Many cats are repelled by the scent of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Citrus-scented cleaners or essential oils can also deter cats.
The strong, minty scent of menthol found in products like mentholated cough drops or vapor rubs can be unpleasant for cats.
Ground black pepper or cayenne pepper can produce strong odors that cats find offensive.
Some cats may dislike the strong scents of spices like cinnamon, cumin, or curry powder.
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can be toxic to cats if ingested, and many cats also dislike the pungent odor of these vegetables.
The sharp smell of vinegar can be off-putting to cats, making it useful for deterring them from certain areas of the home.
Cats may dislike the smell of pine-scented cleaners or air fresheners, which are often used in household cleaning products.
The strong smell of alcohol found in products like rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can be irritating to cats' sensitive noses.
Strong synthetic fragrances found in perfumes and colognes can be overwhelming for cats and may cause them to avoid areas where these scents are present.
The pungent smell of ammonia, commonly found in household cleaners, can be offensive to cats and may cause them to avoid areas treated with these products.