What Smells Deter Cats From Pooping In the House? Quick and Safe Solutions

Dealing with a cat pooping in the house can be challenging for many pet owners. The lingering smell, potential health hazards, and ruined furniture are enough to make anyone frustrated.

But fear not! There are some nifty tricks to keep your feline friend from turning your home into a litter box – one of the most effective being the use of scents as a deterrent.

Understanding the reasons behind this inappropriate pooping behavior is the key to finding a solution that works for you and your cat. From home remedies to sprays and essential oils to scent deterrents, there are plenty of options to make your cat think twice before littering your home.

In fact, this is a question I get asked commonly as a veterinarian, so let’s go over the solutions that I’ve found have worked well!

There are many possible causes for a cat pooping in the house; identifying the reason why your cat might be pooping in the house is essential in addressing this issue – there could be a serious underlying cause of this behaviour that shouldn’t be ignored. The deterrents mentioned in this article should only be used once any more serious causes have been ruled out.

Some common medical causes for a cat pooping in the house include cystitis, constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis. If you notice any signs of these medical conditions in your cat, or if your cat is unwell in any other way, then you should see your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

On the other hand, some common behavioral reasons for your cat pooping in the house include stress, anxiety, fear, territorial marking, and litter box aversion. Various factors can trigger these behavioral causes, including changes in the environment, new pets or people, loud noises, and even other cats outside.

In fact we have a whole article on why your cat might be pooping outside of the litter box, even if they are still peeing in it, so make sure to check that out.

Some familiar scents that may help deter cats from pooping in the house include vinegar, lavender, citrus fruit, peppermint, pine, and eucalyptus.

Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, which we can use to our advantage – cats can be deterred from pooping in certain areas by using scents that they find unpleasant or offensive.

Try placing small dishes or cotton balls soaked with these scents around the areas of your house where your cat has been pooping. Not all cats react the same way to different smells, and some trial and error may be needed to find out what works best for your feline friend.

Let’s look at some of the different ways that you can stop your cat pooping in the house

Using household items to create deterrent smells can be very effective. Some examples include:

• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can be sliced and placed around problem areas.
• Vinegar (white or apple cider), diluted with water, can be sprayed on carpets or furniture where your cat tends to poop.
• Fresh or used coffee grounds and black or cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on the soil of indoor plants to discourage cats from pooping.
• Lavender sachets, fresh or dried, can be placed near windows or doors.
• Citronella oil or candles can also be effective in repelling cats from certain areas.

Remember that each of these home remedies has its pros and cons, such as availability, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, duration of effect, and potential side effects like staining. However, using a combination of these methods can be useful in discouraging cat poop in unwanted areas.

Just be sure to keep any of these homemade deterrents out of your cat’s reach! They shouldn’t be able to touch or lick these items, so put them high up on shelves or inside something that acts as a physical barrier to them.

If you’d prefer to go down the route of using a deterrent that is purposely made for the job then there are various commercial products available as sprays. These products work by emitting smells that mimic natural repellents, therefore hopefully stopping them from pooping around the house.

Some examples of these products include:

• Granado Premium Cat Deterrent Spray – Especially great for stopping cats from soiling (and scratching) soft furnishings.
• Nature’s Miracle No More Spraying – Formulated with essential oils, this repellent spray prevents a cat from soiling in the same place twice.
• Karlsten Cat Repellent Anti Fouling spray – This natural citronella-based spray can help deter cats from pooping in areas of the house that are off-limits.
• Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Cat Scratch Spray Deterrent – safe to use on any surface within your home, this spray not only deters your cat from scratching but it can also be used to stop your cat from pooping in certain areas too.

It’s also essential to mention here that maintaining a clean litter box is essential. That involves cleaning your cat’s litter box daily and choosing the right litter for them. There’s no point in trying any of the solutions listed above if you aren’t keeping the litter box as clean as possible.

Cats are sensitive to smells, so ensure you’re using the right cat litter that suits your cat’s preference and effectively controls odor. Some cats prefer non-clumping litter, while others prefer clumping litter, so experiment with different types – fixing the issue could be as simple as changing litter. Check out our rundown of the best cat litters for odor control to choose the best option for your cat.

Many of the solutions I’ve mentioned so far are plant based so it begs the question – “Can’t I just use plants as a deterrent?”. The answer is yes! There are various plants that can be used in your house as scent deterrents to prevent your cat from pooping where they shouldn’t.

Some examples of scent deterrent plants include the coleus canina (scaredy cat plant), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and catmint (Nepeta cataria). These plants emit strong smells that many cats find repulsive.

By strategically placing plant deterrents in areas where cats are prone to poop, you can deter them from doing so. For example, you can place lavender or rosemary plants near window sills, doorways, or in particular spaces where you’ve noticed your cat going.

But there are pros and cons when using plants as scent deterrents. On the positive side, they are generally affordable and attractive, adding beauty to your home and garden while keeping your cat from pooping in unwanted areas. However, some plants might attract bees and other insects. They might also not be available in your region, or your cat may not be as strongly deterred as some of the other home remedies as the scents aren’t as concentrated.

So, you’ve chosen a scent deterrent to keep your feline friends from using your home as their personal litter box. The next question you might have is, “How often should I reapply these deterrents?”.

As a general guideline, if you’re using a homemade deterrent, you’ll want to reapply them about once a week to maintain their effectiveness. This depends on the deterrent used and the concentration of the scent. It’s always better to apply a less-concentrated scent more often than a more-concentrated scent less often since there are potential health risks to your cat with a stronger deterrent.

If you’re going to try a pre-made scent deterrent product, you should, of course, always make sure to check the label of the product you’re using for specific instructions on how often to reapply it.

Remember, consistency is key when using scent deterrents, so keep up with the recommended reapplication schedule and make adjustments as needed based on the factors mentioned earlier. With a proper routine, hopefully you’ll find that your home remains a no-go zone for pooping activities.

Scent deterrents are generally safe for cats if you use them properly and in moderation. However, just like with humans, some cats may have allergic reactions or experience irritation from certain scents. It’s important to keep an eye on your cat when introducing these deterrents to ensure their well-being.

If you notice any adverse effects in your cat after using scent deterrents, such as sneezing, itching, or other signs of discomfort, stop using the deterrent and consult your veterinarian for advice.

When using a spray deterrent, take a moment to check if your cat is nearby. Give the scent a chance to waft through the air before exposing your feline friend to it. This way, you can ensure that your cat isn’t coming into contact with a highly concentrated form of the scent that they might find overpowering.

Remember to start in moderation and monitor your cat’s reaction to ensure their well-being and comfort.

Essential oils are concentrated natural plant extracts that have various uses, one of which is being to deter cats from pooping in specific areas of your home. Some popular essential oils known to repel cats include peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus.

To use essential oils safely and effectively with your cat, diluting them with water or carrier oils such as olive, coconut, or almond oils is crucial. This helps prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions in both you and your cat. If too concentrated, essential oils are toxic to cats and should be used cautiously.

Mixing a few drops of the essential oil with water or carrier oil and then spraying it in the area your cat likes to poop can help keep them away. Alternatively, you can release essential oils into the air using a diffuser. This method helps distribute the scent throughout your home and makes it less concentrated, reducing the risk of irritation.

While essential oils are a natural way to deter cats from pooping in your house, it’s important to understand that they can be very harmful to cats if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

To prevent essential oil poisoning in your cat, keep these important tips in mind:

• Store essential oils out of reach of your curious cat. Cats are natural climbers and explorers, so be sure they cannot access your essential oil stash.
• Use only small amounts and low concentrations of essential oils. This will help you avoid overexposure, which could lead to toxic reactions in your cat. If in doubt, over-dilute your essential oil mixture with water.
• Avoid direct contact between essential oils and your cat’s skin or fur. If you’re using essential oils to deter your cat from a specific area, apply them to a surface, such as a cotton ball, rather than spraying directly on the cat.
• Ventilate the area well when using essential oils. This will ensure that your cat is not inhaling concentrated fumes, which could be harmful.
• Monitor your cat’s behavior and health closely when using essential oils. Keep an eye out for any changes or signs of distress, and be prepared to contact your veterinarian if necessary.

Some common signs and symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, contact a veterinarian immediately, as it could be a life-threatening emergency.

If you’re apprehensive about using essential oils, then avoid them. While they can be very effective, there are pet-safe alternatives available instead, like the products I mentioned earlier.