The 8 Best Cat Deterrents for Gardens and Yards 2026
- Rachel
- Jun 21, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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Are you having problems with four-legged invaders? This article covers the best cat deterrents for gardens and yards, with eight effective methods for keeping strays off your property. Hurrah to poop-free lawns, patios, flowerbeds and plants - not forgetting about those sneaky fence hoppers. With these budget-friendly recommendations, getting rid of outdoor cats in a safe and humane manner doesn't have to cost the earth.
8 Best Cat Deterrents for Gardens and Yards:
First things first, how do products actually work? Cat deterrents, while pretty self-explanatory, are used to repel cats and can be used in a variety of situations, both inside and outside of the home. These include:
Stopping cats from fouling, digging or generally making a mess of your carefully tended rose beds.
Avoiding potential danger such as toxic plants (I'll say here that it's probably easier and safer to remove any poisonous greenery from the house or garden, wherever possible).
Clawing furniture or scent marking (spraying).
Having experienced my own problems with cats urine spraying in the yard and upsetting my resident fur children, I know how frustrating it can be - not to mention the time-consuming (and at times expensive) task of scouring the internet for a cat repellent that works.
As territorial creatures, which we've covered at length throughout this site, cats will stop at almost nothing to spread their scent around - whether it's peeing in your plant beds, digging up your seedlings or using your patio as a sunbed. As much as I respect and admire all cats, the risk of losing your territory to a horde of furry invaders is very real!
How to keep cats out of your garden depends on the layout of the garden itself. Is it more lawn than patio? Do you have an enclosed yard? Is it bordered by fence panels or hedges? Are there extensive flowerbeds and plants? Do you have lots of bird feeders dotted around?
Some outdoor spaces may be easier to protect than others, but the trick is to make your garden as uninviting (to a cat) as possible. Unfortunately, that could mean saying goodbye to wildlife, too.
Strays aside, you might have your own resident kitty that you want to keep away from certain areas of the garden without getting the hosepipe out every ten seconds. Kidding - no one should be spraying their cats. If you're facing the same problems as me and don't know where to start, I can take some of the guesswork out for you by listing my 8 best outdoor cat deterrents of 2026.
Unlike spray-based repellents, ZeroCat® Repellent doesn't rely on smells or chemicals to discourage cats. Instead, it works on a biological level by exploiting cats' highly sensitive hearing. The device emits targeted ultrasonic frequencies (16-60 kHz) that are uncomfortable for cats but inaudible to humans, making it discreet and non-invasive.
Cats use scent and territory memory to decide where to return. When they repeatedly experience an aversive ultrasonic stimulus in a specific area, they quickly learn to avoid it. As there are no chemicals involved, ZeroCat® is eco-friendly, pet-safe and suitable for use in gardens, lawns, patios and vegetable patches.
Usage
Simply place the device in the ground using the stake or mount it on a wall with the included hook. No configuration, no calibration and no maintenance beyond battery replacement.
The device covers up to 30 feet with a 110° detection angle, which is more than enough for targeted zones. In larger gardens or areas with multiple access points, using more than one device is recommended. Powered by 3 AA batteries, ZeroCat® offers around 6 months of autonomy with continuous day-and-night operation.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5
Based on 100+ website reviews.
The repellent receives strong feedback for effectiveness and ease of use. Most users report visible results within the first few days, with some seeing immediate changes in cat behaviour.
Ultrasonic repellents can divide opinion, largely because not all devices are calibrated specifically for cats. ZeroCat® performs better than generic animal deterrents thanks to its cat-targeted frequency range and responsive PIR sensor.
Some cats may test the area once or twice before avoiding it, especially if pheromones are already present. Cleaning the area beforehand significantly improves success by removing scent markers that attract repeat visits.
Conclusion
While sprays remain one of the cheapest short-term solutions, they require constant reapplication and become costly over time. ZeroCat® Repellent works continuously without smells or ongoing purchases and is particularly well suited for gardens and lawns where repeated spraying would be impractical.
For larger areas, the cost can add up if multiple units are needed; but the long battery life and proven effectiveness make it a solid long-term investment.
Cowiewie Ultrasonic Animal Repellent
Another ultrasonic option, Cowiewie Animal Repellent emits frequencies of 13.5-45.5 kHz to repel unwanted cats, dogs, foxes, squirrels, rodents, birds and other wildlife without harming them. This gives it a broad range of use, with five adjustable frequency modes according to your specific needs; and the option of flashing LED lights to further startle animals.
Compared to other repellents with one speaker, this contains upgraded dual speakers for a greater coverage of ultrasonic waves. It also comes in a pack of two, providing better protection for larger gardens.
Usage
The Cowiewie Ultrasonic Repellent has a standard ground stake and groove for easy wall mounting. The PIR motion sensor has a coverage angle of 120° and detection distance of 36 feet. Once you've set the correct frequency, you can enjoy a pest-free garden within 1-4 weeks.
The device emits a sound that irritates animals while being inaudible to humans, depending on mode. While the cat-specific frequency is inaudible to humans, it's advised that one mode is within the human capacity for hearing and should be used away from living areas.
It comes with a solar panel, battery compartment and USB-charging port, offering two cost-effective power options.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 300+ Amazon reviews.
Cowiewie Ultrasonic Repellent has an above average rating for its sturdy construction and solar charging panel. Some customers complain about the noise, but this may depend on what mode the device is set at. It's generally effective if set to the correct frequency.
If you want to use the solar panel but live in a region with cloudy weather, you can station the stake into a plant pot that can be moved around the garden to the most convenient spot.
Conclusion
Cowiewie Ultrasonic Repellent is designed to keep cats and other animals out of gardens before they become a nuisance - and waterproof, making it more convenient than sprays or granules. Since cats are attracted to wildlife, keeping birds and rodents away will likely mean less four-legged intruders.
With two devices in a pack, it's an effective multifunctional product at a budget price - without the need for battery replacement. However, since it's not automatically targeted for cats, it requires some calibration.
C&G Urine Stop Spray Cat and Dog Repellent
Marketed as both a cat and dog repellent, the active ingredients in C&G Urine Stop Spray are the same as what you'll find in any cat-specific product. Citrus and lemongrass are common and effective cat repellents due to their fresh scents, and lemongrass acts as an anti-microbial agent. These natural ingredients are paraben-free, making it pet and eco-friendly. Unlike other options, it's suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Urine contains pheromones and is the biggest attractant for cats, so eliminating this temptation may stop them from wanting to pee in your garden. It also helps to reduce other unwanted behaviours such as digging and scratching. Worse-case scenario, you have a house or garden that smells of lemons!
Usage
For best results, wash areas where there's evidence of territorial marking before application. Once dry, spray C&G Urine Stop liberally over the area.
Citrus and geranium oils help to mask any remaining smells, while the deterrent action trains cats away from problem areas. Lemongrass helps to neutralise odours and inhibit the growth of bacteria.
It's recommended to respray areas every 2-3 days in order to protect gardens and furniture, as it doesn't have the same lasting effect as chemical cleaners. With a large 500ml bottle, C&G Urine Stop is averagely priced against competitors.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 6,000+ Amazon reviews.
Most repellent sprays on the market have mixed reviews, which isn't surprising given the nature of cats. Some will turn and run from an offending pong, while more dominant cats will want to remark the area.
It's important to remember that sprays aren't designed to remove urine, so it's essential to clean the area first with a strong disinfectant. This method may take some persistence, but it's a safe and humane option for tackling urine problems.
Customers find C&G Urine Stop to have a fresh, pleasant aroma - even if cats don't! - and since it's safe to use on furniture, there's no need to worry about damaging your decor.
Conclusion
While cat repellent sprays are undoubtedly one of the simplest and cheapest solutions, it requires regular spraying and reapplication every time it rains - so for my fellow Brits, not so cheap after all! It will also bump up the cost for larger areas, making it impractical for lawns. I'd suggest using a good spray for targeting areas around doors to keep cats away from the house, particularly if you have any resident kitties.
Sprays are more geared towards preventing the spread of urine and work best when applied to hard surfaces such as yards and patios. It's a good first option before investing in more expensive measures, and it's safe to use on a more regular basis if cats are repeatedly visiting an area.
The Big Cheese Cat And Dog Scatter Granules
Crystals or granules are designed to mask traces of pheromones in urine with strong, feline-aversive scents. This confuses a cat's sense of smell, training them to move to other areas where there's evidence of territorial marking (fouling or digging).
Similar to sprays, The Big Cheese Scatter Granules contain an all-natural blend of plant oils that's safe to use on lawns, soil, gravel and patios without posing a danger to pets or wildlife. Incorporated with biodegradable clay substrate, it naturally degrades without leaving any traces.
Usage
Choose a dry day to sprinkle the granules evenly over affected areas and repeat every 48 hours or until the problem has ceased. The slow-release formula should last longer than sprays but can be swept away in windy conditions.
For granules to be most effective, the area should be cleared of fouling beforehand. One pack treats up to 250m² and it's suitable for outdoor use only.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 6,000+ Amazon reviews.
Both granules and sprays have the same mixed opinions from users, as well as the downfall of being easily washed away. The smell is less desirable than the citrus that's common in repellent sprays, so it may not be ideal for vegetable patches.
These methods are most suitable for spring and summer months when rainfall is lighter. With a large surface area covered by a single pack, The Big Cheese Scatter Granules are a small and worthwhile investment. They're most effective when used correctly and consistently.
Conclusion
Depending on the area you wish to treat, the main benefit of granules is that they can be applied to pebbled or gravelled spaces and soil, making it an effective urine repellent for lawns, flowerbeds and driveways. With a pet-safe, environmentally-friendly formula that naturally degrades over time, it won't cause any harm to your cats or garden.
Using alongside repellent sprays to target different areas of your property offers a cost-effective, short-term solution to unwanted visitors.
You can use this product as a standalone shaker or to refill The Big Cheese Granule Applicator.
Get Off Cat and Dog Repellent Gel Crystals
Get Off Gel Crystals slowly release a strong odour that works in the same manner as granules by interrupting a cat's sense of smell. Over time, they'll be trained to move away from treated areas to those where they can detect evidence of previous scent marking. The ultra-absorbent crystals soak up urine to help remove any lingering traces.
The crystals are suitable for use on patios, lawns and gravel; as well as creating a barrier effect for decking, fences, flowerbeds and other perimeters. They're for outdoor use only and, unlike similar products, the pet-safe formula doesn't contain garlic, which can be toxic to cats.
Usage
As with other deterrent methods, ensure the area is clean and any previous fouling has been removed. Scatter crystals evenly and reapply every 2-3 days as necessary. Due to the gel formula, they're less likely to get blown away than granules. One pack treats up to 72m².
Gel crystals are not recommended for applying directly onto flowerbeds due to causing discolouration, and I'm certain you wouldn't want it affecting your vegetables either!
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 7,000+ Amazon reviews.
Get Off Gel Crystals are described as having a potent smell, but it's not always enough to deter cats from problem areas. Like other products, there's also the issue of being dissolved by rain, which may not give products a chance to work properly. Users see most effect when targeting small areas where cats tend to pee or poop.
Since crystals are larger than granules, there are less of them for scattering. In some cases, one pack is said to have lasted just a few days. Once cats start to visit the area less frequently, you can reduce the amount of crystals used.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for crystals or granules will largely depend on your preference and target area. These may not make your garden look or smell pleasant, but that's the purpose of a repellent! You can apply Get Off Gel Crystals to multiple areas, but it may get expensive for larger gardens and lawns.
PestBye® Jet Spray Cat Repellent
Not too dissimilar to ultrasonic devices, PestBye® Jet Spray Repellent works on a motion sensor to fire a gentle burst of water when triggered by offending animals. Though seemingly cruel upon first impression, as I'm not an advocate of spraying cats myself, this acts as more of a deterrent. The idea being that after one or two sprays, cats will start to avoid the area in a natural learning process.
With an adjustable spreading width and sensitivity settings, you don't have to worry about it affecting other pets you might have, such as rabbits or guinea pigs. The immediate burst of water will prevent cats from having a chance to start digging or fouling in marked areas.
Usage
PestBye® Jet Spray is stake mounted, which is only good for lawns and soiled areas. It requires connection to a garden hose and consumes 2-3 cups of water per activation. This is a small amount and won't cause any harm to animals.
The jet spray has a range of up to 10 metres, depending on settings and water pressure; with a spreading width of 120°. You can adjust the jet height and motion sensitivity as desired.
The device is powered by 4 AA batteries that last for approximately 3-4 months of continuous use.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 4,000+ Amazon reviews.
Customers describe PestBye® Jet Spray as being a highly-functional and effective deterrent for intruding cats and foxes that works immediately, but the mount must be tightly secured into the ground to prevent toppling.
Other downsides include water leakage and having to dodge a squirt if you accidentally walk past the motion sensor. This can be avoided by disconnecting the hose if you're spending time in the garden.
Conclusion
Jet sprays are undoubtedly the best cat deterrent for lawns, with the minor inconveniences of being permanently attached to a hose and water consumption for the eco-warriors. A slightly more expensive option, this is a long-term investment for preventing the destruction of flowerbeds, plants and vegetable patches. It can also be set up around ponds to protect aquatic life from cats, birds and other wildlife - with no dangerous chemicals or smells.
Ensure the unit is drained during winter months to prevent freezing and potentially damaging the unit.
DIVCHI 3 Pack of Cat Scarers
These cat scarers with reflective glass eyes are designed to mimic a cat, sort of like a feline scarecrow to repel other cats, birds, squirrels and foxes. Made from powder-coated metal means they're durable, rust resistant and can potentially last for years; although the most attractive quality has to be the stylish design.
With no need for batteries, replacements or reapplications - such as with sprays or granules - cat scarers have the simplest of set ups and can be left in the garden all year around.
Usage
DIVCHI Cat Scarers can be mounted in lawns with stakes or hung to fences, sheds and branches with the provided hooks. I'd recommend using scarers as a preventative measure by arranging them around flowerbeds, plants and patios - or lining the top of fence panels to physically block off intruding parties. This can be done by nailing through the holes used for stakes.
The scarers come in a pack of three to cover multiple zones of your garden.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5
Based on 900+ Amazon reviews.
Cat scarers are a safe and non-invasive cat repellent with a fair rating for what they are. They can be installed in a range of different areas, so usage is less limited than other methods. Effectiveness largely depends on the animal, as some cats are more timid than others.
In comparison to other deterrents, it's more likely that once cats have approached the scarer, they learn that there are no repercussions for doing so. Most users find the reflective eyes to be more of a deterrent than the silhouettes.
Conclusion
The DIVCHI Cat Scarers are fairly inexpensive, with a decent rating for what are essentially garden statues. However, you may need a lot of them to cover larger areas. If they don't scare away furry intruders then, at the very least, they make a cute piece of decor!
Yukiyi Anti-Cat Scat Mat With Spikes
These spiked mats look scary at first glance but are perfectly safe and will cause no harm to animals. Made from polypropylene plastic, this prickle strip is designed to irritate paws to deter from digging, scratching or approaching the area you want to protect. It's unlikely that cats will attempt to navigate or cross over a mat, thus choosing somewhere more convenient to pee or poop.
The Yukiyi Anti-Cat Scat Mat is durable and flexible and can be applied to a range of surfaces, including trees to prevent animals from climbing. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Usage
The scat mat is simply applied over the desired area and fixed in place with the provided pegs, making it ideal for protecting plants, flowerbeds, vegetable patches, lawn perimeters and anywhere you want to prevent cats from hanging out.
The prickle strip comes in a continuous 2-metre roll that can be cut into different lengths or sizes according to requirements, making it more convenient than small individual sheets. It can also be laid on hard surfaces in front of doors and gates by weighing down the ends with bricks or stones.
For protecting fences, the Prikkastrip Eco Fence Wall Spikes can be affixed to the top of fence panels as a further deterrent, while staying in compliance with anti-climb security laws to prevent injury or pain to animals (and humans - but that's another topic!).
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5
Based on 600+ Amazon reviews.
The Yukiyi Scat Mat has an impressive rating with the potential to be an effective multifunctional product. It's commonly used to prevent cats and squirrels from digging in plant pots and soiled areas. The mat is reported to be easy to install, without being swept away by windy conditions.
Conclusion
While prickle mats can be used in a variety of situations, they're also a pricier option as you're paying per roll. If you have a large garden then it could soon add up; but once they're in place, there's no need for maintenance.
To save money, use in combination with other deterrents or limit to those hard-to-reach places.
Summary
Use this quick comparison guide to round up the most important points of each cat deterrent and find a solution that works best for you (and your garden!).
Urine repellent sprays: A cheap, quick-fix solution for hard surfaces such as patios, yards and doors. Requires regular application.
Scatter crystals/granules: Value for money and a long-lasting solution for soil and gravel. Similar to sprays, these are easily washed away.
Ultrasonic devices: Safe and effective with various settings to target different animals. Needs to be mounted or hung.
Jet sprays: Highly effective and best for larger gardens or lawns. Needs to be attached to a hose and you may get splattered!
Cat scarers: More for show and less effective than other products, but a great physical blockade for fences or flowerbeds.
Prickle mats: Best used for blocking off small areas including plants or flowerbeds, fences and gates. Could be costly for larger gardens.
Information accurate from January 2026 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating.
Have you tried any of these outdoor cat deterrents with any luck? Do you think something missed the list? Let us know in the comments if you have any recommendations of your own.
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