Having a cat rummaging through the trash can be a frustrating and messy problem for cat owners. But never fear – with some simple tricks and deterrents, you can train your furry friend to keep their paws out of the garbage can. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the reasons cats are attracted to trash, provide actionable tips to cat-proof your garbage, and answer frequently asked questions on this pesky issue.
Why Cats Love Trash Cans
Cats are naturally curious creatures driven by their instincts to hunt, forage, and explore. This innate curiosity draws them to trash cans for a variety of reasons
Scavenging for Food
Cats have a great sense of smell and can pick up on even the faintest traces of food smells in the trash. For your cat, that empty bag of potato chips or chicken bone from last night can look like a tasty treat just waiting to be found. Even well-fed cats may scavenge for extra snacks.
Seeking Comfort and Safety
For some cats tipped over trash cans can resemble a cozy cave or protected shelter. Cats feel safe and secure in enclosed spaces so a garbage can filled with bags and debris can seem like the perfect napping spot.
Boredom and Mental Stimulation
Cats that are naturally curious can keep their minds active and have fun by digging through trash. The sound of bags and containers rustling is exciting to hear, and the different smells and feels satisfy their natural urges to hunt and explore. Trash can be a source of fun for cats that don’t have enough to do.
Marking Territory
Some cats may be marking their territory and claiming it as their own by rubbing, scratching, and leaving scents on trash cans. This is a normal cat behavior, though it’s not good when it happens near the trash can.
9 Effective Ways to Cat-Proof Your Trash
Now that we understand why cats are magnetically drawn to trash, let’s review some simple techniques to deter them from treating your garbage like a personal buffet.
Use Trash Cans with Secure Lids
Buy trash cans with lids that fit tightly, keep smells in, and are hard to knock off. Heavy-duty step cans work well. You can also use child-proof latches to keep lids on tight.
Place Bins in Unaccessible Areas
Keep trash cans in cupboards, closets, or pantry areas that are out of reach and access for your cat. This physical barrier works better than attempting to deter them.
Use Odor Deterrents
Cats dislike the smell of citrus, vinegar, pepper, mint, and lavender. Place peels, cotton balls with essential oils, or dry coffee grounds around trash cans.
Use Cat Repellent Sprays
Special cat-safe repellent sprays create scents that naturally deter cats from approaching. Always check that sprays are non-toxic for pets.
Apply Petroleum Jelly on Lids
Coat the top of the trash lid with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to make it sticky and unappealing for cats to stand or walk on.
Weigh Down Lids
Place a heavy object like a brick on top of lids to weigh them down so cats can’t easily knock them off to gain access.
Use Baby Proofing Products
Special cabinet locks, latches, and braces designed for baby proofing can be used to secure trash lids and restrict access.
Dispose Food Immediately
Don’t let food waste accumulate in kitchen bins. Take trash out frequently to avoid food odors that attract cats. Tie bags tightly.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Give bored cats more enrichment by dedicating play time, toys, cat trees, and scratching posts to keep them occupied.
Answers to Common Cat Trash Questions
How can I get my cat to stop going in the trash?
Use bins with secure lids, place them in unaccessible spots, apply repellents, weigh down lids, and remove food waste promptly before odors develop. Provide ample mental stimulation for your cat as well.
Where should I put the trash can so my cat won’t get into it?
Ideal spots are cupboards, closed closets, the garage, or high spaces like on top of the refrigerator where cats can’t access.
What smells deter cats from trash?
Cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, vinegar, pepper, lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and coffee grounds. Place these items around bins.
What is the best cat repellent for trash cans?
Look for sprays made with natural essential oils that are specifically designed to be safe yet unpleasant for cats. Always check toxicity.
Can I put something on the trash lid to stop my cat?
Petroleum jelly, double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, plastic carpet runners, or an upside-down vinyl carpet protector can all make lids unappealing.
How do I get my cat to stop playing in the trash?
Trash provides mental stimulation for bored cats. Make sure to dedicate play time, provide interactive toys, cat trees, and scratching posts to keep them engaged and occupied.
What home remedy will keep cats out of the trash?
Natural deterrents like citrus peels, vinegar, coffee grounds, pinecones, lavender, mint, or pipe tobacco sprinkled around bins can repel cats.
Should I yell at my cat for getting in the trash?
No, yelling or punishment is ineffective and can make cats fearful. Simply remove them from the area calmly, clean up the mess, and take preventative steps to cat-proof your garbage bins.
How do I stop my cat from getting into the bin at night?
Place bins in closed cupboards at night. Use cabinet child-proofing latches to keep doors secured. Apply petroleum jelly to deter nighttime rummaging.
Why does my cat insist on getting in the bin?
Instincts to scavenge for food, seek comfort in enclosures, mark territory, and satisfy curiosity all drive this common cat behavior. Cat-proof bins and provide enrichment to manage the behavior constructively.
With some clever planning and preventative measures, you can put an end to the trashcan temptations that entice your cat. Invest in secured bins, utilize natural repellents, dispose of waste promptly, and fully enrich your cat’s daily routine. With a tidier home and a mentally stimulated cat, you’ll both rest easy.
Cats are lounging in my yard or on my porch.
Cats are territorial and will remain close to their food source. Ensuring that cats are neutered will dramatically reduce their tendency to roam and keep them from unwanted areas.
Solutions:
- Put a lot of cat repellent around the yard’s edges, on top of fences, and on plants or places where cats like to dig. This can be bought at most animal supply companies.
- Install water sprinklers that turn on when cats walk by. This will keep cats out of your yard and help keep it in good shape.
- Make sure you’re not giving the cats food or a place to stay by accident. Make sure your garbage can has a tight lid and that your yard is clean. Also, don’t feed your pets outside.
Cats are digging in my garden
Cats naturally like to dig holes in soft or loose soil, moss, mulch, or sand to go to the bathroom.
Solutions:
- Spread ground-up fresh orange and lemon peels around the area or spray it with scents that smell like citrus fruits. Cats are also scared off by pipe tobacco, coffee grounds, and oils of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus.
- Cats will only go the restroom where they can dig. Feral cats won’t be able to use your garden as a litter box if you cover the ground with chicken wire (with the sharp side facing down), lattice fencing, or river rocks. You can hide these by putting flowers and seeds in the holes they make. You can also try putting wooden chopsticks, pinecones, or sticks with dull ends deep into the ground and leaving the tops eight inches above the ground. This will act as a barrier and keep cats away from this area.
- Till the ground or put sand in a spot in your yard that is out of the way to make a litter box. Make sure to keep it clean and free of deposits.
How to Keep Cats Out of Trash: 3 Simple Tips
FAQ
What can I put in my trash can to keep cats away?
Spray bleach, ammonia, or vinegar to mask the smell of rotting food and garbage. These smells will keep raccoons, cats, and squirrels away and trick them, so use them often if you think your trash smells too strong. This will also help keep away rodents.
How do I stop my cat from going into the trash?
Consider placing the trash can inside a cabinet if possible. Use Deterrents: Place citrus peels, vinegar, or commercial pet deterrent sprays around the trash area. Cats generally dislike these scents. Provide Alternatives: Ensure your cat has plenty of engaging toys and scratching posts.
How do I cat proof my trash can?
Lid Locks: A secure lid lock is essential to keep those curious paws out. Controlling Smells: Cats are drawn to the smell of trash, so look for a can with a filter that soaks up smells. Durability: Cats can be persistent, so you’ll want a trash can that can withstand their attempts to get inside.
What smell can keep cats away?
Citrus or lemon scents (orange peels, lemon peels), garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee grinds, pipe tobacco, mustard, citronella, or eucalyptus all deter cats as well. The scents diminish over time, so re-applying is necessary. Motion-activated sprinklers: These have motion sensors that trigger a short blast of water.