Are you getting fed up with your cat’s habit of peeing on your couch and furniture? You are not alone and most cat owners have this experience. However, it can be addressed with a little help from something that can be found on your hygiene shelf. You can effectively use mouthwash to deter your cat from peeing on furniture in the following article.
How to use mouthwash to stop cats from peeing on furniture?
Here are the steps on how to use mouthwash such as Listerine to stop your cat from peeing on furniture:
1. Dilute the mouthwash with water.
To make a mouthwash solution, use a 50:50 blend of water and mouthwash to yield the best results. While pure mouthwash is acceptable, diluting it with water makes it more effective and will also be easier for your furniture. It is also easier to clean and has a tolerable scent for humans. Most importantly, it will not harm your cat, just enough to keep him off the furniture.
2. Apply the solution near the base of the furniture.
Do not just spray the mouthwash solution in your entire couch or sofa as it will just drench your furniture. Apply it on the base since cats instinctively sniff near the base of any furniture as they walk across the room, checking for a particular spot to pee on. By spraying it on the base your cat will detect that something is off without overwhelming the furniture and room with the mouthwash smell.
3. Determine the target areas in your furniture where your cat likes to pee.
Cats can be sneaky and will have their favorite peeing spots on your sofa. Thus, you have to identify these certain spots where they pee since cats will usually go back and regularly pee there. Once you have determined those target zones, spray them with the mouthwash solution so your cat will avoid them.
4. Re-apply again every few days for consistency.
After spraying the mouthwash solution in specific target areas of the furniture, repeat the procedure and be consistent to yield results. Re-apply the solution after every few days, at least every three to four days. This will maintain the potency of the solution, establish consistency and keep your cat away for good.
As you spray and re-apply the mouthwash solution, keep track and assess your cat’s behavior. Does she continue to go near your furniture and attempt to pee in another spot? Or does she make a U-turn the instant she detects the solution around the furniture? If so, it means the mouthwash spray is working.
What smells deter cats from peeing?
Smells that deter cats from peeing include lavender oil, citronella oil, orange oil or juice, lemon oil or juice and peppermint oil. These are smells that cats hate and avoid. Use any of these oils to make a deterrent spray and apply liberally in areas that your cat tends to pee on such as the floor, your shoe rack or on potted plants. Felines also do not like the smell of menthol and the disinfectant scent of a mouthwash which makes it a potent cat deterrent to stop them from peeing in your furniture.
What can you spray on furniture to keep cats from peeing on it?
Spray mouthwash solution on furniture to keep cats from peeing on it. Use a 50:50 blend of mouthwash and water and spray on the base and target zones where your cat always pee. Deterrent sprays consisting of orange oil or peppermint oil are also effective since cats hate their smell. Do not use ammonia-based disinfectants since your cat will think it is urine and will continue to pee in areas that you sprayed it on.
Why is my cat peeing on the sofa?
Your cat is peeing on the sofa because she has issues with her litter box. It could be because she does not like its size and texture. It could also be smelly or dirty or she dislikes the type of litter in it. Provide extra litter boxes for your cat and place them in strategic areas in your home. This will allow your cat to have more choices and according to her preferences.
Conclusion
Cats tend to pee on furniture if they have issues with their litter boxes. You can stop them from doing that by spraying a mouthwash solution on the furniture. Felines hate the smell of menthol and disinfectant scent in a mouthwash. Spray on specific target zones and re-apply every three to four days for consistency and lasting results.
Image: istockphoto.com / surasak tapanavongvet