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Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Cats Away? Facts & FAQ

pump green glass bottle with liquid castile soap
Image Credit: LuminoOne, Shutterstock
Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Christian Adams
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If you have a garden, you probably know that stray cats can ruin it if allowed to run free. Even your pet cats can destroy the plants in your garden if you have no way to keep them out of it. If you’re unsure what you can safely use to keep the cats out of your garden or even your yard, then you’ve probably heard that Irish Spring soap does the job and does it well.

But does it? Yes, the experts say that Irish Spring soap is quite effective at keeping cats away from the plants in your garden and your property. However, is it a safe choice? How does it work? We’ll answer these questions and more in the article below.

divider-catclaw1Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Cats?

Yes, Irish Spring soap can be used to repel cats. In experiments, cats don’t like to be in the same room as a bar of Irish Spring soap. In fact, cats tend to avoid places where the soap is placed.

Cats don’t like the overpowering, pungent scent of the soap, and the effectiveness of using Irish Spring soap to repel cats is instant.

Since cats are known to have some of the strongest senses of smell in the world, it’s no surprise that something this strong unnerves them and keeps them away.

Is Irish Spring Soap Safe for Cats?

The answer to this question depends on your use of the Irish Spring soap. For example, you should never bathe your cat with this soap since it’s not pH-balanced for felines. However, using soap as a repellent in your garden and on your property is okay. The cats will smell the soap and stay clear of your garden and plants.

Why Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Cats?

There are a few reasons that many people effectively Irish Spring as a cat repellent.

The Smell

As previously stated, the smell of this soap is super-strong and unique to the brand. However, while many people prefer it for its scent, the opposite seems to be true with cats.

Sense of Smell

Cats have a keen sense of smell and dislike overpowering aromas.

Irish Spring is Non-Toxic

Irish Spring can be used as a repellent to keep your cats out of your garden or stray cats out of your yard or garden. The smell of the soap causes the cat to be uncomfortable without harming them physically.

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Tips for Repelling Cats with Irish Spring Soap

Now that you know Irish Spring soap isn’t toxic to your cats and works to keep them out of your garden, you’re probably wondering how to use it.

Cut a Bar of Soap or Two into Pieces

Depending on the size of your yard, you’ll need one or more bars of soap to get started. Once you’ve gathered the soap, cut each bar into small pieces. Cutting the bar into large pieces will make it difficult to place them around the yard or garden.

Place the Soap in Bags

Take some small bags and put each piece of soap in a separate bag. Once that’s done, dig small holes near your plants and place the bags in the holes. This should stop the cats from destroying the plants or using them as a litter boxes.

Make a Spray

It is possible to use Irish Spring as a spray also. First, you’ll need to dilute the soap in water, then put it in a spray bottle and mist the area for the best results.

What Other Animals Does Irish Spring Soap Repel?

Cats are not the only animals that don’t like the smell of the soap.

Deer avoid gardens with Irish Spring soap since they don’t like the smell. Mice and rabbits also tend to avoid Irish Spring soap for the same reason. If you have rabbits or rodents in your garden, place chunks of Irish Spring on the exterior of the garden, and they should stay away.

divider-catclaw1Final Thoughts

Irish Spring soap is effective at keeping felines away from your yard. Not only does it keep them away, but it’s also safe to use because it’s non-toxic. So, if you’re looking for a safe, effective way to keep your cats or the cats in the neighborhood out of your garden, Irish Spring may be the answer.

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Featured Image Credit: LuminoOne, Shutterstock

About the Author

Christian Adams
Christian Adams
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

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