As adorable as our feline friends can be, their penchant for scratching furniture can be a real challenge for pet owners. Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and shed the outer layer of their claws. While scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats, it’s not necessarily ideal for the longevity of your furniture. One way to protect your belongings without curtailing your cat’s natural instincts is to use a homemade spray. Here’s how to create an effective, non-toxic spray at home that will deter your cats from scratching your furniture.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a simple, homemade cat deterrent spray:
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops of pure citrus essential oil (like lemon or orange)
- 10 drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Start by filling your spray bottle with a cup of water.
- Next, add 10 drops of the citrus essential oil of your choice. Cats dislike the smell of citrus, making it a natural deterrent.
- Then, add 10 drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil. These scents are also off-putting to cats and will enhance the deterrent effect.
- Shake the bottle well to ensure the essential oils are well distributed throughout the water.
- Spray the solution onto the areas of your furniture that your cat usually scratches. Always test a small area first to ensure the spray does not discolor or damage the fabric or material.
Usage and Safety
Apply this homemade spray daily or every other day for the best results. Remember to shake the bottle before each use to redistribute the oils.
It’s important to note that while the essential oils used in this recipe are generally safe for cats in small amounts and when properly diluted, they can be harmful if ingested in large quantities or used in concentrated forms. Never spray it directly on your cat, and if your cat ingests a large amount of essential oils, contact your vet immediately.
Additional Tips
Alongside the deterrent spray, provide scratching posts or boards for your cat and encourage them to use these instead. When they do, reward them with a treat or affection to reinforce the behavior.
Sprays alone may not completely stop a cat from scratching furniture, especially if the behavior is well established. In these cases, it may be helpful to consider other strategies such as scratch guards for furniture, pheromone sprays, or seeking advice from a vet or pet behaviorist.
In conclusion, a homemade spray can be an effective, affordable, and non-toxic solution to help deter your cat from scratching furniture. It’s part of a larger strategy that includes providing alternatives for your cat’s natural scratching behavior and positively reinforcing their use of appropriate scratching outlets.
