How To Keep Cats Off Your Patio Furniture

Cats are beautiful and often bring joy to our lives. And while their playful nature can be endearing, it can also be destructive, especially when they decide to use your patio furniture as their personal scratching post or napping spot.

If you're tired of finding cat hair on your cushions, or worse, dealing with scratched-up furniture, there are a few things you can do to deter cats from your patio.

1. Remove Attractants

One of the best ways to keep cats off your patio furniture is to remove anything that might attract them. This includes food, water, and shelter.

If you have a bird feeder, move it away from your patio. If you have a water dish for your dog, place it somewhere else. And if you have any boxes or other items that cats might be able to hide in, get rid of them.

2. Use Scents That Cats Dislike

Cats have a strong sense of smell, and there are certain scents that they find particularly unpleasant. You can use these scents to your advantage by spraying them around your patio furniture.

Some scents that cats dislike include citrus, peppermint, and lavender. You can find these scents in essential oils, sprays, and granules.

3. Place Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can also be effective in keeping cats off your patio furniture. You can try placing chicken wire or other sharp objects around the edges of your furniture. You can also use motion-activated sprinklers to scare cats away.

However, it's important to note that physical barriers may not be suitable for all situations. For example, if you have a catio or other enclosed space where your cats are allowed to roam, you won't want to use physical barriers that could prevent them from accessing the space.

4. Provide Alternative Scratching Surfaces

If your cat is scratching your patio furniture, it's likely because they don't have a suitable scratching surface elsewhere. You can provide your cat with an alternative scratching surface by placing a scratching post or cat tree on your patio.

Make sure to place the scratching post in a location where your cat will be able to see and access it easily. You may also want to sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to make it more appealing.

5. Supervise Your Cat

If all else fails, you can try supervising your cat when they are on the patio. This will allow you to catch them in the act of scratching or napping on your furniture and redirect them to a more appropriate location.

It's important to be patient and consistent when training your cat to stay off your patio furniture. With a little time and effort, you can keep your furniture looking its best and discourage your cat from using it as a personal playground.