While cat owners certainly love their feline friends, having a cat that pees outside of the litter box can swiftly create a stinky situation. Cat urine contains strongly-scented proteins that help them efficiently mark their territory. But when they’re claiming their space in your house, cat pee can quickly destroy furniture, carpeting, and other beloved possessions.
While it’s critical to get to the bottom of the bad behavior, you can use certain scents to deter your cat from peeing on your items. Here are the best smells that discourage cats from peeing.
The Top 6 Smells That Deter Cats from Peeing
1. Lavender
A bushy, strong-smelling perennial plant, lavender can dissuade your cat’s peeing problem. While commonly used in aromatherapy to boost calmness and reduce anxiety and stress, lavender can also work wonders when it comes to cats who refuse to use the litter box.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular scent to use around the holidays. Its refreshing and cool smell can immediately perk up even the groggiest of people. Cats hate the strong smell of peppermint and will try and avoid it at all costs.
3. Eucalyptus
Sharp and minty, inhaling eucalyptus can open up your sinuses and clear out your head. This scent smells sweet and similar to that of honey. The strong odor of eucalyptus will prevent cats from peeing on anything you spray it on.
4. Coffee
Keeping a small satchel of coffee beans or grounds near your furniture may deter your pet from peeing. Due to your cat’s sensitive nose, they are immediately turned off by the harsh smell of coffee.
5. Vinegar
While it can be used to remove the smell of cat urine, vinegar will also prevent problem peeing. Vinegar has a super strong scent, so be sure to use it sparingly on your items.
6. Citrus
Citrus scents such as lemon, oranges, and limes are hated by felines the world over. These natural cat repellents will keep your cat from peeing on your furniture for good.
How to Use These Scents
The best way to use these six different scents to deter cat peeing is to make a DIY solution. For this to work it is recommended to first clean all remaining cat urine smells thoroughly with either an enzymatic cleaner or vinegar. Cats tend to repeat their peeing spots, so this step will help to avoid that scenario. Then, simply collect dried orange, lime, lemon, or any other citrus fruit peels. Put them inside a sock or small linen pouch that allows the smell to ventilate, and leave them around the area that you want your cat to avoid.
Why Is My Cat Peeing on My Things?
Cats will urinate outside of their litter boxes for a number of reasons. These can include behavioral problems, medical issues, and a problem with the litter itself.
If you think your cat is suffering from a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, or feline interstitial cystitis, make a vet appointment right away.
Cats may spray or pee outside of their litter box if you’ve recently moved, gotten a new cat, or when they are stressed. Getting to the root of the behavioral problem will help you to effectively address the issue.
Additionally, inspect the litter box to ensure it’s usable. If the litter box is too dirty or tough to access, your pet might stop using it.
End the Peeing Problem for Good
While these six scents can prevent the peeing problem, it’s critical to get to the root of the bad behavior. Schedule a wellness appointment with your vet to determine if the peeing is caused by an underlying medical condition. If your cat is stressed, use calming pheromones to soothe his anxiety. Ensure the litter box is clean and easily accessible to your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
