Video:How Does Cat Repellent Work?

Transcript:How Does Cat Repellent Work?

Hi, I'm Paul Filice, President of Miner's ACE Hardware, here today on behalf of about.com to talk to you about cat repellants and how they work.

Chicken Wire as Cat Repellent

Three common cat repellants that I'll talk about today are chicken wire, sprinklers, and chemicals you use to keep cats out of your yard. The first one I'd like to talk about is chicken wire. Chicken wire is preventative for cats digging in your yard; that's what they're ultimately after--they want to dig and squat. This barrier that you're putting up will make cats not want to dig. The pads of their feet are very sensitive and they will not like to get cut. If you put chicken wire over your bedding plant area before you plant, and then cut holes out where you intend to plant, this will prevent cats from getting in. 

Rose Clippings as Cat Repellent

Another option for you to disappeal to a cat's sense of touch is to put rose clippings in your garden. Although rose clippings may sound like a good idea, you have to take precautions, especially if you have small children or other pets that might be walking in the garden.

Sprinkler Deterrents as Cat Repellent

The second one I'd like to talk to you about are sprinkler deterrents. A common one is called the scarecrow sprinkler; this is motion-activated and will spray water at whatever gets in its way. It's erratic, making it impossible for a cat or other animal to learn the pattern and outthink it. Cats hate water, so a quick dose from a sprinkler will make sure it does not come back.

Household Items with Strong Smells

The third option I'd like to talk to you today about are appealing to the cat's sense of smell. There are many chemicals that you can use, found at your local hardware store, that will prevent cats from coming back into your yard. You can also use household things with strong smells like colognes and perfumes. Spray this where you find cats congregating and they will likely not be back. All of these chemicals disappeal to a cat's sense of smell. When it smells something foreign in the area, it will likely not come back.

Natural Cat Repellents

If finding a natural alternative is something you'd like to look into, there are things like black pepper and cayenne pepper that are completely natural that will also keep cats out of your garden by disappealing to their sense of smell. To apply these, sprinkle them liberally in your garden and cover the entire area.

That's how some common cat repellants work. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at about.com.