How to keep cats out of cars Useful information Keep reading

how to keep cats off cars

how to keep cats off cars Many people consider their pets to be their children, while others feel the same way about their automobiles. Even if you don't care that much about your automobile, you probably don't want your paint to be scratched because it could expose the underlying metal to water damage and rust. Unfortunately, cats can easily scratch the paint on automobiles without even trying, so if your own incredibly lovely feline enjoys sunbathing on the hood of your car, you should try to prevent her from doing so for the benefit of your vehicle.

Keep the car free of cat scratches

The simplest way to prevent pet scratches on your car is to keep the cat away from the car while allowing him to rest on it. Use a car cover instead of training or discouraging your cat from doing what you normally want to do, which is relaxing on the car.

Generic car covers are fairly inexpensive, and will protect your cat from scratching the car roof. A car cover may also protect your vehicle from trash, dirt, bird poop, tree sap, and even sun damage.

Bliifuu Car Cover, SUV Protection Cover, Breathable Outdoor Indoor for All Seasons Bliifuu Car Cover, SUV Protection Cover, Breathable Outdoor Indoor for All Seasons All Weather is comprised of a durable cloth that is resistant to cat claws as well as rain, snow, sun fading, and wind. During the summer, the silver material keeps your vehicle cooler, and cats are unlikely to utilize it as a bed.

If your cat has access to your garage or another secure location where you keep your car, the SLanguage Indoor Car Cover Velvet Stretch Dust-Proof Protection is a great option. The Full Car Cover is a stretchable, silky cloth that is simple to apply and provides a layer of protection between your paint work and your feline companion.

Cat repellents are a good option

Cats, like many other animals, will try to avoid odors that they find offensive. You can either manufacture your own cat repellant or purchase one at a reasonable cost. Powders, sprays, oils, and other forms are available. Always buy cat-safe repellents and be sure to read the directions carefully because you don't want to make any animals or humans sick.

You can also manufacture your own cat repellant using essential oils that cats dislike. Cats are believed to respond well to lavender, rosemary, peppermint, garlic, and orange. Simply combine water and a dozen or so drops of these essential oils in a squirt bottle, then mix and spray on and around your automobile. You can even combine a few essential oils to make a blend that will irritate cat noses the most. Reapply every week or so, more frequently if it rains.

Some sources recommend using mothballs to deter cats since they dislike the smell. While most cats avoid mothballs at all costs, some may be less disturbed, and mothballs are hazardous to cats. 

Use your garage

Another simple alternative is to park your car in your garage. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, as many people do not have garages and those who do sometimes have them crammed with other items (or other cars), if you do have a garage and can find space for your car, it is a simple way to keep cats away. Even if you have a cat, you can keep your automobile safe by keeping your cat out of the garage.

Animal alarms with ultrasonic technology

Don't worry—when these pet-repelling alarm systems go off, they won't wake you up in the middle of the night. This is due to the fact that they use ultrasonic frequencies that are too high pitched for humans to hear, but which cats, dogs, and other animals can.

Some can even be programmed to repel specific animals, such as cats but not dogs, if desired. When shopping for an ultrasonic animal repellent, search for one with positive ratings because it might be difficult to know if it's working if you can't hear the sounds go off yourself.

Another excellent technique to keep the kitten away from your vehicle is to use a motion-activated deterrent spray like PetSafe® SSSCAT® Motion-Activated Spray Pet Deterrent. To avoid spots, make sure the spray isn't pointed directly towards your paint job.

Sprinkler systems that are activated by motion

You don't have to be an expert on cats to figure out that they dislike water. While you can't really stand next to your car and spray animals anytime they get close, you can set your sprinklers to go off at a specific time if you detect a cat or cats getting on your car at the same time every day.

You can always use a motion-activated sprayer if the cats lying on your car don't seem to be on a schedule. These devices are specifically meant to deter cats, but you might want to place them around your car so you can chase them away before they get on, rather than waiting until they are already on, because they may dig their claws into the paint if they are terrified by the water. Also, when attempting this approach, keep your car windows up. Check out the Hoont Cobra Motion Activated Water Blaster for your yard and garden.

Lights that turn on when they detect movement

Although not all cats are easily frightened, feral cats and particularly nervous cats may be deterred by a motion-activated light. Best of all, even if cats aren't napping on your car, this is something beneficial to have set up on your driveway.

Simply point the sensor and light at your car, then see whether the cat flees when the light turns on or ignores it and continues to relax on your vehicle. Of course, if cats are resting on your car throughout the day, this method is completely useless.

Your cat should be trained

If the cat in question isn't yours, you can attempt speaking with the owner if you know who owns the cat, but don't expect him to do action. If the cat is yours, though, you can attempt to train her. Cats aren't the simplest animals to train, but with the appropriate combination of positive and negative reinforcement, they can be.

Negative reinforcement, such as water spray bottles, can be used to deter your cat from jumping on the automobile, and positive reinforcement, such as goodies and praise, can assist convince your cat that she did something right by strolling around your car rather than leaping on it.

Related content

The benefit of educating your cat not to jump on automobiles rather than simply discourage her from doing so is that she will ideally avoid jumping on other people's cars, which could result in her damaging the paint or, worse, injuring herself.