The Best Cat Deterrent Sprays

We love our cats' mischievous side, but we might not always want to deal with the damage or expense it can cause. Cat deterrent spray is a reliable, ethical way to make sure your cat won't claw at or otherwise mess with the parts of your home you'd rather keep them away from. But not every cat deterrent spray deserves a place in your kitty-management toolkit, which is why we've made this list of the ones we found to be the most effective. Read on and get ready to rest easier than ever on your (unclawed at) furniture.

What to Look For

We sought out three major qualities when considering which cat deterrent spray did or didn’t belong on our list: does the spray effectively work at keeping cats away from unwanted areas? Is it safe to use for both humans and cats? Finally, does it last for a long time and can you use a small amount to produce a big effect? Our favorite spray came from Noobecr, who provided a non-toxic formula that worked well on many surface types. We also enjoyed the ingenuity and ease of use of the motion-activated spray from PetSafe. Keep reading to see which cat deterrent spray you’ll want to mark your territory with today.

Noobecr Indoor and Outdoor Cat Deterrent Spray

Gentle discipline

This all-natural cat repellant spray makes a great training aid.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Ease of use and a safe, reliable formula combined created our favorite cat deterrent spray. It’s composed of natural herbs and other organic ingredients, meaning there are no synthetic elements that may harm your cat. It can also be used to kitty-proof a wide variety of surfaces, including everything from hard walls to soft furnishings. This is a great cat deterrent spray to pick up for dependable, all-purpose use. 

Pros:

  • The container is small, letting you store it and carry it in a variety of places.
  • It can be used indoors as well as outside.

Cons:

  • This cat deterrent spray is a bit pricy for how much you get.

Comfort Zone Calming Cat Deterrent Spray

Go with what you know

Natural feline instincts are what make this cat deterrent spray so effective.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

This cat deterrent spray uses the personal hormones your cat is familiar with to calm them down. It sends your kitty a signal that an area is safe, lowering their stress and, consequently, their urge to scratch or urinate. Plus, its use of natural pheromones means there are no toxic chemicals that could do your cat harm. As a therapeutic alternative to your standard cat deterrent spray, this makes a superb choice.

Pros:

  • It can be used to calm your cat down even if you don’t intend to use it as a cat deterrent spray.
  • The focus on creating a calming atmosphere makes it a great cat deterrent spray for pets who meow constantly or sometimes go outside their litter box.

Cons:

  • It can only be used on indoor surfaces.

Petsafe SSSCat Cat Deterrent Spray

The smarter solution

This ingenious cat deterrent spray will take a huge load off your mind.
Best Motion Activated Spray

Find on Amazon

If “innovation” isn’t a word you look for when considering an ideal cat deterrent spray, you may want to think again. This unique device activates with motion and heat, giving your cat a gentle spray whenever they come close to the problem area. And since the spray is colorless and odorless, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up. This cat deterrent spray does all of the work for you, which not many of its competitors can say.

Pros:

  • Setting up the motion detection feature is a quick, painless process.
  • Since it makes noise, this spray can make a decent motion detector for security purposes.

Cons:

  • The price is high when compared to the typical cat spray deterrent, but the added features are well worth the cost.

Joproch Cat & Kitten Deterrent Spray

All in the family

Households with many different types of animals will love this cat deterrent spray.
Best For Multiple Pets

Find on Amazon

Many households count more than just cats among their furry family, and that’s where this deterrent spray comes in. It’s designed to ward off various types of animals from problem areas, including not just cats but also dogs, rabbits, and hamsters. It’s also safe to use on a variety of surface types, from fabric and furniture to electrical cords. No matter what you spray it on or which pet you intend it for, this cat deterrent spray should serve you well.

Pros:

  • It’s not only a plant-based formula but can be safely sprayed on plants without causing harm as well.
  • The scent is subtle and pleasant.

Cons:

  • It needs to be sprayed in the same spot for quite some time to work at maximum efficiency.  

Feliway Calming Cat Deterrent Spray

A trusted standby

You'll soon understand why so many rely on this brand for cat deterrent spray.
Best Value

Find on Amazon

Feliway is a trusted name to many cat owners, and this cat deterrent spray should prove why. This bottle packs almost all the cat-calming efficiency of a Feliway diffuser into a compact two-ounce container. A small amount of this spray goes a long way and can get even the most nervous or rowdy cats to calm down and relax in a short time. This cat deterrent spray provides value—in both quality and monetary sense—while doing a lot with just a little.

Pros:

  • It’s completely scentless, which is great for cat owners with allergies to fragrances.
  • You can use this cat deterrent spray near your kitty to soothe them, erasing the need to mark the place you want them to stay away from.

Cons:

  • While the product is strong, two ounces may still seem small to some cat owners. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a cat deterrent spray is safe to use?

Always double-check the chemicals listed on the bottle before committing to a cat deterrent spray. The vast majority will have few to no synthetic chemicals, and it’s best to avoid sprays that produce bad smells or claim to make your cat uncomfortable or scared (yes, some sprays do seem to brag about this on their packaging).

Why does most cat deterrent spray come in such small bottles?

You may very well find that a couple of ounces of cat deterrent spray is more than enough to train your cat not to go near problem areas. It may not seem like much, but these formulas are powerful, and a small spray a few times a week will usually go a long way.

About the Author

Chris is a freelance writer living in Austin with his kitten and elderly cat. Chris adores his cats and understands the joys and struggles of owning more than one feline. With so many options out there, Chris wants to help you find the products to make sure your cat is happy and healthy.

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.