It can be frustrating to find your outdoor cushions covered in cat hair or, even worse, marked with urine. Whether your own cat is looking for a sunny spot or a neighborhood stray has taken up residence on your porch, keeping cats off your furniture is a common challenge for many homeowners.
Cats love comfortable, elevated spots where they feel safe and can watch what’s going on around them. Your porch furniture is the perfect place for this. Even if they seem harmless, cats can leave behind fur, dirt, and allergens. Some may also scratch or spray, which can cause lasting damage.
Fortunately, the good news is you don’t have to give up your outdoor space. There are numerous humane and effective ways to deter cats from claiming your porch furniture. This guide will show you some easy methods, from natural repellents to small changes you can make, so that you can enjoy your porch again. Your Porch Furniture?
Why Do Cats Love Your Porch Furniture?
Before exploring solutions, it is helpful to understand why cats are drawn to your porch furniture in the first place.
- Comfort and Warmth: Outdoor cushions are soft and absorb warmth from the sun, creating an irresistible napping spot.
- Safety and Elevation: Being off the ground gives cats a sense of security from potential threats, like dogs. It also provides a great view of their territory.
- Territorial Marking: If a neighborhood cat is the culprit, they may be spraying your furniture to mark it as their own, warning other felines to stay away.
- Shelter: Covered porches offer protection from rain, wind, and the hot sun, making them an ideal shelter for stray or outdoor cats.
How to Humanely Keep Cats Away
Keeping cats off your furniture doesn’t require harsh chemicals or cruel tactics. Most effective methods involve making the area less appealing to them without causing any harm.
1. Use Scents Cats Dislike
Cats have a sense of smell that is much stronger than ours, so certain scents can be a gentle yet effective way to deter them. You can make a simple spray at home using scents that cats dislike.
- Citrus: Most cats dislike the smell of citrus. Mix water with a few drops of essential oil from lemon, orange, or grapefruit in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your cushions and the area around your furniture. You can also leave citrus peels scattered around the porch.
- Vinegar: A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can be an effective remedy. However, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
- Herbs: Cats are not fond of scents like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. Plant these herbs in pots on your porch or sprinkle dried versions around your furniture.
2. Try Commercial Repellent Sprays
If homemade sprays don’t work, you can try a commercial cat repellent. These are designed to be safe for pets and furniture, and they utilize scents that cats dislike. Look for sprays with natural ingredients, such as citrus or peppermint oil. Be sure to follow the instructions and reapply after it rains.
3. Make Surfaces Uncomfortable
Since cats seek comfort, making your furniture less cozy is an effective way to deter them.
- Double-Sided Tape: Apply double-sided sticky tape to the edges of your furniture or directly onto cushions where cats like to sit. Cats dislike the sticky sensation on their paws and will quickly learn to avoid the area.
- Aluminum Foil: Put sheets of aluminum foil on your cushions. The crinkly sound and shiny surface usually surprise cats. This works well as a temporary fix while you teach them to stay off your furniture.. Use Motion-Activated Devices
If cats keep coming back, a motion-activated device can work very well.
- Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers connect to your garden hose and spray a quick, harmless burst of water when they sense movement. This surprises cats and helps them learn that your porch isn’t a good place to hang out. Sound that is inaudible to humans but irritating to cats. Place one near your porch furniture to create an invisible barrier.
5. Remove or Cover Your Cushions
Sometimes the most straightforward answer works best. If you take away the soft cushions, your patio furniture won’t be as tempting for cats. When you’re not using your furniture, put the cushions in a storage box, bench, or bring them inside. If you can’t store them, use a fitted, waterproof cover to protect them from fur and scratches.
6. Create a More Attractive Alternative
Sometimes, the best way to keep a cat off your furniture is to give them a better place to relax. If it’s your own cat, set up a cozy outdoor bed or a small cat tree in a sunny, sheltered spot in your yard. Add a little catnip to make it even more inviting. Giving them their own space can help keep them away from your furniture.
7. Keep the Area Clean
Cats are more likely to return to a spot that smells like them. Regularly clean your outdoor cushions and furniture to keep them looking their best. Cats often come back to places that smell like them. Clean your outdoor cushions and furniture regularly to remove cat hair and odors. Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down pet urine and remove smells for good. A clean area is less likely to attract cats again. Ess to your porch altogether. Consider installing a decorative garden fence or lattice around the perimeter of your porch to enhance its appearance and create a welcoming ambiance. While this is a more involved solution, it can be a permanent fix for keeping unwanted animal visitors out of your space.
Reclaim Your Outdoor Living Space
Dealing with furry intruders on your porch furniture can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. By understanding why cats are drawn to the space and using a combination of these humane deterrents, you can effectively teach them to find another place to relax.
Try the easiest ideas first, like using citrus scents or covering your cushions, and see what works for you. With patience and consistency, you can keep your porch furniture clean and ready for enjoyment.
