Lemongrass essential oil can be confused for citronella essential oil and vice versa. A citronella plant, also called a mosquito plant, does resemble its relative, the lemongrass plant. (The lemongrass genus includes more than 50 species of grasses native to tropical Asia and southern India, including Cymbopogon citratus.) This repellent is safe for both humans and animals. It has a PIR motion sensor that detects movement and triggers the ultrasonic sound. The sensor range is between 6 and 8 m, covering a 110° arc in front of the unit. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. Ceylon citronella is obtained from the Cymbopogon nardus plant and has the following active ingredients:

It’s also thought that animals can get used to them over time. Some tests have shown that animals and pests soon realise the noise is harmless, reducing their effectiveness. We have been recommending these for many years to deter outside cats from entering your property,” says Nagelschneider. “However, these should never be used inside the home and they will need to be turned off if/when your inside cat goes outside.” A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, “The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.” The citronella plant (green grass) is safe for cats, but the extracted essential oil and products that use citronella essential oil are not safe for cats. Citronella PlantPaws Chicago. (n.d.). Cat Senses. Retrieved from https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-cats/kitty-basics/cat-senses/ In addition, you can also dry the citrus peels and turn them into powder. Afterwards, you can sprinkle the powder in your garden. However, rain can also wash the powder away, so you need to keep replacing it. If your curious cat eats the plant, there is a risk of a tummy ache, but the same goes if your cat eats any other plant in your garden.

Our cats are sensitive creatures and can have reactions to products that we might think of as being safe. If your cat ever exhibits any signs like the ones we listed above, don’t hesitate to call your vet. Also, they’re arguably the most high-maintenance of all the deterrents and it may take a few weeks of constant application until cats get the message. Able to be placed in either the lawn or flowerbeds, these silhouettes won’t damage your garden. They can be spread around your garden to protect all areas, and left outside in all weathers thanks to the durable powder coating. As far as maintenance goes, there isn’t any! If you find cats commonly frequenting a certain corner of your garden, rubbing raw onion on the ground and fencing around it could help to deter them.You can also get a citronella flea shampoo for your pet. These shampoos contain citronella essential oil as their active ingredient, alongside other similar substances such as lemongrass. The formula is made with an herbal blend of astragalus and rosemary. The formula is also free of parabens—chemical preservatives connected to endocrine disruption in mammals. You can utilise lemon in different ways, whichever suits you best. Most of us use lemons and get rid of the peels; however, they can be useful to you. You can place the lemon peels in the soil, let the scent travel, and the cats will be repelled. Breathing in the citronella candle fumes can lead to mild respiratory irritation for your cat. Although this might not seem like a huge issue, it can be for cats suffering from asthma or similar breathing difficulties. Citronella essential oil is considered toxic for cats, the same as any other essential oil. Therefore, keep your citronella essential oil bottle far away from your cat! If your kitty ingests citronella essential oil, I advise you to visit the vet or call ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.

Citronella plants are safe for your cat, meaning you’re free to have them growing in your garden. The only issue that can arise is your cat eating the plant. Although that’s not very likely (cats are not huge fans of eating plants), some curious cats might try it to see how it tastes.Citronella essential oil is not recommended for use by pregnant women due to safety concerns. Conclusion If you burn citronella torches or candles outside and keep your cat away from them, it should be safe enough. You don’t want to risk the oil spilling from the torch if your cat decides to scratch it or rub it.