Cats are curious and cute creatures, intuitively drawn toward warmth and cozy places like pillows, cushions, and car seats. Interestingly, their presence can be beneficial and threatening at the same time. Beneficial in the sense of company and affection for you, and threatening refers here to pawprints, scratches, and many other things. In this blog, we will answer the question of how to keep the cat from the car. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why are cats attracted to cars?
There are multiple reasons that are responsible and contributing factors behind cats’ love for cars. Here is the detailed outlook.
Warmth
Intuitively, they are inclined to warm and cozy spots; in general, cars are cozy resting spots because engines retain heat, especially in cold weather
Safety
Secondly, the elevated surfaces like the top boundaries of walls or rooftops provide a sense of safety, especially from predators.
Demarcation of Boundaries
Cats love you and the stuff all around u, so they spray the special hormones to demark them as their territory.
These are the basic mottos behind the love of cars.
There are plenty of strategies that u can try without damaging the bond of love between u and your cat.
1. Physical Barriers
Use tight-fitting over cars, which not only protects your cars but also removes the inviting surface for cats. Two prickly mats ( place soft, nontoxic mats on the car roof or hood; cats dislike it).
2. Scent Repellents
Intuitively, cats have a strong sense of smell, so to distract them from your car, just apply some smells or scents around your parking area ( not directly on a car)
1. Citrus Peels or Sprays: Scatter the strong, smelly peels of lemon or orange citrus-based sprays. 2. Essential Oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender diluted in water can be sprayed nearby. 3. Commercial Repellents: you can also use commercial repellents composed of natural ingredients.
3. Motion-Activated Devices
1. Sprinklers or Air Canisters: modern equipment can be a productive weapon against the cats. Devices like motion-activated sprinklers startle cats without harm. 2. Ultrasonic Repellers: it is also an ideal choice as they emit high-frequency sounds undetectable to humans but bothersome to cats.
Aluminum Foil or Double-Sided Tape: in general cats like cozy and comfortable surfaces so to avoid the entry of cats just make the surface of the car uncomfortable.
5. Remove Attractants
1. Secure Trash and Food: Ensure garbage bins are sealed, and avoid feeding pets outdoors near the car. 2. Check for Strays: Inspect wheel wells and under the car before driving off to avoid harming hiding cats.
What not to do?
1. Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Never use mothballs, chili powder, or toxic substances that could injure cats. 2. Don’t Confront Aggressively: Yelling or spraying cats with water may stress them and worsen territorial behavior.
If the problem persists, contact local animal control or a rescue organization. They can address stray colonies or offer humane trapping humane trapping and relocation services.
Understandably, sometimes cats or any other pet drives us crazy, but being human, it is understandable to us that we are supreme, so always, when in this sort of scenario, stay humble and treat animals with love, care, and affection.