Cats, popular domestic animals, can sometimes cause nuisances in certain environments. They can scratch furniture, soil plants, or even be aggressive towards other pets. Traditional repulsion methods, often composed of chemical products, can present drawbacks for health and the environment. Essential oils, composed of aromatic plant substances, offer a natural and effective alternative to keep unwanted cats away from your garden, terrace or interior.
Repulsive Properties of Essential Oils
Cats have a very developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect odors much more subtle than humans. Some essential oils emit odors that are unpleasant for them, encouraging them to avoid the area. It is estimated that cats can smell odors 14 times stronger than humans. In addition, some essential oils can have a psychological effect on cats, inducing a feeling of discomfort and anxiety.
Essential Oils Known for Their Repulsive Action
- Citronella: Strong, lemony scent, effective against mosquitoes and some mammals, including cats. One study showed that citronella can repel cats at a distance of 10 meters.
- Lavender: Calming for humans, but repels cats thanks to its strong and persistent odor. Lavender is also effective for calming stressed or anxious cats.
- Peppermint: Pungent and refreshing scent, unpleasant for cats and dogs. Peppermint is effective for repelling cats from certain areas, including gardens and terraces.
- Eucalyptus: Powerful and camphoraceous scent, effective against insects and some animals, including cats. Eucalyptus is also known for its antiseptic and antiviral properties.
- Rosemary: Strong and resinous scent, repels cats and dogs. Rosemary is also used for its stimulating and antioxidant properties.
Possible Synergies
Some essential oils, combined, can potentiate their repulsive action and create a more effective blend. For example, a mixture of citronella, lavender, and peppermint can be an effective solution for keeping cats away from your garden.
Formulation of Cat Repellent Essential Oil
Preparing this repellent essential oil is simple and requires only a few easily accessible ingredients.
Ingredients
- Essential Oils: Choose essential oils adapted to cat repulsion and the intended use. For example, a mixture of citronella, lavender, and peppermint, respecting precise dosages, is often effective in keeping cats away. A common formula uses 10 drops of citronella, 5 drops of lavender, and 5 drops of peppermint.
- Base: Neutral vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil, to dilute the essential oils and facilitate application. Sweet almond oil is often preferred for its moisturizing and soothing action.
- Optional: Citrus essential oil such as lemon or grapefruit to accentuate the lemony effect. Lemon is particularly effective for repelling cats from certain areas, including gardens and terraces.
Proportions
- Diluted Solution: 10 drops of essential oils per 10 ml of base (approximately 1% concentration).
- Concentrated Solution: 20 drops of essential oils per 10 ml of base (approximately 2% concentration).
Preparation
- Mix the essential oils in the base.
- Shake the mixture until the essential oils are completely dissolved.
- Store in a dark glass bottle, protected from light and heat. Light can degrade the essential oils and affect their effectiveness.
Application of the Solution
Once the cat repellent essential oil is prepared, it must be applied to strategic places to keep unwanted cats away from your house and garden.
Application Areas
- Strategic Locations: Window corners, door thresholds, places where cats tend to rub or pass. It is important to treat the areas where cats usually go, such as the corners of walls, places where they climb, or areas where they feed.
- Objects: Furniture, plants, places to protect from cats. If you have indoor plants, you can spray the solution around the pots to deter cats from climbing them.
Application Methods
- Spraying: Dilute the solution in water and spray on the targeted areas. It is advisable to spray at a distance of at least 30 cm to avoid wetting the surfaces.
- Diffusion: Use an essential oil diffuser suitable for animals. It is important to choose a silent diffuser so as not to disturb cats and other pets. Diffusion can be done continuously or intermittently, depending on the needs.
- Fabrics: Soak fabrics or wipes with the solution and place them in strategic places. You can also use washable fabric bags and fill them with cotton balls soaked in the solution. This method is particularly effective for keeping cats away from furniture and plants.
- Cotton Balls: Place a few drops of solution on cotton balls and place them in the targeted areas. This method is simple and economical, but it requires more frequent application.
Frequency of Application
Renew the application several times a day, especially after cleaning or rain. The frequency of application may vary depending on the intensity of the problem and the type of solution used. Daily application is usually sufficient to deter cats.
Precautions and Recommendations
The use of essential oils requires some precautions to ensure the safety of users and animals.
- Choose Organic Quality Essential Oils: The quality of essential oils is important to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the product. Organic quality essential oils are generally purer and less likely to contain contaminants.
- Perform an Allergy Test: Apply a drop of solution to the skin to check for the absence of an allergic reaction before more extensive use. If you notice redness or irritation, discontinue use of the solution and consult a doctor.
- Use with Caution Around Children and Animals: Keep out of reach of children and do not diffuse essential oils in the presence of fragile animals (kittens, sick animals). Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils and can develop allergic reactions or symptoms of intoxication.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Eyes: In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, consult a doctor.
- Do Not Use on Sick or Pregnant Cats: Essential oils can have adverse effects on fragile animals. It is important to consult a veterinarian before using essential oils on sick or pregnant animals.
- Consult a Veterinarian if in Doubt: In case of adverse reaction or doubt about the use of essential oils, consult an animal health professional. A veterinarian can advise you on the use of essential oils and offer alternatives more suited to your situation.