Cat repellant (indoors)

We purchased a new sofa, and the cats have decided that one of the back cushions belongs to them.  Normally, I wouldn’t care, but it is clear they are squashing it down….big time.   I am looking for something to put on it that is not overwhelming but just objectionable enough to discourage them.

Ideas?

When our new kitten decided to go behind the entertainment center and unplug things I used sprigs of rosemary.

I also use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the garden.

Just don't try this with catnip.

I'd play with different herbs, and see what annoys them. The trouble is that not all animals, even within the same species, are all going to love or hate the same things. For example, when our Irish Setter rescue used to lick the counter tops, mom finally resorted to Tabasco sauce, just spreading it out on the whole counter, and Ginger HATED it, and never went near the counter again, if she could avoid it. When we were having trouble with Bailey chewing on the gate, the floors, the stairs(really - she ate bits and pieces of the house, including the stone fireplace!), I tried tobasco, then progressively hotter ones - all of which she LOVED! It just encouraged her. Ugh!

You might also try putting something they like inside a couple other pillows or cushions, you're willing to sacrifice, to entice them away from the ones you want them to leave be. If all else fails, they usually don't like slippery or crunchy stuff to lay on, so aluminum foil, a flattened bag, etc, laid on top of the cushions, or... there's a 'screamer' device that's battery operated, that can be laid there, that is touch sensitive. So, any touch will make a shrill beeping noise, sure to deter anyone and anything from wanting to be anywhere near it.

I am sitting here watching the youngest eat the Rosemary, but ultimately, he ran off.  So, we have one short term success.  We shall see how things hold up long term.  And there are two other cats to hear opinions from.  I am really curious about my MM.  she is smart enough to remove the Rosemary.

An hour and a half later, the youngest returned to the cushion, sniffed the spot, and went somewhere else to lay down.  Regarding, the youngest, I will call this a victory.  Now, there are 2 others to hear from…..and the MM is brilliant.  I am expecting her to remove the Rosemary and drop it in my shoes.   We shall see.

Get out your squirt bottle.  Spray anytime you catch him there or headed there.  Thrown magazines are another good training tool too

Hi C. Let ….

We are beyond that.   They are smart enough to wait until we are outside or go to bed at night.   They feel the pillow throwing is great sport.  I honestly believe that if I used a BB gun it would add to the fun on their part.  Heck, we are a step or two away from one of those cartoon scenes where someone is chasing a fly and shooting up the house with a shotgun.  

Since you mentioned the back couch cushion... Do your cats have a higher perch near there? If there's a shelf or top of a cabinet or something nearby, make that more attractive and maybe they'll decide the couch isn't so great after all.

Yep. Behind the sofa and against the window is an old antique toboggan that is the length of the sofa.  It is elevated on a couple of large crocks.


Of course, no one wishes to lay on THAT old thing.

It has now been 3 hours without an infraction. The Rosemary appears to be working.  Of course, I will want to see at least a 24 hour stretch.   Worth noting, there was a meeting of the 3 concerned cats. Lots of nose touching ( I am sure they communicate at frequencies I don’t hear).   Anyway, it ended with the MM glaring at me and storming off to the bedroom.


We are at about the 7 hour mark …..still successful with the Rosemary.

We are approaching the 12 hour mark.  Still no cat problems.  

I am sorry to say that ar 4:20 am CDT I found an older cat sleeping on the cushion and Rosemary..  That is approximately  18 hours from the time I put the Rosemary out. While not totally successful, it is the most successful we have been.  I am convinced that some herbal/spice approach will work.

John said, "The Rosemary appears to be working.  Of course, I will want to see at least a 24 hour stretch.   Worth noting, there was a meeting of the 3 concerned cats. Lots of nose touching ( I am sure they communicate at frequencies I don’t hear).   Anyway, it ended with the MM glaring at me and storming off to the bedroom.

I am glad the rosemary seems to be working.  Our cat chewed on it as I was clipping it off the bush.

I like this idea:

Carla said, " try putting something they like inside a couple other pillows or cushions, you're willing to sacrifice, to entice them away from the ones you want them to leave be.

That is where you might try catnip.

As I mentioned above, at around the 18 hour mark, I found one of the older cats sleeping on top of the Rosemary.  I am convinced the herbal/spice approach will work. It is just a matter of finding the right ones.


No cats have been on the area since early AM.  I am going to continue with the Rosemary under the theory that it has been more successful than not.   I might add some black pepper.

The Black Pepper/Rosemary combo has worked for 24 hours. My MM has made it clear she is not happy with me. I will continue to engage in the organic chemical warfare for the next few days until I am sure they have established alternative perches.

My wife and I are going to the Big City today, so this should provide an excellent opportunity for an extended test.

As a follow up, this has been an effective long term solution. Neither Rosemary nor Black Pepper has been re-applied to the cushion in question. On rare occasion a cat will run across it , but they no longer lay on it.  And, the cushion is no longer squashed down.