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10 Best Cat Deterrents 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Cat Repellent Outdoor & Indoor, Cat Deterrent Outdoor Indoor, Natural Essential Oil Ball, Anti Cats Scratch for Furniture, Keep Cats Out of Yard, Keep Cats Away from Garden, Lawn Plants, 12 Packs

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,447
Type of Deterrent
Coverage Area
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
72 reviews

Type of Deterrent
The deterrent effectively protects delicate areas like Christmas trees by discouraging cats with a potent initial scent that gradually fades but continues to keep them away.
Coverage Area
Placing the pellets in high-activity spots such as near furniture legs and garden beds reduces scratching and digging, providing lasting protection both indoors and outdoors.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The product stays put without needing frequent repositioning, offering a hassle-free and consistent solution that integrates smoothly into daily routines.

This cat deterrent uses natural essential oils like grapefruit and peppermint to keep cats away from both indoor and outdoor areas. It’s a chemical-free option that’s safe for pets, people, and plants, making it appealing if you prefer gentle, eco-friendly methods. Each ball releases a scent cats dislike, which helps prevent scratching and digging around your home and garden. The pack includes 12 balls with mesh bags for easy placement in various spots like gardens, patios, or near furniture. The scent lasts about 30 to 60 days, so you get decent coverage before needing replacement.

Because it’s not electronic, it doesn’t require batteries or electricity, which adds to convenience but means it relies fully on the scent to deter cats. This makes it less adjustable since there are no sensitivity or range settings, and effectiveness may vary depending on wind or space size. While the product is designed for outdoor use, strong weather resistance is not specified, so exposure to rain might reduce its lifespan.

This product provides a simple and safe solution for protecting specific areas from cats, particularly if you want to avoid harsh chemicals or complicated devices. For those seeking a deterrent with adjustable settings or extensive coverage, this option may be less powerful.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,447
Type of Deterrent
Coverage Area
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
72 reviews

Type of Deterrent
The deterrent effectively protects delicate areas like Christmas trees by discouraging cats with a potent initial scent that gradually fades but continues to keep them away.
Coverage Area
Placing the pellets in high-activity spots such as near furniture legs and garden beds reduces scratching and digging, providing lasting protection both indoors and outdoors.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The product stays put without needing frequent repositioning, offering a hassle-free and consistent solution that integrates smoothly into daily routines.
#2

Petfolio 12 Pack Black Cat Spike Mat - 16" x 13" Scat Mat for Cats with 1" Spike is A Perfect Pet Deterrent for Indoor & Outdoor Cat Repellent to Deter Feral Cats & Dogs

Rating
8.5
Type of Deterrent
Durability and Weather Resistance
Coverage Area

Most important from
1837 reviews

Type of Deterrent
This mat is a great, no-tech solution that effectively stops cats from peeing on furniture, eliminating unpleasant odors quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The plastic spikes can lose their shape over time with rough use, which may reduce effectiveness for very determined or rough-footed cats.
Coverage Area
The mats are easy to trim and connect, allowing coverage of multiple or larger areas as needed.

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.

Rating
8.5
Type of Deterrent
Durability and Weather Resistance
Coverage Area

Most important from
1837 reviews

Type of Deterrent
This mat is a great, no-tech solution that effectively stops cats from peeing on furniture, eliminating unpleasant odors quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The plastic spikes can lose their shape over time with rough use, which may reduce effectiveness for very determined or rough-footed cats.
Coverage Area
The mats are easy to trim and connect, allowing coverage of multiple or larger areas as needed.
#3

Berkland [4 Pack] Refill for PetSafe SSSCat Spray Deterrent Device - Non-VOC Dog & Cat Spray Deterrent - Family-Safe Cat Deterrent for Counters & Trouble Areas - Made in The USA

Rating
8.2
Type of Deterrent
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
181 reviews

Type of Deterrent
Perfect for keeping cats away from Christmas trees and houseplants.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Issues with fitting the spray head and frequent leaks make it unreliable and frustrating to use.

The Berkland [4 Pack] Refill for PetSafe SSSCat Spray Deterrent Device is a practical solution for keeping cats (and dogs) away from areas in your home where you don’t want them to go. The refill cans are compatible with the PetSafe SSSCat Spray System, making it easy to continue using your existing device. Each can offers 75-100 sprays, which can be quite effective in large homes or for households with multiple pets.

This product is made in the USA and features a non-VOC formula that is safe for pets and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the spray is odorless and non-flammable, ensuring safety in your home. The package provides good value with four refill cans included.

This product is best suited for pet owners who need a safe and humane way to keep their pets away from specific areas and are already familiar with or own the compatible deterrent system.

Rating
8.2
Type of Deterrent
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
181 reviews

Type of Deterrent
Perfect for keeping cats away from Christmas trees and houseplants.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Issues with fitting the spray head and frequent leaks make it unreliable and frustrating to use.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Deterrents

Choosing the right cat deterrent can help you protect your garden, furniture, or any other area from unwanted feline visitors. The key to selecting the best cat deterrent is understanding the different types available and how they work. By considering your specific needs and the environment where you plan to use the deterrent, you can make an informed decision that effectively keeps cats at bay without causing them harm.
Type of DeterrentCat deterrents come in various types, including ultrasonic devices, motion-activated sprinklers, scent-based repellents, and physical barriers. The type of deterrent is important because it determines how the product will interact with the cats and the environment. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans. Motion-activated sprinklers spray water when they detect movement, startling the cat. Scent-based repellents use smells that cats dislike, such as citrus or certain herbs. Physical barriers, like netting or spikes, prevent cats from accessing specific areas. To choose the right type, consider the area you need to protect and the behavior of the cats you are dealing with. For example, if you want to keep cats out of your garden, a motion-activated sprinkler might be effective, while an ultrasonic device could be better for indoor use.
Coverage AreaThe coverage area of a cat deterrent refers to the amount of space it can effectively protect. This is important because it ensures that the entire area you want to keep cat-free is covered. Coverage areas can range from small, targeted spots to large, open spaces. Small coverage areas are suitable for protecting specific items like furniture or flower beds, while larger coverage areas are ideal for yards or gardens. To determine the right coverage area for you, measure the space you need to protect and choose a deterrent that can cover that size. If you have a large area, you may need multiple devices or a deterrent with a wide range.
Power SourceCat deterrents can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or electricity. The power source is important because it affects the convenience and placement of the device. Battery-powered deterrents are portable and can be placed anywhere, but they require regular battery changes. Solar-powered deterrents are eco-friendly and low-maintenance, as they recharge during the day, but they need to be placed in sunny areas. Electric deterrents are reliable and consistent, but they need to be near a power outlet. To choose the right power source, consider where you will place the deterrent and how much maintenance you are willing to do. For example, if you need a deterrent for a remote area, a battery-powered or solar-powered option might be best.
Sensitivity and Range SettingsSensitivity and range settings allow you to adjust how the deterrent responds to movement or presence. This is important because it helps you customize the device to your specific needs and environment. High sensitivity settings can detect smaller movements, which is useful for areas with a lot of activity, while lower sensitivity settings are better for reducing false alarms. Range settings determine how far the deterrent can detect and respond to cats. To choose the right settings, consider the typical behavior of the cats and the layout of the area. For example, if you have a large, open yard, you might need a deterrent with a wide range and high sensitivity.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to how well the deterrent can withstand outdoor conditions. This is important because it ensures the device will last and remain effective over time. Durable materials and weather-resistant features, such as waterproofing, protect the deterrent from rain, wind, and sun damage. To choose a durable and weather-resistant deterrent, consider the climate and conditions in your area. For example, if you live in a region with heavy rainfall, look for a deterrent with high waterproof ratings.

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