I’ve always heard that you can use mouthwash to stop cats from peeing on furniture. But wasn’t sure if this was an old wives tale or actually worked.
So, I decided to try it recently when I took in a stray that decided peeing around the back of my couch was his best option.
I’ve used other methods that have worked just fine before. Such as essential oils, citrus smells and using methods to persuade my cats to use their litter box.
But I thought this would be an interesting way to find out if the mouthwash tale is true or not.
For those short on time that want the answer now – Yes, mouthwash did deter my cat from peeing on the furniture where I sprayed it.
Here is what I did:
How to Use Mouthwash to Stop Cats Peeing on Your Furniture
All I did was mix a little mouthwash with some water in a spray bottle and spray the area where my cat had been peeing after I’d cleaned the area thoroughly.
I sprayed the back of my couch once in the morning and once the last thing at night. This was long enough for the smell to stay strong enough to keep him away.
If you’re interested in the brand I used it was the Listerine Original. I think most mouthwashes would work though. As long as it has a strong menthol or disinfectant scent, two things cats hate.
It’s definitely the scent that keeps cats away from where you’re spraying it. Much like a lavender or peppermint essential oil, two other scents I’ve used before.
Is It a Good Idea to Use Mouthwash to Stop Cats Peeing on Furniture?
While mouthwash will deter cats from peeing where you spray it, it’s important to remember that you also need to teach your cat to use their litter box.
A lot of cats displaying this behavior will only find somewhere else to pee that doesn’t smell of mouthwash. So, get to the root of the behavioral issue and get them using that litter tray.
Using Listerine to Remove Cat Urine Odor
It’s also important to clean the area or item of furniture a cat has been peeing on as thorough as possible to remove the odor of their pee.
If they can smell their urine they are more likely to try and use the same spot in the future, which they will do as soon as the scent of the mouthwash has disappeared.
Listerine is good at overpowering any scent of cat pee after you’ve cleaned up. So just give the area a fresh spray right after and this should keep your cat well away from your furniture for a long time.
