What types of cat repellent are there?
There are a variety of cat repellents on the market but ultimately they come down to these categories:
- Water Jet Sprayers
- Ultrasonic
- Fence Spikes
- Granules/Pellets
Water jet sprayers come in a few designs but will all work the same way. When cat makes its way into the garden, the sensor detects the cat’s movement or heat and lets off a jet of water in a preset arc.
Ultrasonic deterrents work in a similar way, they detect the cat and let off a burst of (mostly) ultrasonic sound. Humans can’t hear much of it, but to the cat it sounds like a siren wailing every time they step into the garden.
Fence spikes work by making it difficult or even impossible for the cat to climb the fences in your garden. The spikes are usually solid enough to send a message to the cat but not to do permanent damage. There are bed spikes available as well if you want to have protection for specific flower beds.
Granules and pellets, often containing citronella will stay on the ground and release a scent that cats hate to be around. Silent roar deserves a special mention here, it contains lion dung that tricks the cats into thinking the garden is within the territory of a much larger cat.
Pros & Cons
Each class of repeller is so varied, it would be wise to consider the benefits of each type.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Motion Activated Sprinklers (Water Jets) | – Incredibly effective straight away – Repels cats by water | – Requires a hosepipe – May not be able to use year round due to freezing water |
| Ultrasonic deterrents | – Easy to set up – Cheap to run – Works all year round – Versatile – Repels cats by sound | – Can take time for the cat to admit defeat – Battery powered models will need new batteries every so often – Solar models need sunlight |
| Fence spikes | – No maintenance or power usage required – Cheap to buy – Repels cats by touch | – Cats may find an alternative route – Lengthy installation – May lose effectiveness over time |
| Granules & Pellets | – Easy to use – Effective – Repels cats by smell thats fine for humans but unpleasant for cats | – Impacted by weather (rain can wash away) – Requires regular reapplication |
What is the best cat repellent?
Ultrasonic cat repellers are the best all-rounders. Ultrasonics are incredibly easy to set up and the batteries will last months (or even years with the solar charged versions) meaning the effectiveness doesn’t diminish over time.