If you’re like us, you love cats. However, you don’t want them stalking through your garden and terrorizing the small creatures that live there. You also don’t want stray cats marking their territory and angering your housecats. You need a way to keep cats away from your garden without harming them. We’ve put together this list of our reviews of the best cat repellents and deterrents to help you find a safe and effective way to keep cats from wreaking havoc on your garden. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks and to find a solution that’ll keep pesky kitties away from your home. A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Defenders Jet Spray Pond and Garden Protector
Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
Good range
Motion-activated
Check Price
Best Value
Defenders Pepper Dust
Super easy to use
Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
Safe, non-toxic
Check Price
Premium Choice
PestBye Battery Operated Motion-Activated Waterproof Ultrasonic
Motion-activated
Adjustable sound
Safe for animals
Check Price
Rentokil FC78 Cat and Fox Deterrent, Ultrasonic
Motion-activated
Waterproof design
Two-year warranty
Check Price
Plai Flat Prickle Strip Dig Stopper, Cat Repellent Mat
All-weather solution
Very easy to use
Safe and non-harmful
Check Price
The 10 Best Cat Repellents and Deterrents in the UK
- Defenders Jet Spray Pond and Garden Protector – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Style: Jet Spray
Features: Motion-activated, water sprayer
Difficulty Level: Medium
The best overall cat repellent and deterrent we reviewed is the Defenders Jet Spray. This repellent is safe, humane, and covers up to 10 meters with its spray. It’s motion-activated and relatively simple to set up. Not only will it keep pesky cats out of your yard, but it’ll also keep foxes, mice, and other critters away. This won’t work in the winter as the water will freeze. You do need to change the battery as well, although this one has a long battery life. Pros
Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
Good range
Motion-activated
Cons
Needs batteries replaced
Can’t use in winter
- Defenders Pepper Dust – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Style: Dust
Features: Strong pepper scent
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you’re hunting for a simpler way to keep cats out of your garden, our best cat repellent and deterrent for the money is Defenders Pepper Dust. All you have to do is sprinkle the pepper dust around the area you wish to protect from cats. The scent masks the smell of animal markings and is unpleasant to cats. One downside is you’ll need to sprinkle fairly regularly as the dust can blow or wash away. Pros
Super easy to use
Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
Safe, non-toxic
Cons
Frequent sprinkling required
Can blow away in wind or wash away in the rain
- PestBye Battery Operated Motion-Activated Waterproof Ultrasonic – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Ultrasonic frequency, motion-activated
Difficulty Level: Easy
The PestBye Ultrasonic is our choice for the consumer who wants to spend a little more on their cat deterrent. While it costs more, you’ll get two motion sensors and an effective tool in your fight to keep your garden cat-free. You can adjust the pitch of the sound as needed to find the one that is most effective for the critters of your neighborhood. The batteries do need to be checked and replaced frequently. Pros
Motion-activated
Adjustable sound
Safe for animals
Cons
A little more expensive
Batteries need replacing every 6-8 weeks
- Rentokil FC78 Cat and Fox Deterrent, Ultrasonic
Check Latest Price
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Waterproof, easy to install
Difficulty Level: Easy
Another ultrasonic option is the Rentokil FC78. This model has fewer bells and whistles than some of the other ultrasonic devices out there. However, it’s very simple to set up and use and it’ll effectively keep cats and foxes out of your garden. All you have to do is mount it on your garden wall and turn it on. You’ll need to monitor the battery carefully as it tends to drain quickly with frequent use. Pros
Motion-activated
Waterproof design
Two-year warranty
Cons
Battery replacement needed
- Plai Flat Prickle Strip Dig Stopper, Cat Repellent Mat
Check Latest Price
Style: Spikes
Features: 6 pieces, weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you want a simple way to keep critters out of your garden year-round, the Plai Cat Repellent Mat will do the trick. These mats feature soft plastic spikes that won’t puncture paws but will create an uncomfortable route through your garden for cats and other animals. They’re very easy to install and can be left out year-round. The one con is that they can get rather expensive if you want to cover a large area. Pros
All-weather solution
Very easy to use
Safe and non-harmful
Cons
Can be pricey to cover a large garden
6. Vonivi Ultrasonic Cat Repellent and Deterrent, Solar Powered
Check Latest Price
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Solar powered, motion-activated
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t run on batteries, then the Vonivi might be the choice for you. This ultrasonic model runs on solar panels so it can self-charge during the day. The ultrasonic noise can reach up to nine meters, providing effective coverage for most or all of your garden. Poor weather can be a problem, though, as your device may fail to recharge properly. Pros
Solar-powered
Not a bother for human ears
Also includes LED lights that flash
Cons
Not weather-proof
Solar power may not always recharge
- Yissone Anti-Cat Prickle Strip, Cat Scare Mat
Check Latest Price
Style: Spikes
Features: weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Easy
This prickle strip option comes in a two-meter-long roll. You can cut it into sections to fit where needed. The spikes are uncomfortable for animals to walk on and help prevent digging in your garden and flower beds. It can also be left in place all year as it’s impervious to heat, cold, and moisture. The one downside is the price. If you have a large garden, you might need to spend quite a bit to cover every area you’d like to protect. Pros
Very easy to use
Can be left in place year-round
Not harmful to animal feet
Cons
Expensive when you have a large area to cover
Comes as one large mat that requires cutting
- PestBye Jet Spray Cat Repeller
Check Latest Price
Style: Jet Spray
Features: Motion-activated, adjustable
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you like the idea of a water repellent instead of a sonic one, the PestBye Jet Spray is a solid option. This model is relatively simple to set up and covers up to 10 meters with its spray. It’s activated by movement so cats will be surprised by the spray when they try to enter your garden. Jet sprayers typically are not usable in extremely cold weather as they’ll freeze. Thus, you might need another option when winter comes around. Pros
Motion-activated so it won’t run continuously
Covers a wide area
Safe for animals
Cons
Cannot be used in very cold weather
Needs replacement batteries
- Selections Ultrasonic Cat Repeller
Check Latest Price
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Solar powered, weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Medium
This weather-resistant ultrasonic cat repeller is a good choice when you want something to work in all weather. It even has a solar panel for some of your battery charging needs. However, when the solar power doesn’t give you enough juice, there’s a charging cable you can use. Ultrasonic repellents are safe for animals and will effectively keep pests away from your garden. Pros
Solar-powered
Weather-resistant
Motion-activated
Cons
Sometimes solar power doesn’t give the battery enough charge
Might need to adjust the sonic frequency
- Karlsten Cat Repellent Anti-Fouling Granules
Check Latest Price
Style: Granules
Features: Citronella scented granules
Difficulty Level: Easy
Like pepper dust, citronella granules also deter cats and other pests from your garden with the scent. These easy to sprinkle granules won’t break the bank and can be used throughout your garden. You will need to replace them about once per week which can be a little time-consuming. They’re non-toxic, though, so your applications are safe for you and your neighborhood creatures. Pros
Easy to use
Non-toxic for animals
Cons
Must be sprinkled frequently
Some cats don’t seem to be affected by the scent
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Repellents & Deterrents Now that you’ve read our reviews of the top cat repellents, let’s take a closer look at a few important points you’ll need to consider when looking for the right one for your needs. What Types of Cat Repellents Are Available?
Ultrasonic emitter – If your pets don’t spend time in your garden, this is a powerful tool to keep cats away. These deterrents emit ultrasonic frequencies to frighten animals away from your garden.
Jet spray – If you allow your pets outdoors, jet sprays offer an alternative to ultrasonic noise. Instead, they spray water when motion is detected.
Plastic spikes – You can lay plastic spikes around your vegetable garden or flowers. They won’t puncture cats’ paws but are very uncomfortable for them to walk across. These spikes can also be used to deter digging.
Granules and dust – There are many eco-friendly options you can sprinkle around your garden. The scent keeps pests away.
For Further Consideration We highly recommend only using safe, non-toxic deterrents in your garden. You don’t want to harm the cats in your neighborhood, just keep them away from your property. Some of the deterrents we reviewed require batteries or other maintenance. Others, such as the type you sprinkle around, need to be reapplied frequently. Some models cannot be left outside in the winter. Keep all of these things in mind as you select the best option for you. Conclusion Now that you’ve read our reviews of the best cat repellents and deterrents for your garden, you should be able to select the best one for your needs. For the best overall choice, the Defender Jet Spray will do the trick. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly solution, the Defenders Pepper Dust will work. You can now be confident that you can enjoy your garden without unwelcome furry intruders.
Featured Image Credit: Vaillery, Shutterstock
If you’re like us, you love cats. However, you don’t want them stalking through your garden and terrorizing the small creatures that live there. You also don’t want stray cats marking their territory and angering your housecats. You need a way to keep cats away from your garden without harming them.
We’ve put together this list of our reviews of the best cat repellents and deterrents to help you find a safe and effective way to keep cats from wreaking havoc on your garden. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks and to find a solution that’ll keep pesky kitties away from your home.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Defenders Jet Spray Pond and Garden Protector
Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
Good range
Motion-activated
Check Price
Best Value
Defenders Pepper Dust
Super easy to use
Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
Safe, non-toxic
Check Price
Premium Choice
PestBye Battery Operated Motion-Activated Waterproof Ultrasonic
Motion-activated
Adjustable sound
Safe for animals
Check Price
Rentokil FC78 Cat and Fox Deterrent, Ultrasonic
Motion-activated
Waterproof design
Two-year warranty
Check Price
Plai Flat Prickle Strip Dig Stopper, Cat Repellent Mat
All-weather solution
Very easy to use
Safe and non-harmful
Check Price
The 10 Best Cat Repellents and Deterrents in the UK
1. Defenders Jet Spray Pond and Garden Protector – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Style: Jet Spray
Features: Motion-activated, water sprayer
Difficulty Level: Medium
The best overall cat repellent and deterrent we reviewed is the Defenders Jet Spray. This repellent is safe, humane, and covers up to 10 meters with its spray. It’s motion-activated and relatively simple to set up. Not only will it keep pesky cats out of your yard, but it’ll also keep foxes, mice, and other critters away. This won’t work in the winter as the water will freeze. You do need to change the battery as well, although this one has a long battery life.
Pros
Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
Good range
Motion-activated
Cons
Needs batteries replaced
Can’t use in winter
2. Defenders Pepper Dust – Best Value
Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
Good range
Motion-activated
- Non-toxic way to rid your garden of pests
- Good range
- Motion-activated
Needs batteries replaced
Can’t use in winter
- Needs batteries replaced
- Can’t use in winter
Style: Dust
Features: Strong pepper scent
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you’re hunting for a simpler way to keep cats out of your garden, our best cat repellent and deterrent for the money is Defenders Pepper Dust. All you have to do is sprinkle the pepper dust around the area you wish to protect from cats. The scent masks the smell of animal markings and is unpleasant to cats. One downside is you’ll need to sprinkle fairly regularly as the dust can blow or wash away.
Pros
Super easy to use
Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
Safe, non-toxic
Cons
Frequent sprinkling required
Can blow away in wind or wash away in the rain
3. PestBye Battery Operated Motion-Activated Waterproof Ultrasonic – Premium Choice
Super easy to use
Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
Safe, non-toxic
- Super easy to use
- Can cover up to 10 square meters per can
- Safe, non-toxic
Frequent sprinkling required
Can blow away in wind or wash away in the rain
- Frequent sprinkling required
- Can blow away in wind or wash away in the rain
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Ultrasonic frequency, motion-activated
Difficulty Level: Easy
The PestBye Ultrasonic is our choice for the consumer who wants to spend a little more on their cat deterrent. While it costs more, you’ll get two motion sensors and an effective tool in your fight to keep your garden cat-free. You can adjust the pitch of the sound as needed to find the one that is most effective for the critters of your neighborhood. The batteries do need to be checked and replaced frequently.
Pros
Motion-activated
Adjustable sound
Safe for animals
Cons
A little more expensive
Batteries need replacing every 6-8 weeks
4. Rentokil FC78 Cat and Fox Deterrent, Ultrasonic
Motion-activated
Adjustable sound
Safe for animals
- Motion-activated
- Adjustable sound
- Safe for animals
A little more expensive
Batteries need replacing every 6-8 weeks
- A little more expensive
- Batteries need replacing every 6-8 weeks
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Waterproof, easy to install
Difficulty Level: Easy
Another ultrasonic option is the Rentokil FC78. This model has fewer bells and whistles than some of the other ultrasonic devices out there. However, it’s very simple to set up and use and it’ll effectively keep cats and foxes out of your garden. All you have to do is mount it on your garden wall and turn it on. You’ll need to monitor the battery carefully as it tends to drain quickly with frequent use.
Pros
Motion-activated
Waterproof design
Two-year warranty
Cons
Battery replacement needed
5. Plai Flat Prickle Strip Dig Stopper, Cat Repellent Mat
Motion-activated
Waterproof design
Two-year warranty
- Motion-activated
- Waterproof design
- Two-year warranty
Battery replacement needed
- Battery replacement needed
Style: Spikes
Features: 6 pieces, weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you want a simple way to keep critters out of your garden year-round, the Plai Cat Repellent Mat will do the trick. These mats feature soft plastic spikes that won’t puncture paws but will create an uncomfortable route through your garden for cats and other animals. They’re very easy to install and can be left out year-round. The one con is that they can get rather expensive if you want to cover a large area.
Pros
All-weather solution
Very easy to use
Safe and non-harmful
Cons
Can be pricey to cover a large garden
6. Vonivi Ultrasonic Cat Repellent and Deterrent, Solar Powered
All-weather solution
Very easy to use
Safe and non-harmful
- All-weather solution
- Very easy to use
- Safe and non-harmful
Can be pricey to cover a large garden
- Can be pricey to cover a large garden
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Solar powered, motion-activated
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t run on batteries, then the Vonivi might be the choice for you. This ultrasonic model runs on solar panels so it can self-charge during the day. The ultrasonic noise can reach up to nine meters, providing effective coverage for most or all of your garden. Poor weather can be a problem, though, as your device may fail to recharge properly.
Pros
Solar-powered
Not a bother for human ears
Also includes LED lights that flash
Cons
Not weather-proof
Solar power may not always recharge
7. Yissone Anti-Cat Prickle Strip, Cat Scare Mat
Solar-powered
Not a bother for human ears
Also includes LED lights that flash
- Solar-powered
- Not a bother for human ears
- Also includes LED lights that flash
Not weather-proof
Solar power may not always recharge
- Not weather-proof
- Solar power may not always recharge
Style: Spikes
Features: weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Easy
This prickle strip option comes in a two-meter-long roll. You can cut it into sections to fit where needed. The spikes are uncomfortable for animals to walk on and help prevent digging in your garden and flower beds. It can also be left in place all year as it’s impervious to heat, cold, and moisture. The one downside is the price. If you have a large garden, you might need to spend quite a bit to cover every area you’d like to protect.
Pros
Very easy to use
Can be left in place year-round
Not harmful to animal feet
Cons
Expensive when you have a large area to cover
Comes as one large mat that requires cutting
8. PestBye Jet Spray Cat Repeller
Very easy to use
Can be left in place year-round
Not harmful to animal feet
- Very easy to use
- Can be left in place year-round
- Not harmful to animal feet
Expensive when you have a large area to cover
Comes as one large mat that requires cutting
- Expensive when you have a large area to cover
- Comes as one large mat that requires cutting
Style: Jet Spray
Features: Motion-activated, adjustable
Difficulty Level: Medium
If you like the idea of a water repellent instead of a sonic one, the PestBye Jet Spray is a solid option. This model is relatively simple to set up and covers up to 10 meters with its spray. It’s activated by movement so cats will be surprised by the spray when they try to enter your garden. Jet sprayers typically are not usable in extremely cold weather as they’ll freeze. Thus, you might need another option when winter comes around.
Pros
Motion-activated so it won’t run continuously
Covers a wide area
Safe for animals
Cons
Cannot be used in very cold weather
Needs replacement batteries
9. Selections Ultrasonic Cat Repeller
Motion-activated so it won’t run continuously
Covers a wide area
Safe for animals
- Motion-activated so it won’t run continuously
- Covers a wide area
- Safe for animals
Cannot be used in very cold weather
Needs replacement batteries
- Cannot be used in very cold weather
- Needs replacement batteries
Style: Ultrasonic
Features: Solar powered, weather-resistant
Difficulty Level: Medium
This weather-resistant ultrasonic cat repeller is a good choice when you want something to work in all weather. It even has a solar panel for some of your battery charging needs. However, when the solar power doesn’t give you enough juice, there’s a charging cable you can use. Ultrasonic repellents are safe for animals and will effectively keep pests away from your garden.
Pros
Solar-powered
Weather-resistant
Motion-activated
Cons
Sometimes solar power doesn’t give the battery enough charge
Might need to adjust the sonic frequency
10. Karlsten Cat Repellent Anti-Fouling Granules
Solar-powered
Weather-resistant
Motion-activated
- Solar-powered
- Weather-resistant
- Motion-activated
Sometimes solar power doesn’t give the battery enough charge
Might need to adjust the sonic frequency
- Sometimes solar power doesn’t give the battery enough charge
- Might need to adjust the sonic frequency
Style: Granules
Features: Citronella scented granules
Difficulty Level: Easy
Like pepper dust, citronella granules also deter cats and other pests from your garden with the scent. These easy to sprinkle granules won’t break the bank and can be used throughout your garden. You will need to replace them about once per week which can be a little time-consuming. They’re non-toxic, though, so your applications are safe for you and your neighborhood creatures.
Pros
Easy to use
Non-toxic for animals
Cons
Must be sprinkled frequently
Some cats don’t seem to be affected by the scent
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Repellents & Deterrents
Now that you’ve read our reviews of the top cat repellents, let’s take a closer look at a few important points you’ll need to consider when looking for the right one for your needs.
Easy to use
Non-toxic for animals
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic for animals
Must be sprinkled frequently
Some cats don’t seem to be affected by the scent
- Must be sprinkled frequently
- Some cats don’t seem to be affected by the scent
What Types of Cat Repellents Are Available?
Ultrasonic emitter – If your pets don’t spend time in your garden, this is a powerful tool to keep cats away. These deterrents emit ultrasonic frequencies to frighten animals away from your garden.
Jet spray – If you allow your pets outdoors, jet sprays offer an alternative to ultrasonic noise. Instead, they spray water when motion is detected.
Plastic spikes – You can lay plastic spikes around your vegetable garden or flowers. They won’t puncture cats’ paws but are very uncomfortable for them to walk across. These spikes can also be used to deter digging.
Granules and dust – There are many eco-friendly options you can sprinkle around your garden. The scent keeps pests away.
For Further Consideration
We highly recommend only using safe, non-toxic deterrents in your garden. You don’t want to harm the cats in your neighborhood, just keep them away from your property.
Ultrasonic emitter – If your pets don’t spend time in your garden, this is a powerful tool to keep cats away. These deterrents emit ultrasonic frequencies to frighten animals away from your garden.
Jet spray – If you allow your pets outdoors, jet sprays offer an alternative to ultrasonic noise. Instead, they spray water when motion is detected.
Plastic spikes – You can lay plastic spikes around your vegetable garden or flowers. They won’t puncture cats’ paws but are very uncomfortable for them to walk across. These spikes can also be used to deter digging.
Granules and dust – There are many eco-friendly options you can sprinkle around your garden. The scent keeps pests away.
- Ultrasonic emitter – If your pets don’t spend time in your garden, this is a powerful tool to keep cats away. These deterrents emit ultrasonic frequencies to frighten animals away from your garden.
- Jet spray – If you allow your pets outdoors, jet sprays offer an alternative to ultrasonic noise. Instead, they spray water when motion is detected.
- Plastic spikes – You can lay plastic spikes around your vegetable garden or flowers. They won’t puncture cats’ paws but are very uncomfortable for them to walk across. These spikes can also be used to deter digging.
- Granules and dust – There are many eco-friendly options you can sprinkle around your garden. The scent keeps pests away.
Some of the deterrents we reviewed require batteries or other maintenance. Others, such as the type you sprinkle around, need to be reapplied frequently. Some models cannot be left outside in the winter. Keep all of these things in mind as you select the best option for you.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our reviews of the best cat repellents and deterrents for your garden, you should be able to select the best one for your needs. For the best overall choice, the Defender Jet Spray will do the trick. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly solution, the Defenders Pepper Dust will work. You can now be confident that you can enjoy your garden without unwelcome furry intruders.
Featured Image Credit: Vaillery, Shutterstock
