Cats are adorable and loving companions, but sometimes, they develop frustrating habits—like urinating near doors or inside the house. Whether it’s due to marking territory, stress, or simply poor litter box habits, the smell and mess can quickly become overwhelming. But don’t worry—there’s a simple, natural remedy you can make at home that just might do the trick.
This DIY solution uses a blend of strong scents that cats naturally dislike. Once they smell it, they’ll be much more inclined to find a proper place—like their litter box—instead of your floor or doorsteps.
What You’ll Need
• 1 sheet of aluminum foil
• 1 tablespoon of orange peel (chopped or grated)
• 1 tablespoon of ground alum (alum powder is often found in the spice section of grocery stores or at pharmacies)
• A small dab of toothpaste (mint varieties work best)
How to Prepare It
• Lay out the aluminum foil flat on a counter or table.
• Add the orange peel to the center of the foil. Citrus is a natural cat repellent due to its strong smell.
• Sprinkle the ground alum on top of the orange peel. Alum has an astringent scent that most cats find unpleasant.
• Add a small amount of toothpaste to the mixture. The minty aroma gives an added boost of deterrence.
Once the mixture is ready, lightly fold the edges of the foil to create a shallow “dish” or leave it open like a mat.
How to Use It
Place the prepared foil in the areas where your cat tends to urinate—such as by the front door, corners of rooms, or any problem spots inside your home. The combination of smells will help deter them from returning to that area.
Bonus Tip: You can place multiple foil dishes around the house if you’re dealing with more than one trouble spot.
Why This Works
Cats have highly sensitive noses and are naturally repelled by strong smells like citrus, mint, and astringents. This combination creates a sensory barrier that most cats won’t cross. It doesn’t harm them—it just gently encourages them to seek out more appropriate spots like their litter box.
Additional Advice
• Always make sure your cat’s litter box is clean and easy to access.
• If the urination problem continues, it might be worth checking with a vet to rule out medical issues like urinary tract infections.
• Stress or changes in the household can also cause behavioral issues in cats, so try to maintain a calm and consistent environment.
With this simple, natural recipe, you can take back control of your home and gently guide your feline friend toward better habits. Try it out and see the results for yourself!
