how to keep stray cats off my outdoor furniture

If you're an outdoor cat lover, chances are you've experienced a dilemma of trying to keep stray cats off your outdoor furniture. It can be frustrating to constantly be cleaning up hair and messes left by these furry friends. However, there are several measures you can take to deter stray cats from claiming your outdoor space as their own. This article outlines a few of them.

Use Scents

Cats dislike certain smells, so using some scents they don’t fancy could keep them off your furniture. Try making a concoction of vinegar and water and spritzing it on your furniture. Alternatively, use citrus sprays or essential oils. Cats are not fans of scents like Orange, Lemon, or Eucalyptus, so using them to spray your outdoor furniture will keep stray cats off your furniture. Additionally, you could plant some cat-repellent herbs like lemongrass, mint, or lavender around your yard.

Provide an Alternative Space

If stray cats keep coming to your yard, it could be because they don't have another place to go. Therefore, you could provide them with an alternative space to call their own. Set up a separate area with a cozy cat bed, a cat tree, and perhaps some toys and food. Place it in a quiet corner away from your furniture and make it as attractive as possible. This way, the cats will be inclined to use it instead of your outdoor furniture.

Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are an excellent way of keeping stray cats at bay. The sprinklers are designed to turn on automatically and spray water whenever they detect motion. However, you can adjust them to target certain areas such as your outdoor furniture. Whenever the stray cats approach your furniture, they'll be met with a sudden spray of water, which will deter them from coming back.

Put Up Physical Barriers

One of the surest ways of keeping stray cats off your furniture is by creating physical barriers. You can do this by putting up water bottles filled with water on your furniture. Another option is to build a low fence or install chicken wire around your outdoor furniture. This will create a boundary that the stray cats cannot cross. Additionally, you could consider placing your furniture in a covered area or inside a shed where the cats can't access it.

Conclusion

In summary, keeping stray cats off your outdoor furniture can be challenging, but it's not impossible. With a few simple measures, you can protect your furniture and create a space that's comfortable for both you and your furry friends. Whether it's providing an alternative space, using scents, setting up physical barriers, or using motion-activated sprinklers, there are several ways to keep stray cats away. By taking these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor furniture without worrying about the unwanted messes.