards and gardens. It covers a wide area of up to 1,000 square feet with an adjustable sensor range of up to 30 feet, allowing you to tailor the detection zone to your space. The device is solar powered with rechargeable batteries, making it eco-friendly and cost-efficient compared to chemical repellents.

Its metal stake offers sturdy placement in the ground and good weather resistance for outdoor use. The sprinkler also doubles as a regular garden sprinkler when animal deterrence is not needed, adding some versatility. However, it requires connection to a standard garden hose for water supply, which means it may not be ideal if you don’t have easy access to a hose outdoors.

Some users might find the intermittent spraying and clicking noisy or disruptive, especially if placed near frequently used outdoor areas. While it covers a large zone, very cautious or persistent animals may get used to the deterrent over time. This product suits those looking for a humane, water-based cat deterrent that is easy to set up, eco-conscious, and suitable for open garden or yard spaces with accessible watering.

The Petfolio 12 Pack Black Cat Spike Mat offers a simple, humane way to keep cats and other small animals off your furniture, plants, and other areas both indoors and outdoors. Made from durable black plastic with 1-inch spikes, it discourages pets from stepping or sitting where you don’t want them without causing harm. The pack includes 12 mats measuring 16 by 13 inches each, covering about 17 square feet in total, which is useful if you want to protect multiple spots or larger surfaces.

Since it’s not electric, there’s no need to worry about batteries or power sources, making it low maintenance. It’s also easy to trim and connect mats to fit specific areas, and it comes with stickers to keep them in place. It lacks adjustable sensitivity or range settings because it’s purely a physical barrier, which means it may not deter very determined animals. The plastic construction offers good weather resistance for outdoor use, but over time, heavy exposure to sun and rain might cause some wear.

This product is ideal for pet owners looking for a non-toxic, no-tech solution for keeping cats off counters, furniture, garden beds, or other areas, especially if you don’t want to use sprays or electronic devices. If you want something with motion sensors or ultrasonic features, this mat won’t meet those needs. However, for those seeking a straightforward, reusable physical deterrent, this is a solid choice.