Cats are curious creatures and they often find themselves attracted to things that they shouldn’t be. This includes hot tubs. If you have a cat, it’s essential to take steps to keep them away from your hot tub.
Of course, you should always use the spa cover supplied to seal the tub after use properly, but that won’t protect the sides.
Not only can a hot tub be harmful to your pet’s health if they fall in, but cats can also inflict permanent damage on hot tub walls.
This blog post will discuss eight tips on how to cat proof an inflatable hot tub. We will also answer some common questions about these furry friends and inflatable hot tubs.
Keep reading to find out more
How To Keep Cats Away From An Inflatable Hot Tub
1. No access
One way to keep the pets away from your hot tub is to simply not allow them access to it. This may mean enjoying your hot tub experience in a summer house or even the garage. Always make sure there is a lid on top as well.
Not only will it stop the cat from getting to your tub, but it will also give you more privacy and means you can still have a soak on days when it’s tipping it down.
If you do decide to go with an indoor inflatable hot tub, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about making sure your cat can’t get into the room where the hot tub is located. You need to keep the door to the room closed at all times or invest in a door screen to avoid potential problems with your hot tub.
2. Use a repellent
Another way to stop them from going near your hot tub is to use a repellent. Many commercial repellents on the market are designed to keep animals away from areas where they’re not welcome, including inflatable hot tubs.
Basically, there are three types; scented sprays, which contain ingredients felines are adverse to, such as Citronella. Just remember you will need to spray every day for it to be effective, so this may be the most expensive option.
The other two types are motion sensor repellents, which initially cost more but are more effective long-term.
One type emits a high-pitched noise when it detects pests are within range and the other type sprays water. Neither of these methods will harm your furry friend and have the added advantage of keeping other unwanted critters away.
3. Don’t leave leftovers.
You should also avoid leaving food lying around near your inflatable hot tub. If you have any snacks leftover from your backyard spa party, they’re likely to be tempted to investigate. So it’s essential to remove any yummy crumbs after your spa experience.
4. Homemade solutions
Some household items can help keep pets away from your hot tub.
Vinegar and citrus fruits both have strong smells that animals don’t like and there are some excellent homemade remedies to be found online.
5. Plants
Did you know there are some plants that kitties are adverse to? Lavender and Rosemary are two of the best to choose from as they grow all year round and emit a scent that we humans find pleasant.
So why not invest in a few planters and place them around your inflatable hot tub? It’s one sure way to keep a cat at bay.
6. Keep cat claws short
If you have a cat that likes to scratch, it’s important to keep its claws trimmed. This will help prevent them from damaging your hot tub (or anything else in your home).
You could also buy a packet of claw guards to put on your cat’s claws. This will help protect your hot tub and furniture from scratches and they are available for only a few pounds online.
We would NEVER recommend declawing to prevent a cat scratching!
7. Use a screen
If you have an outdoor inflatable hot tub, you may want to consider building a screen around it as a way to protect it. This will help keep felines (and other unwanted visitors) away from the area. You can buy ready-made screens or make your own using cheap wicker or rattan.
8. Invest in a repair kit
It’s also a good idea to keep a supply of patches on hand. If your cat does manage to get into your inflatable hot tub, it may puncture the inflatable walls of the tub. A lot of the material is repairable and having some hot tub puncture repair patches on hand will help you quickly, clean or fix any damage.
Now that we’ve gone over some ways to keep cats away from your inflatable hot tub area let’s answer some common questions about these animals and hot tubs.
Can a Cat Pop an Inflatable Hot Tub?
A common question is, “Can a cat burst spa hot tubs?” The answer to this is yes. Although inflatable hot tubs are designed to be durable and can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear, if your feline friend uses the tub as a scratching post, it can cause permanent damage.
Do Cats Stay Away from Inflatable Hot Tubs?
First of all, felines are curious creatures and they may be drawn to the sound and sight of the water in a hot tub. Many of the newer inflatable hot tub models boast flashing multi-coloured lights, which can prove irresistible to curious pets.
Additionally, the heat from a hot tub can be appealing to a cat on a cold day. We know our furry ones love spending time curled up in a warm spot like under the car bonnet, etc., and what could be better than a toasty outdoor spa.
Another less pleasant reason family pets may be interested in the hot tub is the presence of other four-legged visitors. Mice have been known to wreak havoc beneath hot tubs and will definitely pique your puss’ interest. It’s a good idea to periodically check for signs that rodents may have taken up residency inside.
FAQ’S
Can cats damage a Lay-Z-Spa?
Although super durable, in the right circumstances a cat can puncture almost an inflatable hot tub.
How do I keep cats out of my hot tub?
Our feline friends are not as easy to train as dogs, but it is possible to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, although this might not work so well with an older cat.
Some people have found that a spray of water from a plastic bottle is a great deterrent when placed around the hot tub, but it won’t be that effective unless you want to sit outside all night guarding the tub.
Can You Fix A Hot Tub If A Cat Damages It?
The answer to this is a resounding yes!
If your cat scratches or punctures the inflatable walls of your hot tub, simply patch the hot tub area with some adhesive patches. These are readily available online or at most hardware stores.
Conclusion
Keeping a cat off and out of your garden away from your hot tub will prevent premature wear and tear and also the chance of a puncture to your hot tub base and hot tub surround (though this is rare), so it’s essential to utilise your spa cover and find ways to keep the area around your hot tub clear of four-legged visitors.
The tips above, such as where you install the tub and putting measures in place to stop your cat from scratching the shell, will hopefully prevent holes from occurring.
We hope this blog post has been helpful in teaching you how to keep cats away from your hot tub. By following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can help keep your hot tub in good condition for years to come.
