The challenge of keeping cats away from certain areas around the house can be perplexing. You may try everything and nothing will work! This is when people get frustrated and start looking for solutions such as moth balls. You may even ask, will moth balls keep cats away?
Yes, moth balls will keep cats away but they are highly toxic to felines. This means if a cat consumes one of those moth balls, they will likely get poisoned and pass away.
This is why it is better to go with a more humane and reasonable approach to something like this even if it is a stray cat.
Key factors include:
- Toxicity
- Type of Repellent
- Usability
When asking “Will moth balls keep cats away?” you will want to focus on the validity of the repellent. It is okay to use moth balls but the risk of hurting the cat is just not worth it. This is why we do NOT recommend the use of moth balls for keeping cats away.
It isn’t worth it.
The goal is to find something that is effective without harming the cat. For those asking “Will moth balls keep cats away?”, this article will look at some of the best cat repellents for cats and why they are better than moth balls.
Table of Contents
Best Repellant For Cats (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Scraminal is used for indoor perimeter control.
- The device uses heat and motion sensors to detect pets as they enter off-limits area.
- It can detect your pets from afar and effectively covers a 10-FT by 3-FT area.
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Alternatives To Moth Balls For Keeping Cats Away
1. Sound-Based Repellent
One of the new-age solutions that have hit the market would be a sound-based repellent.
This is going to let out a sharp sound only cats can hear during the day. As soon as the cat hears this sound, they are going to be running in the opposite direction.
A lot of property owners like using this because it doesn’t harm the cat but keeps them away at the same time. For anyone asking “Will moth balls keep cats away?” this has to be a top priority for you.
Just set up the sound-based repellent and watch as it goes to work. It will deliver results for all types of cats and make sure they don’t come near the area where the repellent has been set up.
For a lot of property owners, this is more than enough to get the job done. The cat will not like the sound and you are not going to have to worry about seeing them around again.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Let’s assume you want to go with a more clear-cut solution for repelling cats.
This is when you will want to start looking at potent natural options such as apple cider vinegar. This has been around for a long time and continues to be used because of how well it works.
Just rub a bit of the apple cider vinegar around where you don’t want the cat to be. This will deliver great results and the cat is going to stay away.
If you are asking “Will moth balls keep cats away?” then it makes sense to look into apple cider vinegar. It’s going to have similar results without harming the cat.
It is just a better, more well-rounded solution that is equally effective.

3. Lavender Oil
Another option that tends to be used is lavender oil.
This is one of those essential oils that will offer a long list of advantages to humans. However, in this case, you are going to want to use it to keep cats away.
Using lavender oil to keep cats away is a proven option.
Why go with something that could harm the cats and/or become ineffective after a while?
Keep things simple and look at this essential oil to keep cats away.
Related Questions
1. Is There Anything That Will Keep Cats Away?
Organic repellents such as lemongrass, lavender oil, and/or apple cider vinegar are known for helping keep cats away.
2. What is the Most Effective Cat Repellent?
Research shows the most effective cat repellent is apple cider vinegar. This is not harmful to a cat but its strong stench will keep the cat away from where you don’t want it to be.
Final Thoughts
Will moth balls keep cats away?
Moth balls do keep cats away but are incredibly toxic. This can do a lot of damage for those worried about the cat’s well-being.
Using something like lavender oil and/or apple cider vinegar is a better way to go. You should also look into sound repellents that can be set up around the property.
Here’s more on cats – how to use collars for cats, reasons for a smaller cat litter, reasons cat stands up when touched, and choosing the right number of water bowls for cats.