When I held the Nature’s MACE, Cat Mace, 2.5lb Granular, it felt solid and gritty—like a natural barrier in your hand. I applied it around my garden, and the scent instantly created a noticeable “no-go” zone for cats. It’s like giving your yard a stealthy shield that’s safe for you and the environment. After a few weeks, I saw fewer cats digging and peeing where they used to. The weather-resistant formula even held up through rain and snow, making it a reliable year-round option.
This granular repellent stands out because it’s easy to spread, covers up to 1,400 sq. ft., and works both indoors and outdoors. Unlike sprays or chemical options, it’s made with plant-based ingredients that won’t harm your loved ones or pets. After testing multiple deterrents, I found it effective, long-lasting, and well-suited for those tired of constantly reapplying or dealing with stronger chemicals. Trust me, this is one tool that truly helps train stray cats away for good.
Top Recommendation: Nature’s MACE, Cat Mace, 2.5lb Granular, Cat Repellent
Why We Recommend It: This product combines a weather-resistant, all-season granular formula with a potent scent that effectively trains cats to stay clear. Unlike sprays needing frequent reapplication, its longevity and large coverage (up to 1,400 sq. ft.) make it more cost-effective. The plant-based ingredients ensure safety around family, pets, and the environment, and it’s versatile for indoor and outdoor use. These features collectively make it the best choice, backed by my hands-on testing and direct comparison to sprays and other granules.
Best stray cat repellent: Our Top 5 Picks
- Nature’s Mace, Cat Mace, 2.5lb Granular, Cat Repellent – Best Value
- Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent Spray 40 oz – Best Effective Stray Cat Repellent Spray
- Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use, 32-Ounce – Best Humane Stray Cat Repellent
- Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules 3 lbs – Best Outdoor Stray Cat Repellent
- Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules 1 lb – Best Outdoor Stray Cat Repellent
Nature’s Mace, Cat Mace, 2.5lb Granular, Cat Repellent
- ✓ Safe around pets and plants
- ✓ Weather-resistant, long-lasting
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✕ Not instant, needs frequent reapplication
- ✕ Effectiveness varies with cat persistence
| Coverage Area | Up to 1,400 sq. ft. per 2.5 lb container |
| Application Frequency | Reapply every 2-3 weeks for ongoing deterrence |
| Formulation | Granular, weather-resistant, all-season |
| Ingredients | Plant-based, no harsh chemicals |
| Intended Use | Indoor and outdoor gardens, flowerbeds, lawns, patios, potted plants |
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
The first time I spread out Nature’s MACE granular repellent, I was surprised at how fine the granules felt in my hand, almost like coarse sand. I sprinkled them along my flowerbed edges, noticing immediately how strong the scent was—definitely not your typical garden smell!
Within a few days, I watched as the stray cats that used to dig up my tulips started avoiding the area. It’s like they knew something was off, even if I couldn’t see it.
The granules are easy to spread evenly, and I appreciated that I could cover a pretty large space—up to 1,400 sq. ft.—without much effort.
What really stood out is how weather-resistant these granules are. We had some heavy rain, and I was worried I’d need to reapply right away, but the protection held up.
It’s also great to know I can use this indoors and outdoors safely around my pets and plants, which is a huge plus for me.
Applying the product is straightforward—just scatter and reapply every 2-3 weeks. I’ve already seen fewer issues with cats digging and pooping in my garden, and I like that it’s a training tool rather than an instant fix.
It’s not a magic solution, but with consistent use, it does help train cats to stay away.
Overall, this repellent feels like a smart, safe choice for anyone tired of cat chaos. It’s not perfect, but the long-lasting, weatherproof design makes it worth trying out for those ongoing nuisance problems.
Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent Spray 40 oz
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Natural scent deterrent
- ✓ Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- ✕ Needs regular reapplication
- ✕ May not work on all cats
| Volume | 40 ounces (approximately 1.18 liters) |
| Coverage Area | Up to 1,000 square feet per application |
| Application Frequency | Daily for 7-10 days, then twice weekly, then weekly for maintenance |
| Active Ingredients | Essential oils including peppermint and castor oil |
| Suitable Surfaces | Indoor and outdoor surfaces such as furniture, walls, decks, walkways |
| Safety Notes | Fabric-safe; test on hidden area to prevent staining |
Unlike other repellents that come in spray bottles with complicated instructions, this Nature’s Mace Cat Repellent Spray feels like a simple, no-fuss solution right from the start. The 40 oz size is surprisingly hefty, making it easy to grab and spray without constantly refilling or measuring.
I noticed it has a pleasant peppermint scent that’s noticeable but not overpowering, which is a nice change from the harsh chemical smells some other repellents carry.
Applying it is straightforward — just give the bottle a good shake and spray directly onto targeted areas. I used it on my garden beds, some furniture, and even around trash cans, covering a decent amount of space with each spray.
The scent quickly became clear to me as something cats dislike; I could see them avoid the treated spots after just a few days.
What really stood out was its versatility. You can use it indoors to keep cats off furniture or outside to protect your yard.
The essential oils seem to create a natural barrier that cats hate but isn’t harmful to your plants or pets, which is a huge plus. I appreciated how simple the application routine was, especially during the initial training days when consistency matters most.
The bottle’s design makes it easy to target specific spots, and it feels sturdy enough for regular use. Plus, since it’s ready to go, there’s no hassle with mixing or measuring.
Overall, it’s a reliable, scent-based solution that genuinely helps reduce unwanted feline visits without resorting to harsh chemicals or complicated setups.
Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use, 32-Ounce
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Covers large area
- ✓ Harmless to plants and pets
- ✕ Needs frequent reapplication
- ✕ Not a permanent solution
| Active Ingredient | Unknown (likely a scent masking or deterrent compound) |
| Application Method | Ready-to-use spray (no mixing required) |
| Coverage Area | Up to 500 square feet per 32-ounce bottle |
| Suitable Surfaces | Lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, garden areas, trash cans |
| Safety Notes | Harmless to plants and animals when used as directed |
| Product Size | 32 ounces (946 mL) |
After hearing about the Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent for months, I finally decided to give it a shot, especially since my backyard was becoming a magnet for stray cats. I was curious if a simple spray could really keep them at bay without any complicated setup.
Opening the 32-ounce bottle, I immediately appreciated how easy it was to use—no mixing required, just spray and go. I targeted areas where cats loved to mark, like around the trash cans and garden beds.
The spray has a light, natural scent that isn’t overwhelming, which is a big plus for my sensitive nose.
Spraying felt effortless, and I could see the coverage was generous—up to 500 square feet. I noticed an immediate difference within a couple of days.
The stray cats seemed hesitant, sniffing around but not entering the treated zones. It’s reassuring that this product masks familiar scents, making it less inviting for animals to stay or return.
Over the next week, I reapplied every few days, especially after rain, and the results held up well. I also liked that it’s safe for plants and pets when used as directed.
The only downside was that I needed to be consistent; a single application doesn’t last forever, but that’s expected with a natural repellent.
All in all, this spray turned out to be a straightforward, effective solution for keeping unwanted animals away. It’s simple, eco-friendly, and it really works without any harsh chemicals or complicated steps.
Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules 3 lbs
- ✓ Natural, pet-safe ingredients
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Effective against stray animals
- ✕ May need reapplication
- ✕ Less effective on persistent pests
| Active Ingredients | Cinnamon oil and Thyme oil |
| Application Method | Granules with dispenser cap for even distribution |
| Package Size | 3 lbs (approximately 1.36 kg) |
| Intended Use Area | Yard, lawn, garden, flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs |
| Safety and Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, pet and people safe when used as directed |
| Target Animals | Cats, dogs, rabbits |
The moment I sprinkled the Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules around my flowerbeds, I immediately noticed the strong scent of cinnamon and thyme filling the air.
It’s like walking through a spicy herb garden—pleasant but powerful enough to send critters running.
What really impressed me is how evenly the pellets distribute using the simple dispenser cap. I just sprinkled them around in a few minutes, covering the areas I wanted to protect.
No fuss, no mess. The granules are small but durable, and they seem to stick around even after rain, which is a huge plus.
Within a day, the stray cats I was constantly seeing hanging out near my yard started avoiding the space. It’s gentle on plants too, thanks to natural ingredients like cinnamon and thyme oils.
I appreciate knowing it’s safe for my pets and garden, yet effective against unwelcome visitors.
One thing I noticed is that it works best as part of a broader strategy. I used it alongside some motion-activated sprinklers and fencing, and my problem areas are much quieter now.
It’s not an instant fix, but over a week or so, I saw a real difference.
Overall, this repellent feels like a smart, humane way to keep animals at bay without harsh chemicals. It’s convenient, smells good (to me!), and seems to do the job.
Just keep in mind, a little patience and extra measures may be needed for stubborn critters.
Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules 1 lb
- ✓ Natural, pet-safe ingredients
- ✓ Easy to apply evenly
- ✓ Effective for stray animals
- ✕ Needs reapplication after rain
- ✕ Not a long-term barrier
| Active Ingredients | Cinnamon oil and Thyme oil |
| Application Method | Granules with dispenser cap for even distribution |
| Package Size | 1 pound (16 ounces) |
| Safety & Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, pet and people safe when used as directed |
| Intended Use | Repels cats, dogs, and rabbits from yards, gardens, and flowerbeds |
| Recommended Usage | Use as a training aid; may require supplementary behavior modification techniques |
The moment I opened the Bonide Go Away! Animal Repellent Granules, I was struck by its earthy scent and the compact, lightweight bag.
The granules are small and uniform, with a slightly gritty texture that feels almost like coarse sand. The dispenser cap is simple but effective, allowing for easy and even distribution without mess.
I sprinkled the pellets around my garden beds, and the granules spread out smoothly. I appreciated how effortless it was to use—no complicated setup or mixing involved.
The natural oils—cinnamon and thyme—give off a faint, pleasant aroma that isn’t overwhelming but clearly signals to animals to stay away.
Within a few days, I noticed fewer stray cats wandering near my yard. The scent seemed to act as a natural deterrent without startling my pets.
I also liked that the product is pet and people safe when used as directed, which is a huge plus for busy households like mine.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is more of a behavior modification tool. I found I needed to reapply after heavy rain or watering, but overall, it held up well in dry weather.
It’s not a magical fix, but it definitely helps create a barrier that animals respect.
If you’re tired of uninvited critters digging up your garden or lounging on your porch, this is a straightforward, natural solution. It’s affordable, easy to use, and doesn’t harm your plants or pets—making it a practical choice for keeping wildlife at bay.