Do Ultrasonic Cat Deterrents Really Work?
A study conducted in 2006 showed that ultrasonic cat repellants have a moderate 32% deterrent effect, though there was some evidence that this result may increase over time.
The study was conducted in two separate timeframes, one 18 weeks and the other 33 weeks long.
The 33 week study showed an improvement over the shorter study, however, there are many reasons for the increase including, but not limited to; better placement of the devices or environmental factors that may not have been accounted for.
Though an increase was noticed between the two studies further research is need to determine the reasons for this.
As of this writing no further scientific studies have been found to assess the ability of ultrasonic cat repellents.
Below is a non-scientific example of a device that appears to have less effect on cats over time, though no timeline is given.
In the video cats appear to be immediately intimidated by the ultrasonic device then, over time, seem to lose their fear.
The video is informative it is, nevertheless, not a scientific study, which should be considered while watching.
Of note, the below video is neither an endorsement nor a disapproval of the brand mention in the video.
It is meant merely as an example.
https://www.
youtube.
com/watch?v=mv13QDct9OY In 2001 the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to 60 manufactures and retailers of ultrasonic pest-control devices, stating that efficacy claims about those products must be supported by scientific evidence.
This letter urged those manufactures and retailers to look over their advertising to ensure they have competent and reliable scientific evidence to back up their claims.
The FTC letter appears to have been focused on products geared towards insects rather than larger animals, however you should remain skeptical of any product claiming 100% effectiveness, as this is most likely untrue.
Though the scientific study mentioned above is older (2006), using their metrics as a basis for effectiveness, it is as accurate a study as one is able to find on the web.
Unless a newer study surfaces or one that has more data, 32% efficacy (potentially higher after 33 weeks) is approximately what you can expect to get from an ultrasonic device.
Be careful of any device making strong claims of its effectiveness.
It is always advisable to read customer reviews before purchasing a specific device.
The higher number of reviews the more likely the rating is to be correct.
The study was conducted in two separate timeframes, one 18 weeks and the other 33 weeks long.
The 33 week study showed an improvement over the shorter study, however, there are many reasons for the increase including, but not limited to; better placement of the devices or environmental factors that may not have been accounted for.
Though an increase was noticed between the two studies further research is need to determine the reasons for this.
As of this writing no further scientific studies have been found to assess the ability of ultrasonic cat repellents.
Below is a non-scientific example of a device that appears to have less effect on cats over time, though no timeline is given.
In the video cats appear to be immediately intimidated by the ultrasonic device then, over time, seem to lose their fear.
The video is informative it is, nevertheless, not a scientific study, which should be considered while watching.
Of note, the below video is neither an endorsement nor a disapproval of the brand mention in the video.
It is meant merely as an example.
https://www.
youtube.
com/watch?v=mv13QDct9OY In 2001 the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to 60 manufactures and retailers of ultrasonic pest-control devices, stating that efficacy claims about those products must be supported by scientific evidence.
This letter urged those manufactures and retailers to look over their advertising to ensure they have competent and reliable scientific evidence to back up their claims.
The FTC letter appears to have been focused on products geared towards insects rather than larger animals, however you should remain skeptical of any product claiming 100% effectiveness, as this is most likely untrue.
Though the scientific study mentioned above is older (2006), using their metrics as a basis for effectiveness, it is as accurate a study as one is able to find on the web.
Unless a newer study surfaces or one that has more data, 32% efficacy (potentially higher after 33 weeks) is approximately what you can expect to get from an ultrasonic device.
Be careful of any device making strong claims of its effectiveness.
It is always advisable to read customer reviews before purchasing a specific device.
The higher number of reviews the more likely the rating is to be correct.