Cat deterrents encyclopedia topics

A cat deterrent is a mechanism or device used to discourage cats from entering an area, or to encourage them to leave if they do enter. Cat deterrents are most commonly used by gardeners, in order to prevent damage to their gardens, to avoid cat feces, or to protect birds.

Things used as cat deterrents include:

Lion dung
Orange peel and other objects with a citrus smell
Ultrasonic technology
Electric fencing

Lion Dung

Lion Dung has been reported to be an effective method of deterring cats, and has received support from the British organisation Cats Protection. One anecdotal experience reported by the BBC found that it was not terribly effective however.

Ultrasonic device

Ultrasonic devices (inaudible to humans) are a popular method of deterring cats. The RSPB, on the basis of a trial involving 150 volunteers, has endorsed a commercial product called "CatWATCH" RSPB research on electronic cat deterrents

Catstop is a similar product to catwatch.

Electric fencing

A design for an electric fence, run off of mains 230VAC, for deterring cats can be found here A variety of commercially produced electric fences are also available, with voltages low enough to deter but not cause harm to cats. Care must be taken with the strength of electric current used; one Cumbria pensioner received a fine for setting up a system based on a 12v battery charger, knowingly allowing a dangerously high current to flow through the wiring as he had lied about using a battery charger and had instead had used the 230v mains electricity supply to energize the wiring..

Cats Protection describe the use of electric fences as "barbaric" on their website due to the physical harming of a cat or any other creature that comes into contact with an electric fence.