What Smells Deter Cats From Peeing?

If you own a cat, then chances are you know how bad their urine can smell, especially when they refuse to pee in their litter box. 

While owning a cat can come with various benefits, such as companionship and general cuteness, it can also come with some unpleasant moments.

​Beyond scratches and torn furniture, cats are also prone to peeing in the house, as they use their urine to mark their territory. 

But how can you deter cats from peeing? Well, there are various methods you can use, with the most common involving different smells. 

In this article, we have compiled a list of smells that deter cats from peeing, as well as the ways you can use them in your home. 

1. LAVENDER

Lavender is a perennial plant found in both dry and humid climates, where it is known for its vibrant flowers and powerful aroma. 

Because of its drawing smell, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and meditation, as the scent is said to have calming effects.

​However, the flower can also be used to deter cats from urinating in your home. It is even possible to plant lavender in the garden and use it to scare away unwanted felines. 

During this method, it is important to remember that lavender is toxic to cats when consumed and can cause irritation in certain areas. For this reason, you will need to be careful when introducing this scent into your domestic space. 

To achieve the best results, we recommend pouring the lavender into a sock and relocating it to the more vital areas. 

​2. CITRUS

While too much citrus can be toxic to cats, a small amount can work wonders when it comes to their urination. 

In most cases, cats will detest the smell of citrus and will feel uncomfortable in a space where the fruit is stored.

Because of this, you can use orange and lemon peel to stop your feline friend from urinating in the house, while also producing a fresh and pleasant aroma in your domestic space.

It is even possible to combine lemon juice with water to create a homemade product, which can be used around the house.

However, this does not mean that citrus does not come with its drawbacks, as the fruit can ruin furniture and clothing. 

Because of their acidic nature, citrus fruits can discolor fibers and even bleach some certain materials.

For this reason, we advise using it on more durable surfaces such as concrete and wood. If you want to use the scent near a carpet, we recommend placing the fruit in a plastic bag beforehand. 

3. COFFEE

It’s no secret that humans love coffee, but the same cannot be said for cats. For this reason, you can use the beans as a deterrent to your cat’s urination. 

In contrast to the other methods we plan to discuss, leaving coffee beans around the house produces a more welcoming smell and will even give your home a warm and comfortable feel.

​During this method, you will need to place the beans in a bowl and leave them in vital areas, where they should distract or even scare away potential felines. 

While we would recommend using gourmet coffee beans, it is also possible to use coffee grounds that have been added to a filter or sachet. However, this method can lead to more mess if your cat decides to attack the bag.

4. ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a perennial herb that is known to thrive during the summer months and can be used as a robust deterrent to cats and their urination habits. 

While it is possible to use dried varieties, we do recommend purchasing fresh cuttings from the store, as this will prove more effective. Once you have obtained the herb, you can either place it in a coffee sachet or relocate it to your garden. 

If you are interested in the former method, then you will need to cut the leaves until they release their aromatic scent, which will make them more potent and capable of deterring your cat’s pee. 

However, if you choose to plant the herb in your garden, then you will need to tend to it until the rosemary begins to thrive.

This will help to stop cats from entering your outdoor space and deter them from ornamental flowers and bushes.

​Rosemary is a perennial herb that is known to thrive during the summer months and can be used as a robust deterrent to cats and their urination habits. 

While it is possible to use dried varieties, we do recommend purchasing fresh cuttings from the store, as this will prove more effective. Once you have obtained the herb, you can either place it in a coffee sachet or relocate it to your garden. 

If you are interested in the former method, then you will need to cut the leaves until they release their aromatic scent, which will make them more potent and capable of deterring your cat’s pee. 

However, if you choose to plant the herb in your garden, then you will need to tend to it until the rosemary begins to thrive. This will help to stop cats from entering your outdoor space and deter them from ornamental flowers and bushes.

5. VINEGAR

If you want to stop your furball from peeing in the house, then you can use white vinegar to combat the problem. 

For this method, you can make your own solution by combining half a cup of vinegar with water, which can then be used around the house. It is even possible to leave bowls of the solution in areas where your cat is known to urinate. 

While white vinegar has proven useful for some, the strong smell can be too much for others, which is another reason why you should test the method before committing to the routine. 

In most cases, we would advise using distilled white vinegar rather than malt varieties, as other products have been known to stain and discolor fabrics.

If the solution causes damage to your home, you will need to stop using it and find an additional cleaner to remove the stain. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are various reasons why cats urinate in the house, from territorial practice to stress and medical issues.

​However, there are also countless methods that can be used to combat this problem, with the most effective being smells and homemade products. 

While these methods can be used to deter cats and their urination habits, it is also important that you determine the cause of your cat’s distress. 

This can be accomplished by contacting your veterinarian and being mindful of your cat’s behavior. Once you have found the root of the problem, you can begin to help your cat while also using the above scents to deter their pee. 

Leaving herbs around the house may seem like a strange notion, but it remains a safe and natural way to aid your puss.