Best cat repellent in the UK

What is the best cat repellent? In fact, there is no clear answer to this question. Much depends on whether you need to keep a feral cat away from your property or distract your pet from bad habits. In the case of feral cats, it is important to understand what they are attracted to in your property. Some cats find shelter under the house, others use a lawn as a toilet or come for food. Identifying the problem will help you find the right solution.

Consider the number of cat repellents you need. If you install only one deterrent device in your garden, cats may learn to bypass it. Sometimes when you think that a repellent does not work, you actually do not have a sufficient amount of them to create an efficient barrier. And finally, you should use a humane deterrent that does not contain toxic substances and does not harm the animal physically.

Cat Repellents Compared

Now, let’s take a look at the four most efficient types of cat repellents on the market: a motion-activated sprinkler, an ultrasonic deterrent device, a mat with spikes, and a scent or taste repellent. That said, these four types of repellents are not mutually exclusive and it is advisable to use them in combination.

• Motion-activated sprinklers are installed in the garden or backyard and work by releasing a spray of water to frighten off an animal.

  These devices are equipped with special sensors that detect any movement to trigger the mechanism. Advanced models like the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer feature three modes: day-only, night-only, and a 24-hour mode for more flexibility. The Yard Enforcer runs on 4AA alkaline batteries sufficient for as many as 7,500 activation cycles. When set to a full circle, the device covers an area of 300 m2 and sprays up to 20 meters in diameter.

• An ultrasonic repellent device emits a high-frequency sound when an animal is detected within a certain range. This technology is safe for cats and pretty efficient in scaring them away. Scientific studies show an ultrasound repellent may have a moderate deterrent effect, reducing the probability of a cat intrusion into a garden by approximately a third.

  Scientists from Murdoch University in Australia conducted a study using a variety of different ultrasonic repellents to see whether they can reduce nuisance cat activity in suburban properties. They have found out that cats do detect and respond negatively to such devices.

  According to the trial results, ultrasonic deterrents reduce the frequency of incursions into gardens by cats by 46%, while the duration of incursions was reduced by 78%. “Ultrasonic deterrents will not prevent all incursions, but they reduce their frequency and duration,” the scientists noted.

  We recommend the Pestbye® Ultrasonic Cat Scarer manufactured by a UK-based company with 15 years of experience in pest control. The device covers a 110-degree arc, to a distance of up to 10 meters, and requires 4 AA batteries that last for around three months. This ultrasonic repellent comes with a zinc-coated ground stake for easy installation and allows you to change the output frequency depending on what kind of animal you are going to target.

• Installing physical barriers is an efficient and time-proven solution. They are absolutely safe, reliable, and, unlike the previous two options, do not require batteries.

  You may consider the Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor Scat Mat that is intended for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you want to keep your cat from jumping on your sofa or digging in the flowerbed, this mat will do the job. Made with sharp plastic spikes, Scat Mats is two meters in length and can be cut to the desired size with scissors. Twelve garden staples are included. What we particularly like about this product is its flexible material that adapts to any type of surface.

• Alternatively, you can protect your garden with a smell repellent like the Get Off 2044405 Cat And Dog Repellent. The solution releases a strong smell that confuses cats and is made specifically for use on flower beds and lawns. The Get Off Repellent has a jelly-like texture and works in any weather conditions. Designed as a safe and natural solution, the Get Off Repellent contains the oils of citronella and eucalyptus as well as methyl nonyl ketone, a compound extracted from the plant rue.

Best-Selling Cat Repellents in the UK | Comparison Table