Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Will Ammonia Keep Cats Away? Humane & Natural Alternatives

ammonia

Even the most devoted animal lover doesn’t want cats trampling through their garden or defecating on their lawn. You can make many DIY cat repellants to keep cats out of undesired areas, and you may have read that spraying ammonia or placing containers full of ammonia is an effective cat repellant.

While ammonia has a strong odor and will keep cats away, it’s also toxic to both animals and humans. There are safer methods to repel stray cats from your yard or keep your kitty away from something in your home. Let’s look at some humane and non-toxic approaches to deter cats.

divider cat paws oct 2024

The 5 Humane Methods to Keep Stray Cats Out of Your Yard

1. Remove Food Sources

Feral cats are always on the lookout for something to eat. Don’t leave food waste in your yard or on your deck. Store trash cans inside your garage or shed and close the lids tightly.

feral cats resting outdoor
Image Credit: Dmitris Vetsikas, Pixabay

2. Lay Down Chicken Wire

Cats are sensitive to different textures. Many will not like how chicken wire feels on their paws. Another advantage of chicken wire is that it prevents digging. You can lay the wire in your yard in hot spots that attract stray cats, like around your plants. The wire needs to be secured so it’s not a tripping hazard for humans.

chicken wire
Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

3. Grow Herbs

Some scents naturally repel most cats, including rosemary. You can plant these herbs where you don’t want cats nosing around. You can also sprinkle dried herbs on the ground or your deck, but the scent won’t last as long. However, be aware that some herbs are toxic to cats, so we don’t recommend this strategy if you don’t know a plant’s toxicity status.

lavender plant
Image Credit: katerinavulcova, Pixabay

4. Sprinkle Coffee Grounds

The smell of coffee may perk you up, but it’s a scent that many cats would rather avoid. Coffee grounds are, eco-friendly, and free way to repel cats. However, caffeine is toxic to cats, so you should be careful when using this method. Simply find a way to ensure cats can smell it but limit their access to the coffee grounds. For example, place them inside jars with holes.

coffee grounds
Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

5. Motion Detectors

A motion detector that emits a sound or sprays water is a humane way to scare a cat. However, the devices won’t work in every location. You don’t want to frighten your mailman or inadvertently shower your neighbors!

garden sprinkler
Image Credit: Piqsels

divider cat paws oct 2024

The 5 Natural Cat Repellants for Inside the Home

You love your cat, but you may not want them in every area of your house. Below are some tips to keep your cats off of undesired surfaces.

1. Tin Foil

Aluminum foil or tin foil is the indoor version of chicken wire. Most cats don’t’ t like how the foil feels on their paws. You can place tin foil on a countertop, around your houseplants, or wherever you don’t want your kitty to be.

aluminum foil
Image Credit: FlitsArt, Pixabay

2. Herbs

Cat-repelling herbs are an indoor/outdoor solution. Inside of your home, you can grow small pots of herbs like rosemary. You can also place herb-filled sachets in off-limits areas.

Rosemary
Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay

3. Enzyme Cleaners

You may want to keep your cat away from a particular area because they keep peeing there instead of their litterbox. To keep your cat away from its favorite peeing spot, you’ll need to use a pet-safe enzyme cleaner that neutralizes the odors.

water spray
Image Credit: Squirrel_photos, Pixabay

4. Double-Sided Tape

Cats generally don’t like to walk on a sticky surface. You can create a barrier with double-sided tape. The downside to sticky tape is that the adhesive can damage certain surfaces.

man's finger touches double sided tape
Image Credit: Ekaterina43, Shutterstock

5. Adjust Your Expectations

Unlike dogs, most cats are not as easy to train. Cats are independent creatures that want to roam their territory. Instead of expecting your pet to stay away from certain areas, you may need to cat-proof your home.

kitten training
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

divider cat paws oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Ammonia is not a safe product to use around cats. It can irritate a cat’s skin, eyes, and respiratory system. There are several humane methods to keep stray cats out of your yard, including motion detectors and herbs. Inside your home, you can use tin foil or sticky tape to deter your house cat from specific areas. However, cats are curious and persistent, and you may have better luck cat-proofing your home.


Featured Image Credit: luchschenF, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Keep Neighborhood Cats Away: 8 Tips for Dealing With Outdoor Cats

Feral, strays, and outdoor felines are generally harmless for the most part. They tend to stay away from strangers and try to go...

an indoor cat staring at another cat sitting outdoor

7 Ways to Keep Cats Safe From Skunks (Vet Approved Tips & Advice)

Wildlife can be adorable, graceful, and intimidating–but in the case of the skunk, it can also be a hassle. If your cat has...

Humboldt's Hog-nosed Skunk outdoor

How Far Away Can Cats Smell Catnip? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Compared to humans, cats have a superior sense of smell, sometimes able to detect scents as far as 1.5 to 4 miles away...

cat smelling catnip

How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard & Garden: 9 Vet-Approved Methods

While all cats are adorable, fun, and frisky, they can also be destructive, and strays can sometimes carry diseases. If you have a...

cat in the garden

More related

sleeping cat bitten by mosquito on its nose

How to Prevent Insect Bites on Cats: 6 Useful Tips

It stands to reason that if you have to worry about mosquito and other insect bites in the yard, you have to worry...

Cute cat on outdoor chair playing with empty plastic water bottle

Why Do Cats Like Crinkly Things? 5 Possible Reasons & Risks

Cats are intrigued by objects that make a crisp, crackling sound. Something about their curious personalities makes the compelling sound of a crinkly...

racoon foraging for food in the backyard

How to Get Rid of Raccoons But Not Feral Cats: 5 Humane Tips & Tricks

Raccoons can be a real nuisance, especially when you are trying to care for the feral cats in your neighborhood by leaving out...

long-tailed mouse close up

Do Cats Keep Mice Away? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

While some people find mice adorable and keep them as pets, they’re decidedly less than cute when you come upon one of the...

Keep reading

7 Best Kitten Foods in Canada of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Canada is not only a country known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and welcoming people, but it’s also a great place to find some of the best brands of cat and kitten food in the world! Indeed, Canadian brands are renowned...

cat eating chicken dinner

Arthritis in Cats – Vet Approved Causes, Signs & Treatments

If your cat seems a little less sprightly and active than usual, it can be a cause for concern. Some health issues could cause mobility issues in cats, but one condition fairly common in mature cats is arthritis. Arthritis can...

cat lying on wooden floor

Can Cats Eat Lemongrass? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Lemongrass is a common ingredient in several meals. You can use it in marinades, stir-fries, spice rubs, salads, and pastes. However, if you’re using lemongrass in a meal, you should not share it with your feline, as it can be...

Can Cats Eat Lemongrass

Chronic Diarrhea in Cats: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

Nobody likes it when their cat has diarrhea, the kitty included. Not only is it potentially messy, but it can also be frustrating if it’s been going on seemingly without end or if it keeps popping back up when you...

maine-coon-cat-using-the-litter-box

How to Stop a Cat From Bringing Dead Mice Home: 5 Vet-Approved Methods

If you’re the owner of a cat that ventures outdoors, you’ve probably come across a few interesting offerings left for you when they return home. Cats are natural hunters, stalking and playing with whatever small animal that they happen to...

gray cat that bitting a wild mouse and carrying it in her mouth

Why Do Cats Curl Their Paws? Vet-Verified Reasons, Facts & FAQ

Cats have many adorable habits, one of which is their tendency to curl their paws underneath them and sit in a “loaf” shape. While we rarely think much of the sitting position—other than how cute it is—a cat will curl...

cat folding his paw while sleeping

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Litter-Robot: 7 Tips & Tricks

Litter-Robots are a big deal for cat owners since they clean the cat’s litter, and the odor trap system keeps odors at bay! So, you’ve spent top dollar on this massive litter box and brought it home. But what if...

cat-using-litter-robot-4-black

Are Geraniums Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

If you’re a cat lover who also loves plants, you already understand the importance of knowing which plants are toxic to your cat. Potted plants can be a lovely way to brighten up your home’s interior, but if you have...

Catster_Are Geraniums Poisonous to Cats