Is Bitter Cherry Spray Safe for Cats?

Is your cat as stubborn as the youngest sibling in the family? You might be looking for a firm solution for its unwanted licking behavior. However regardless of their behavior, as pet owners, ensuring the safety of our furry friends is also our top priority. If you have stumbled on this new trend of using bitter cherry spray, you must be wondering: Is bitter cherry spray safe for cats?

Yes, bitter cherry spray is safe for cats if used appropriately and as per the guidelines. It’s important to choose only those bitter cherry sprays that are specifically formulated for cats. Although most of the bitter cherry sprays are safe to use, some pose a real threat to the pets because of their formulation.  

Both safety and efficacy are important to look for when buying a deterrent spray. It’s a long-term investment to protect your household items as well as your feline friend and their health. Let’s discover more about the bitter cherry spray to make a well-informed decision. 

What is a Bitter Cherry Spray? 

A bitter cherry spray is a taste deterrent to discourage or ward off your pets from chewing, biting, or licking items you want to protect especially furniture. It creates a bitter sensation that deters them from approaching these objects, making it a valuable tool for pet owners. 

Ingredients of Bitter Cherry Spray

The common ingredients that are used in most of the bitter cherry sprays include:

• Grapeseed Extract
• Lemon Extract
• Natural Bitter Cherry Flavor
• Isopropanol
• Other bitter principles

Is Bitter Cherry Spray a Good Deterrent? 

Yes, the bitter cherry spray is marketed as a good deterrent for pets to prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing. Its effectiveness varies among individual pets; some find it useful, while others do not.

Based on our years of experience and feedback, Grannick’s Bitter Apple Chew Deterrent is generally considered safe for most cats. Another well known deterrent, Vet’s Best Bitter Cherry Spray, exclusively made for dogs, is often bought by many cat owners overlooking its formulation and instructions.

While the brand clearly calls it only dog-friendly and unsafe for cats, cat owners buy it jeopardizing their feline’s health. So, if you were about to buy it, beware! It is important to always choose products specifically designed for your pet.

Here are the benefits and potential risks associated with its use, ensuring informed decisions for pet care.

Benefits of Bitter Cherry Spray 

The benefits of bitter cherry spray include:

• Non-Toxic: When used as directed, most bitter cherry sprays are non-toxic and safe for pets.
• Easy-to-use: Applying the spray is simple, allowing for convenient use on specific areas or objects you want to protect.
• Protects Pet Health: Preventing pets from chewing on hazardous items, and helps minimize their risk of ingesting harmful substances.
• Promotes Training: Bitter cherry spray can be a valuable training aid, helping pets learn appropriate behavior around household items.

Potential Risks Associated With Bitter Cherry Spray for Cats

Not all for bitter cherry sprays are pet friendly. The safety profile of any deterrent is determined by its composition. The following are the potential risks associated with using bitter cherry sprays for cats:

• Ingestion: If a cat manages to lick the sprayed substance, it can cause an unpleasant taste, and hence discomfort.
• Allergic Reactions: Some cats might have short lived allergic reactions to the ingredients in the spray, which can manifest as skin irritation, drooling or pawing at their mouth,
• Toxicity: Bitter cherry sprays may contain toxic compounds like linalool and limonene from lemon extract, which can induce muscle tremors and depression in cats. Additionally, cherries in these sprays may pose cyanide poisoning risks, leading to symptoms like vomiting and muscle spasms.

Note: If your pet is allergic to one, with various options available on the market, it’s not difficult to switch from traditional bitter cherry sprays to other cat-friendly alternatives. It is always important to have a veterinary clinic in your contact in case of an emergency. Pet First Veterinary Clinic serves 24/7 for emergencies.

Usage Guidelines

• Always adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• It is better to test the spray before regular use to ensure your cat’s comfort and gauge the reaction.
• Never apply the spray deterrent directly to open wounds or irritated skin.
• Remember that it’s designed for external use only. Avoid ingestion or administration through other routes.

Alternatives to Bitter Cherry Spray

Many cat owners have found success with bitter cherry spray, noting a significant reduction in unwanted behaviors. However, some cats might be more persistent or indifferent to the taste, requiring owners to explore other deterrent methods. The alternatives to bitter cherry spray are: 

Provide Chew Toys: Offering your pet a variety of chew toys can redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate items.

Training and Commands: Consider seeking the help of a professional pet trainer or behaviorist to address and correct unwanted chewing behaviors. You can also teach your pet commands like “leave it” or “no” to discourage them from chewing on unwanted items.

Use Protective Covers: Use protective covers or barriers on furniture or items you want to protect from your pet’s chewing.

Taste-Based Solutions: While not sprays, you can apply natural substances that pets find unappealing, such as citrus peels or vinegar, on items you want to protect.

Regular Exercise: Ensure your pet gets enough physical and mental stimulation to burn off excess energy, which can reduce the desire to chew. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing.

Consult a Veterinarian: Sometimes, excessive chewing can be a sign of dietary deficiencies or other health issues. It’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you notice a sudden increase in your pet’s chewing behavior. Pet First Veterinary Clinic has on-board experts to assist you at any time.

Final Word

Bitter cherry spray serves as an effective and safe deterrent for most cats. While it offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to use it responsibly and monitor your cat’s reaction. As with any product, what works for one cat might not work for another, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if in doubt.