No scratch sprays are a great, quick-to-use solution for reducing your feline’s clawing behavior. It is a common thing to find scratch marks on your drapes, curtains, furniture, or anywhere vertical when your cat can reach. While the onset of this behavior is usually after your feline is eight months old, it is entirely natural. Getting a scratch post often helps; however, when your precious furniture and home decor are at stake, it is wise to go with a proper solution. 
Cats scratch for multiple reasons, and a lack of training is usually not one of them. It is a natural behavior and therefore must be treated as such. When dealing with this action, it is strongly advised not to punish your pet.
Instead, consider reducing the behavior by discouraging your cat from going to certain places and providing a proper scratching post. This is where no-scratch sprays come in. While there are many options available in the market, you can also make these at home. In this guide, we will share info on why cats spray demonstrate scratching behavior and ways you can minimize it. So, keep reading to find out the best approach to deal with a marking feline.
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Our Top Pick
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Runner Up
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Best Budget
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Best for Deterrent Spray
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Best for Kittens
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Best for Training Spray
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Best No Scratch Spray Cats in 2023 – Reviews
1. PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Cat Deterrent
The natural citronella comes with motion-activated sensor which is lightweight, harm-free, non-toxic, spray automatically and covers around 10 feet.
PetSafe SSSCAT No Scratch Cat is Our Top Pick when it comes to choosing the best way to keep your cat in order and off bad behaviors. It helps you set boundaries for your cat and promotes a pet-free zone within the house. The formula is ideal for cats showing aggression, and its effectiveness covers 10 feet at a stretch.
The no-scratch formula contains natural citronella that diffuses a smell that naturally keeps your cat off restricted areas. The ingredients are harm-free and do not result in irritation or allergies; it is safe for sensitive cats. Another merit is the motion-activated sensor that detects your cat’s movement, and when he is 3 feet close to where the spray is positioned, and it automatically applies to chase your cat away from the keep-off zone.
Besides, the product is odorless; making it a perfect choice for cat with sensitive nose, and it does not irritate pet owners. Each container features 80-100 bursts of spray with long-lasting effect; this saves money reduces the need to often visit the store. The formula is stain-free and perfect to apply on surfaces with sensitive colors, rugs, clothes, houses, furniture, and carpet.
Furthermore, the spray is easy to set up without stress or taking much time, and it can be adjusted to face the desired direction. The lock unit prevents accidental release of citronella around the house in your absence. Also, the product is lightweight to enhance easy carriage for outdoor activities.
Key Features:
- The product is automated
- The spray is harm-free and odorless
- Enables pets to deter redistricted areas
- It covers 10 feet when applied
- It has a locked unit to prevent accidental spray
What We Like:
- Adjustable to desired direction
- Environmentally friendly and without pollution
- Easy to use and easy to set up
- The cans are replaceable
- The formula spread out quickly
What We Dislike:
- It is only suitable for indoors
2. Comfort Zone Cat Reduce Scratching Spray
This spray features a non-toxic, odorless, and colorless water-based solution which is pet friendly, human, and helps to reduces your cat’s stress-related behavior.
A calm cat is a happy cat. Comfort Zone Cat No Scratch is a formula that supplies calmness and gives your cat a sense of safety. This product is the Runner Up after our top pick. It creates a suiting environment and naturally refrain your pet from an unwanted behavioral pattern. The product can be used as a spot treatment on areas your cat loves to scratch and urinate. Also, this reduces stress and anxiety-related behavior by releasing comforting pheromones.
Comfort Zone Spray is a water-based solution containing overall natural calming pheromones that signal comfort. Also, the product deters your feline friend urinating and marking his territory in the house. It is a drug-free and non-toxic formula that enhances emotional wellness for your pet. In addition, the formula releases colorless and odorless that leave no stain or offensive odor that might be irritating.
Furthermore, the product is human, safe can be applied anywhere in your home, even on beds and furniture. The formula is clinically approved and safe to use without affecting your cat. Likewise, the spray is safe to use in combination with other Comfort Zone products.
In addition, the formula helps your cat adapt to new environment and change in daily routine. It gives visible result in two weeks. The product comes in an ergonomic and portable bottle with an easy-to-spray cover for proper diffusion.
Key Features:
- Odorless and stain-free formula
- Ideal for treating nervous cat
- Effective for all cat breeds
- Non-toxic and chemical free content
- Human safe and clinically approved
What We Like:
- Reduces unwanted behavior like urine spraying and scratching
- Human safe and home safe formula
- Easy to apply and generates fast results
- Safe for fabric, doorways, and upholstery
- Each bottle contains sufficient amount
What We Don’t Like:
- The formula might not be effective for some cats
3. SmartyKat Not Scratch Deterrent Spray for Cats
This best budget spray contains diluted lemon and eucalyptus oil that eliminates the urge to scratch and produces sweet fragrance for homes. It is harmless, colorless, vet-approved, and easy spray-on cover.
The SmartyKat Scratch Not Cat Spray is the Best Budget solution for pet owners with a slim purse. This is another formula to help discourage your cat from scratching and destroying places or properties. When you apply the product, cats are forced to stay out of restricted areas. It is a safe scratch training remedy that eliminates cat’s urge to scratch all over the house. Also, the product trains your pet on the appropriate place to urinate and serves as an easy aid to maintaining hygiene.
SmartyKat spray is formulated with diluted lemon and eucalyptus oils which are the two scents cats cannot withstand. The lemon content gradually trains and deters pets from destroying properties. In addition, the solution is made from non-toxic and harmless ingredients; hence no allergies or skin problem is anticipated.
Furthermore, the diluted lemon produces a sweet fragrance to make your home smell good and welcoming. It is a colorless spray that can be applied on bright-colored surfaces without staining or messing up your properties. The formula is effective and brings about positive effects within a few days.
This comes in a portable bottle with an easy spray-on cover for even distribution around the house. Also, the formula is vet-approved; it has been tested and proved to have no harmful substance that could harm your feline friend.
Key Features:
- Features safe and natural ingredients
- Safe to apply on most fabric
- Can be reapplied as much as possible
- Vet approved and safe for pets
- Colorless and has leaves no foul smell residue
What We Like:
- Safe for pets and furniture
- Reduces mischievous behavior in your cat
- Easy to apply around the house
- The formula gives your home a welcoming fragrance
- Suitable for all age
What We Don’t Like:
- It is expensive
- The formula wears off after a few days
4. Nature’s Miracle Cats No Scratch Deter Spray
Nature’s Miracle is the best no-scratch cat deterrent spray that brings about the correctional mode in your cat. It is a formula that eliminates stress and anxiety-related behavior. Also, it boosts your cat’s emotional well-being and makes him happy all day long. The solution is highly concentrated and capable of yielding a lasting solution in your cat.
Nature’s Miracle is formulated with natural extract and essential oil that enhances relaxation and reduces hyper activeness in your four-legged friend. It contains a soothing scent to control anxiety and deters aggressive cats from picking on other pets in the house. The sweet smell helps calm the atmosphere and makes your pet feel most welcome.
Similarly, the solution helps your cat adapt to a new environment and change in routine. It prevents cats from urine marking and scratching on household properties. Above all, the spray is non-toxic and causes no allergies or adverse effects. Thus, it is safe for cat and indoor use if applied as instructed.
In addition, this is stain-free and can be applied on a surface with bright colors, doorways, and rugs. It leaves no irritating residue or offensive odor behind. The bottle is portable and comes with an easy-to-apply spray cover for convenient and even application.
Key Features:
- The scent from the spray is natural
- Specifically made to keep cats away from sprayed areas
- The repellant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- The product is packed in different capacities
- Harmless to human beings and plants
What We Like:
- It is odor-free and stain-free
- Concentrated and long-lasting spray
- Formulated with natural ingredient
- Reduces stress and hyper activeness
What We Dislike:
- Requires frequent spray for faster result
5. EBPP Stop The Scratch Cat Spray Deterrent
Cats are mischievous and could be destructive to an extent. Thus, it is essential to set boundaries and help them master good behavioral patterns. EBPP is the best cat deterrent spray for kittens and it is a soothing solution that keep them calm and happy. The formula provides 100% satisfaction and restricts your cat from destructive acts.
EBPP deterrent is made of natural ingredients such as lemongrass and rosemary oil. These combinations gradually train your cat to stay off limited areas and prevent him from destroying your belongings. This deterrent spray is non-toxic and ideal for all breeds. It contains no harmful chemical that could irritate or hurt your feline companion.
In addition, the formula has an appealing scent that saturates your home with a welcoming and soothing fragrance. Besides, this plant-based formula is colorless; hence it can be applied on surfaces without ruining them. The product can be sprayed on plants to prevent mischievous cats from pulling them off.
The content comes in an ergonomic and comfortable spray bottle that is easy to apply around the house. Lastly, the interactive training tips help with other effective ways to train your cat.
Key Features:
- Applicable for all surfaces
- It does not stain your belongings
- It has a pleasing smell for humans
- Chemical and additives free
- Easy to use a spray container
What We Like:
- Safe for all cat breeds
- Creates a calming environment
- Fast action cat spray
- Quality spray container
- Affordable price range
What We Don’t Like:
- Leaves slight soapy remains on surfaces
6. Pet MasterMind Claw Withdraw Cat Scratch Deterrent Spray
Pet MaterMind is the best cat scratching training spray for those who love to live in peace together with their feline friend. We know how much cats depend on the sense of smell to decide their hang-out spot; thus using the smell they hate is the best way to lay them off restricted areas in the house. This product is formulated to prevent your pet from continuously scratching and ruining your valuables.
Pet MaterMind solution is prepared with natural herbal ingredients and works effectively for a majority of cats. It is a calming spray remedy and works best at reducing anxiety while making your cat feel loved. The product is an ideal solution for creating harmony between household cats that are always on each other necks. Also, it is safe for internal and external use.
Furthermore, the spray is harmless and non-toxic; thus, you can apply it around your home without experiencing any adverse effects. The scent-free feature makes the product best recommended for cats and cat owners with sensitive nose. It is color-free and free from the tendency of staining your belongings.
Another fantastic merit of this formula is its ability to induce sleep during travel; therefore, your feline friend would not mess around during the trip. Pet owners are assured that the spray does not leave cats in messy condition.
Key Features:
- Reduces stress and promotes calmness
- Non-toxic and chemical-free formula
- It is colorless and odorless
- Deter cats from scratching and ruining household belonging
- It comes in an ergonomic container
What We Like:
- Safe and effective formula
- Does not leave cats in messy condition
- It creates harmony between household cats
- It has a strong lemon smell
- It stops urinating and territory marking
What We Don’t Like:
- It does not work for some cats
Why Cats Scratch Things
Scratching on wooden furniture, walls, and curtains is a very cat-like thing for your feline. Therefore, if you find your drapes decorated with fine claw marks, it is safe to assume that your cat was not lonely; it just happened to prefer your drape for sharpening its claws.
- Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws, and when they scratch, they leave behind their scent as a way to mark their territory.
- Communication and attention-seeking: Cats may scratch objects to gain attention from their owners or to communicate a desire for play, food, or interaction.
- Nail maintenance: Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. It also helps them remove any frayed or loose claws.
- Stretching and exercising: Scratching helps cats stretch their muscles and maintain their agility. It allows them to flex their paws, legs, and shoulders.
- Emotional release: Scratching can serve as an emotional outlet for cats, especially when they are feeling stressed, anxious, or frustrated. It helps them relieve tension and express their emotions.
- Stretching facial muscles: Cats often combine scratching with a good stretch, which includes extending their bodies and flexing their facial muscles. This behavior helps keep their facial muscles toned and their bodies limber.
- Play and hunting behavior: Scratching can mimic hunting movements for cats. It allows them to engage their claws, practice their natural predatory instincts, and simulate the motion of capturing prey.
How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching
As mentioned before, this is normal behavior, and you can follow a series of steps to redirect it. However, if your feline proceeds to claw around anyway, then it is recommended to proceed to some pet-friendly disciplinary measures like retraining.
Following is a list of methods you can use to deal with this behavior.
Surgical Declawing
One of the known methods to completely eliminate this behavior is by getting your cat declawed. It is just as the term suggests, and the process involves a surgical procedure in which the feline’s claws are removed. While it is not painful or specifically harmful to your cat, in many cases, people observed behavioral issues in the pet.
Most cats showed unease and resorted to biting instead. Declawing also strips your cat of its weapon. Therefore, as long as there are alternatives available, it is recommended not to get your pet declawed.
Use Feel Good Pheromones
Cat pheromone sprays are excellent for dealing with anxious feline behavior, including marking, scratching, and general destruction. But, unfortunately, these sprays can also trick your kitty into thinking that he has already scratched in the area.
Use an Anti-scratch spray
The first step towards getting your pet to possibly redirect this behavior is to understand the reason behind it. As mentioned before, this is usually not a behavioral issue. Therefore if your kitty is not doing this out of spite, tends to frequent only a few places for the purpose, and is overall good in behavior, it is safe to assume that it is a natural case of scratching.
The next step is where the no-scratch spray and anti-scratch tape come in. Both of these useful methods discourage your cat from scratching certain places depending on where these have been used. There is a wide variety of anti-scratch sprays available that use sound, scent, or pheromones.
The ideal type depends entirely on your pet. For some felines, sprays using sounds are quite effective. However, this might not be the same for all cats. The most commonly available and used sprays include pheromone and scent sprays.
How to Use Anti-Scratch Cat Spray?
The multiple types of anti-scratch sprays use different methods to prevent your cat’s scratching behavior. Therefore, the usage is dependent on the repelling mechanism.
Using Sprays with Sound: In the case of sprays that use sound, the timing is important as it determines the spray’s overall effectiveness. First, you need to catch the feline in the act. These release a sharp hissing sound to deter cats. However, these can be a bit too scary for sensitive cats.
Pheromone Sprays: These are quite easy to use as most pheromone sprays are odorless and do not damage any surface. Another plus point is that these are species-specific; therefore, if you have multiple pets at home, you can be sure that the spray will not affect your other pets. When applied all over nicely, this works to confuse your cat into thinking that it has already scratched that area. If your feline is scratching out of aggressiveness, the pheromones can also calm that feeling.
Scented Anti-Scratch Sprays: These focus on your cat’s sense of smell. Therefore, the scents chosen are ones that cats tend to dislike. Citrus scents like that of vinegar, lemons, etc. are quite common choices. You can also find blends of oils. When sprayed on the surface, these repel felines while keeping the air fresh.
When using these, make sure to do a spot test before proceeding to cover the entire surface. Applying it in the correct areas is also essential. Therefore, it is recommended to narrow down the locations.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Anti-scratch Spray for Cats
The main purpose of an anti-scratch is only to repel your cat or make him withdraw from scratching on your bookcase. Even if there are multiple anti-scratch sprays available in stores, not all of them are effective. Therefore, here the deciding factor is neither the price nor the quantity. Instead, multiple factors need to be considered. Following is a list of features that you want to look for in such a spray.
Ingredients
Just like having a cat is a 24/7 thing, the same way an anti-scratching spray is something you will be using quite often. Therefore, it is really important to make sure that there aren’t any unnecessary harsh chemicals or scents in there.
Furthermore, it should be long-lasting and should affect cats only. It is not a good cat-repellent if the smell spreads everywhere and repels every being in its vicinity. Safety comes first, and good practice is to start by looking for all-natural ingredients.
This may be challenging to find but are certainly worth the money and effort. Scents like rosemary, eucalyptus oils, and strong citrus ones tend to be excellent anti-spray active ingredients. Cats are naturally sensitive to scents and hate these. At the same time, these are quite bearable around couches and drapes.
Quickly Dissipating Scents
Anti-scratch spray mustn’t linger in the air for too long. Ideally, we want its effect without having to deal with overpowering scent. Therefore, it is recommended to go with either completely odorless or ones that dissipate after some time.
Stain-free
The entire purpose of a no-scratch spray is to protect your home from further damage. If the surfaces and fabrics get stained, then all is for naught. Therefore, make sure to check through the suitable surface list before purchasing these anti-scratch products. An ideal option would not damage surfaces and can be used on curtains, couches, and drapes alike. For painted, wooden, or leather surfaces, you may have to look for a different type of chemical combination.
Effectiveness
When buying a spray, you also need to be sure that it starts working right away. For example, sound-based and scented sprays work right away; however, for pheromone, it may take a few hours, depending on how your kitten behaves.
Application
Consider the ease of application. Some sprays require frequent reapplication, while others provide long-lasting protection. Choose a spray that fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Cat Specific
If you have other pets like dogs, and birds in the house, you will also need to keep that in mind. While most anti-scratch sprays are safe, constant usage of some chemicals may not be suitable for other species. Therefore, it is important to get a spray that does not affect other pets. Natural pheromone or sound-based sprays are a good choice.
Price
With three types of anti-scratch sprays and so many brands, it can be challenging to select one. However, here, you will be glad to know that you can get a good brand for a reasonable price. Pheromone and scented sprays are more affordable as compared to sound-based sprays. However, you can generally find anti-scratch sprays for as low as $6-$10.
Warranty
Many brands offer a lifetime warranty on their anti-scratch products so the buyers can test them with ease. Therefore, if you are purchasing such a spray for the first time, it is a good option as a warranty gives you a risk-free purchase.
Additional Features
Some sprays offer additional benefits, such as conditioning the cat’s claws, promoting nail health, or providing a calming effect. Consider whether these additional features are important to you.
Some Important Tips
- Choose a high-quality no scratch spray specifically formulated for cats.
- Test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage or stain surfaces.
- Apply the spray consistently to the areas you want to protect from scratching.
- Clean and thoroughly remove any existing scratch marks before using the spray.
- Combine the spray with positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage your cat to avoid scratching.
- Place scratching posts or boards near the sprayed areas as alternative outlets for your cat’s scratching needs.
- Regularly trim your cat’s nails to minimize the damage caused by scratching.
- Provide interactive toys and playtime to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated.
- Create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your cat to reduce the urge to scratch.
- Be patient and persistent, as it may take time for your cat to adjust to the no-scratch spray and change its scratching behavior.
Conclusion
Scratching is normal behavior for your fur baby, and there are a few simple ways you can deal with it. Getting a scratch post is one of these ways. However, when you notice that your feline is still interested in ruining the upholstery or your favorite bookcases, then it is time for the anti-scratch sprays to shine.
With sound, scent, and pheromones, these are available in multiple sizes and are ideal for a wide variety of surfaces. When training is combined with a no-scratch spray, you can easily redirect your pet’s behavior.
If your cat suffers from anxiety, make sure to proceed slowly and gently with the training. Using treats and praise as rewards is a great way to bond with your pet and teach them not to go certain places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you use a no-scratch cat spray?
No-scratch spray is a quick, easy-to-use, non-medical method of getting your cat to reduce his scratching behavior. It uses certain scents and chemicals to repel your cat from the surface it is applied to and allows you to redirect this behavior to some other place or a scratch post if any.
How does a no scratch spray work?
No scratch sprays use scent or taste deterrents to discourage cats from scratching surfaces.
Does an anti-scratch cat spray work?
Yes, pet owners have found these to work for most cats and their scratching behaviors. However, for best results, it is recommended to keep your cat’s behavior in mind before selecting the specific type. Sound-based sprays usually have an immediate impact, whereas scented pheromone sprays may take longer for the desired effect.
Are no scratch sprays safe for cats?
Yes, most No scratch sprays are designed to be safe for cats when used as directed.
Are no scratch sprays effective for all cats?
While no scratch sprays work for many cats, results can vary. Some cats may require additional training or alternative solutions
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