Do you ever find cats lounging on your outdoor furniture? This behavior is normal for them but might not be for us; seeing cat hair all over your chairs and tables is icky.
If you’re wondering how to keep cats off patio furniture, then we have a few effective strategies to keep your cat away!
Why Do Cats Like To Jump On Furniture and Cushions?
To solve this problem, we first need to figure out why it happens.
Cats are naturally seeking out high places because it lets them keep an eye on their surroundings. It is sort of like having a bird’s-eye view of their kingdom!
Plus, cats are drawn towards these elevated spots as its perfect for a quick catnap in the sun.
Ways to Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture
We’ll see a few quick strategies to keep cats off your patio furniture cushions so you can get back to enjoying without worrying about hair or smell.
Here they are:
Make Alternative Spots For The Cats
If you cut down a spot for them, giving them another as compensation makes sense.
Creating a dedicated spot will divert their attention away from your patio. Cats find scratching spots and pet baskets engaging.
Use Nature as a Deterrent For Cats
Did you know that the scents floating around your garden or home can actually influence your cat’s behavior? The right scent may even repel cats.
Cats generally get turned off by vinegar. What you can do is; create a simple homemade repellent by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, use the spray to lightly mist the areas you want to protect.
Similarly, cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, or grapefruits. One way to use this to your benefit is by placing citrus peels under the outdoor furniture or around planters on your patio.
These natural methods are not only effective but eco-friendly.
Store-Bought & Household Solutions — Pet-Friendly Outdoor Methods
Looking for quick and easy household fixes to keep cats off your outdoor furniture and cushions? These methods are unpleasant but they won’t harm or be toxic to cats.
Let’s see now:
Sprays
There are special sprays available for cats that are designed to keep them away from areas you don’t want them to be.
Just spray it on your patio furniture, and it will deter cats from jumping up.
Gadgets
Another method to keep cats off furniture besides sprays, are motion sensory gadgets. Some of these devices use sensors to detect when a cat is near.
Once the cat is spotted, the gadget will make a noise unpleasant to cats and is enough to encourage the cat to stay away from your outdoor furniture.
Aluminum Foil & Tape
As a last resort, it’s suggested to cover your furniture with aluminum foil when not in use. Cats dislike the texture and sound, making it less appealing to them.
Double-sided tape could be effective too as cats dislike the sticky feeling.
Patience and Positive Reinforcement
You first need to understand your cat’s needs and address the problem with patience and positive reinforcement. For instance, you can give them treats if they manage to stick to the spot you gave them.
Avoid actively punishing or discouraging cats, as this could make them anxious or scared. Cats are known to be smart animals, so they’ll learn.
By this, you can create a pet-friendly outdoor space and your cat will be happy too!
You Have Learned to Keep Cats Away From Outdoor Furniture!
We hope this guide was helpful or you, whether its for a stray cat, a neighborhood cat, or your very own pet cat.
Your outdoor furniture and cushions will now be uninterrupted!
