The Best Cat Spray Deterrents

“Getting a new cat is fun," they said. "Cats are easier to take care of than dogs," they said. Well, here you are with a new cat and starting to doubt whether they're easier to take care of than dogs. Chances are you're wondering all of this because your cat has done a number on your furniture. We are talking scratch marks on your beloved sofa or hair all over your precious lounge chair. Thankfully, there is a solution to that, and it's called cat spray deterrents. These come in all shapes and sizes and use different methods to deter your cats from using your furniture as their toy in the safest way possible.

What to Look For

To track down the best cat repellent sprays, there are a few things you want to consider. First, does it smell good? Second, does it work for aggressive cats? And third, is it safe? To help you find the answers to these questions, we’ve scoured the internet. The Bodhi 3-in-1 training spray stands out as our favorite because it uses bitters to train and deter the cat. However, we also like the Pet Corrector deterrent, as it uses sound to warn your cat that they are doing something wrong. Read on to learn more about the other sprays that made our top list.

Bodhi 3-in-1 Cat & Kitten Training Aid with Bitter

Define your boundaries

This scented approach to cat deterrents may be your best bet.
Top Pick

Find on Amazon

If you’re tired of your cat scratching up your furniture and you need a solution, give this Bodhi training aid a try. It uses a scent that cats don’t love to break them from habits like climbing on your furniture. While cats don’t love the smell, many humans do, so you can enjoy a freshly scented home while also training your cat. The bitters in this formula are safe for your cat and can be used on all kinds of fabrics, wood, furniture, and walls.

Pros:

  • This product is safe for your cat as well as your plants. It is cruelty-free, too.
  • The formula won’t stain your furniture, so no concerns are necessary.
  • If you find that spraying doesn’t work, you may want to soak some of the materials in the spray for a more intense result.

Cons:

  • While this spray is effective, it won’t work for all cats.

The Company of Animals Pet Corrector

Loud and clear

With one spray of this sound, your cat will stop in its tracks.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

If you don’t love the idea of spraying your furniture, this alternative may be fit for you. The Pet Corrector helps to keep your cats off the furniture by using a hissing noise that mimics sounds created by animals that your cat doesn’t want to be anywhere near. With one or two quick releases of the Pet Corrector, your cat should be able to realize that what they’re doing is wrong. Like other cat deterrents, this one yields results when used regularly. Just be sure always to point it away from your cat.

Pros:

  • Though this is marketed for dogs, cat owners have luck with it too.
  • Some found that this works better than any other cat deterrent, including medications, sprays, and more.
  • You don’t need to be right next to your cat for this to be effective; you just need to be within the proximity of them.

Cons:

  • The can doesn’t last as long as we’d like, and it’s expensive for what you get.

Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray

Calm and controlled

This spray may work for stressed cats inclined to have destructive behavior.
Best For Aggressive Cats

Find on Amazon

As much as you may love your cat, sometimes their aggression can get in the way. This is especially true when the cat starts to tear up your house. To help stop the aggression, try this correction spray. It uses pheromone ingredients to stop your cat from marking territory or tearing up furniture. It redirects your cat’s attention elsewhere, making them feel calm.  All you need is one small spray, and your cat will get the sense that they are in a safe and familiar environment.

Pros:

  • Drastically reduces your cat’s desire to mark their territory.
  • Acts more as a deterrent and less as a repellant.
  • The subtle scent won’t bother humans.

Cons:

  • It won’t work for all cats.

PetSafe SSSCAT Spray

Hands-free discipline

This motion-activated spray will stop your cat in their tracks.
Best Automatic

Find on Amazon

Are you tired of constantly patrolling your furniture so that your cat won’t use it as a scratching post? You won’t have to anymore with the help of this deterrent. It is motion-activated, which means that anytime your cat gets within 3 feet of the spray deterrent, the sensor releases a quick spray.  The spray is odorless and harmless to both your cat and your furniture.  And once the can runs out, purchase the replacement can, and things will be up and running again.

Pros:

  • You can align the detector and the spray at different angles, so you get maximum use out of it.
  • Even when the aerosol runs out, some people find that the sight of the can is enough to scare cats away.
  • We appreciate that this spray is non-toxic.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t work for wide-open spaces because the cats can just avoid the 3-foot radius.

Frequently Asked Questions

What smells will keep a cat away?
Some of the smells that cats hate the most include orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit. It seems they aren’t big fans of citrus.

Is cat deterrent spray safe?
It depends on what is in the spray. If the spray is just a sound, then yes, it is safe – as long as you don’t spray it directly at your cat. Other sprays containing natural and non-toxic ingredients are also safe.

How often do you spray a cat deterrent?
Some deterrents need to be sprayed multiple times a day so that your cat gets the hint. Then, as time goes on, the sprays will become less and less frequent.

About the Author

Montana native Leslie has over ten years of experience caring for cats and wants everyone to see the good in them. She knows that cats get a bad reputation sometimes, but she also knows just how loving these creatures can be. Leslie also has a passion for health, wellness, and the environment, so you can trust her to suggest products that are of the highest quality for your feline friends and the planet.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.