The use of bleach for cleaning and disinfecting has become commonplace in households around the world, but did you know that it can also be an effective way to keep cats away from certain areas?
There are a wide variety of ways to keep cats out of certain areas of a home or yard. Some methods work better than others, however, and many people don’t realize that bleach can be an effective cat repellent.
Let’s start now.
History and Origin of Using Bleach to Keep Cats Away
The use of bleach as a cat repellent has been around since the early 19th century.
It was believed that the strong smell of the chemical would deter cats from entering certain areas.
This method was popularized by farmers, who used it to keep cats away from their barns and fields.
It is still commonly used today as a way to prevent cats from entering gardens or other outdoor areas where they are not wanted.
Chemical Properties of Bleach and Its Effects on Cats
Bleach is a powerful chemical composed mainly of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).
When used correctly and in small doses, it can be an effective deterrent for cats.
The strong odor produced by the chemical is what makes it unpleasant for cats and drives them away.
However, if too much bleach is used or if it comes into contact with a cat’s skin or eyes then it can cause severe irritation and even burns.
Pros and Cons of Using Bleach to Repel Cats
There are both advantages and disadvantages associated with using bleach as a cat repellent.
On one hand, it can be an effective way to keep cats out of certain areas without having to resort to more extreme measures such as traps or poison.
On the other hand, there are potential health risks associated with using too much bleach or having it come into contact with a cat’s skin and eyes, which could lead to severe irritation and even burns.
Additionally, using too much bleach could have negative environmental impacts due to its high toxicity levels when released into waterways or soil.
Potential Health Hazards for Cats When Exposed to Bleach
As mentioned above, there are potential health risks associated with using too much bleach when trying to repel cats from certain areas.
If ingested by a cat, even small amounts of bleach can cause severe stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Additionally, if large amounts come into contact with the skin or eyes, this could lead to burning sensations and even permanent damage in extreme cases.
Therefore, caution should always be taken when using this method so that no harm comes to any animals involved.
Alternatives To Using Bleach To Keep Cats Away
Keeping cats away from your garden can be a difficult task. To ensure the plants are safe from the damage cats do to them, you can use several methods to keep them away. Here are four alternatives to using bleach to keep the cats away.
Put out a tasty treat
Cats love catnip, so try putting some in your garden. Catnip repels cats, and it is most effective when used in a spray form. Alternatively, you can use other herbs that are appealing to cats, such as thyme and rosemary.
Use natural repellents
You can use other repellents to keep cats away.
You can spray a mixture of water, vinegar, and lavender oil to keep cats away. You can also add citrus peels to your garden.
Citrus peels are effective against cats because they emit a strong smell that cats do not like. There is also an aluminum pie pan, which is effective because cats do not like the noise it makes when they walk on it.
You can also put cotton balls soaked in water around the garden. Water attracts cats, but they dislike the wet cotton balls.
Use scare tactics
You can scare away cats using noise or deterrents.
For instance, you can scare away the cats by making a loud noise, blowing a whistle, or banging a pot with a spoon. You can also scare away cats by spraying water on them.
Use cat repellents
You can use sprays, granules, and caps to keep cats out of your garden. Some repellents make cats sick, while others prevent them from urinating and defecating.
Some of these products include pheremones, which cats do not like. You can also get electric cat repellents. These emit a high-frequency noise that irritates cats.
Tips On Properly Utilizing Bleach As A Cat Repellent
If you decide that you want to use bleach as a cat repellent, then there are some important tips that you should follow in order to ensure its effectiveness while also minimizing any potential health risks for both yourself and any animals involved:
- Only use small amounts
- Make sure that no animals come into contact with the solution
- This includes both direct contact and ingestion
- Keep pets away while spraying solution
- Even if they don’t directly come into contact with the solution itself, they may still inhale fumes which could cause respiratory issues over time.
- Use protective gear (gloves or goggles) when handling solution
- This will protect your hands and eyes against any accidental splashes/spills that may occur while applying solution
- Always test on small area first before applying larger amounts
- This will help ensure effectiveness while also minimizing risk of harming any animals involved due possible allergic reactions etc.
Also Read: What Essential Oils Deter Cats?
Conclusion
In conclusion, does bleach keep cats away? Yes, it does.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using bleach to keep cats away.
First, it’s important to use bleach sparingly because too much bleach can harm people or pets.
Second, it’s important to apply the bleach properly and evenly to prevent uneven or spotty coverage.
Finally, it’s important to remove the bleach once you’re done using it to avoid damaging surfaces or discoloring materials.
