4 Vet-Approved DIY Cat Insect Repellents You Can Make Today

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Are you looking to save money or avoid harsh chemicals by making your own DIY insect repellent for your cats? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you how to make 4 different insect repellents that are safe and effective for use on cats of all ages.

Before We Begin

Natural ingredients like herbs, plant extracts, and essential oils, are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result, there is no guarantee that these products will be effective against insects.

We recommend you avoid using citronella, peppermint, tea tree oil, and lavender on cats, as these plants are listed as toxic for them. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any new product on your cat and do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying a repellent to your cat’s entire body.

The 4 DIY Cat Insect Repellents

1. Catnip Cat Insect Repellent

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Catnip Cat Insect Repellent

The same herb that drives your kitty wild can also keep insects away! Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is a natural insect repellent. Catnip is 100% safe for cats, so it’s a good choice if you have other types of pets (or kids!) in contact with your cats.

Equipment

• Spray bottle

Materials

• 1 cup fresh catnip Nepeta cataria
• 1 quart water

Instructions

• Bring one quart of water to a boil.
• Add one cup of fresh catnip
• Mix together catnip and water.
• Steep for 5 minutes at a low boil
• Allow to cool down
• Pour mixture into a spray bottle and use as needed.

Notes

For best results, apply this repellent directly to your cat’s fur, avoiding their eyes and nose. Reapply as needed, or every few hours if your cat is spending time outdoors. Avoid using on open skin or wounds.

2. Rosemary Cat Insect Repellent

Rosemary smells amazing and is also effective at repelling mosquitoes and some other bugs, making this a great choice for a natural insect repellent. The rosemary will also help your cat smell amazing.

Ingredients

• ½ cup fresh rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 1/4 cup mint oil
• 1 quart water
• Spray bottle

3. Basil Cat Insect Repellent

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum)
• 1 quart water
• Spray bottle

4. Lemon Balm Cat Insect Repellent

Lemon balm is another safe herb to use around cats. This citrus-smelling herb has insect-repelling properties. This makes it a good choice for a natural insect repellent. And even though cats don’t generally like the smell of citrus fruits, lemon balm isn’t toxic to your cat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis)
• 1 quart water
• Spray bottle

Conclusion

There are a variety of different repellents that you can make at home to keep your cat safe from insects. The best repellent for your cat will depend on what type of fresh herb you have on hand and what scent your cat prefers. Whichever repellent you choose, be sure to apply it directly to your cat’s fur and avoid their eyes and nose. While these herbs are natural, have insect-repellent properties, and are safe for cats, you might need to reapply them regularly. And remember, essential oils can be dangerous to your cat, even topically, as they will be absorbed, putting your pet’s life at risk. Therefore, we recommend that you stay clear of those products unless they are explicitly approved by your vet. Always check with your vet first to make sure your potion is safe for your individual cat!

Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock