Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, it’s understandable to want to prevent cats from jumping onto your car’s hood. Paw prints and aesthetics aside, cats can damage the paint with their sharp nails, potentially leading to rust issues later on. The primary concern is ensuring that any method used to deter cats doesn’t cause more harm than the scratches they might leave.
I’m not a car expert, but I’ve gathered some tips that could help without causing further damage to your car’s paint job. I welcome feedback from car enthusiasts on the potential risks these methods might pose. I’ve categorized the tips into three sections: repellent devices, deterrent smells, and miscellaneous techniques. Each has its pros and cons, and not all may be applicable depending on your parking situation. 1. **Repellent Devices & Tricks to Train Cats Away from Cars** 1.1 Outdoor Use Ultrasonic Animal Repellent Devices There’s a variety of ultrasonic devices on the market, such as Wikoo’s Outdoor Solar Animal Repeller. These devices are solar-powered, waterproof, and feature a 9-meter motion sensor that activates upon detecting motion. They can be set to different frequencies to target specific animals, like cats, without affecting others. Feel free to share your thoughts on these techniques in the comments. Have you tried any of these methods? What was the outcome? If you’ve solved this problem, what was your solution?Are you looking for ways to train your cat to stay away from your car? Here are some effective methods:
1. Shock Training Mats for Indoor Use:
If you park your car indoors, shock training mats like the PetSafe Scat Mat can be a great solution. These mats are battery operated and deliver a safe, low-voltage shock that discourages your pet from stepping on them. Not only can they train your cat to stay off your car’s hood, but they can also deter them from jumping on counters or scratching your sofa. Remember, these mats are for indoor use only unless specified as weatherproof and outdoor approved.
2. Automatic Water Sprinklers:
While regular sprinklers may seem like a good idea, motion-activated sprinklers are more effective for deterring cats. Cats are smart and can learn the timing of regular sprinklers, but motion-activated ones provide an unpredictable deterrent. Setting these sprinklers around your car can help chase cats away before they reach the hood.
3. Smell-Based Repellents:
There are various smell-based repellents that can keep cats away from your car. The effectiveness depends on the deterrent and where it’s placed. Cats have different reactions to different smells, so it’s worth trying out various options. Many of these repellents are easy to find and affordable, making it practical to test multiple scents.
You might find at least one smell that your ‘problem’ cat dislikes while being pleasant for you to sniff daily. Here are some scents to try: rosemary, lavender, mint, lemon thyme, and other herbs; oranges and citrus fruits. I’ve found this particularly effective. My cat Avery won’t eat snacks or catnip if I’ve peeled oranges and washed my hands before offering them. Cayenne pepper, mustard, cinnamon, and other spices.
Kerosine. Banana. Some cats eat banana, but most hate the smell. Use banana peels to test your cat’s reaction. I don’t recommend commercially made cat deterrent sprays as they have mixed reviews. The best way is to test by rubbing a fruit peel, herb, or spice on cardboard and placing it near your car. If you find a smell the cat hates, get an essential oil for easier reapplication. Different Places to Put the Deterrent: In terms of placement, be careful not to ruin your car’s paint. I don’t know what will or won’t damage the paint. If you know a smell that cats hate but won’t damage the car roof, leave a comment. Otherwise, try these locations: spritz your windows; use an old flyer or paper with a cat-hating smell under your windshield wipers; use four pieces of paper with a smell and close the car windows on them; spray around the car rather than directly on it; spray the car wheels. Other Techniques to Protect Car Roofs from Cats: Cover your car. Car covers are cheap and may be a good option, especially when combined with deterrent smells sprayed on the cover instead of the car.Cats have a peculiar attraction to car hoods, which can lead to scratches and other damages. Here are some strategies to deter cats from your car:
Some cats dislike the feeling of car covers, while others appreciate the padding. However, I am not experienced in recommending specific car covers to protect your car from cat scratches. If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments below. 2. Provide a Different High Perch for the Cat to Enjoy Sitting On: Cats are drawn to high vantage points like the roof of a car. They enjoy observing their surroundings from a height. To keep your cat off your car, consider creating a high perch or purchasing a tall outdoor cat house, such as the Petsfit Two Story Weatherproof Cat House, for your cat to use instead. This solution might not address all the reasons cats are attracted to car roofs, such as warmth in the sun or coolness in the shade, and the unique texture that cats find appealing. Nonetheless, it’s worth trying as an option to keep your cat away from your car. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on keeping cats off car hoods. Share your ideas in the comments: Do you have any additional suggestions for deterring cats from cars or specifically car hoods? Have you tried any methods to keep cats off your car hood? What worked and what didn’t? Do you have advice on smells that cats dislike or recommendations for car covers that protect against cat scratches? Please leave all your advice in the comments, as long as it doesn’t harm the cat!
