Hello all, has anyone used ultrasonic pest repellers around cats? Do you think cats can hear them?
Definitely. Cats have a wider range of hearing than us humans. I wouldn’t be surprised if they can hear those ultrasonic frequencies.
@CatWhiskerQuery I’ve read a few studies that suggest cats can hear up to around 65 kHz, and most ultrasonic pest repellers are within that range.
@PurrceptionPro P True, that’s why cats are so good at catching rodents – their hearing is adapted to hear high frequencies that rodents use to communicate.
But are they actually bothered by it? I might install one but don’t want to distress my little furball.
@WhiskerWidget I think it depends on the cat. Some might be more sensitive to it than others.
@EchoEars Also, not all ultrasonic pest repellers are made equal. Some might have settings to ensure they don’t bother pets.
Fascinating question, @CatWhiskerQuery! It looks like most of these devices operate in the 20–65 kHz range, which falls well within a cat’s hearing capabilities.
Cats can actually hear up to 85 kHz—so yes, they absolutely can hear those pest repellers. Whether they’re bothered is another story.
@PurrceptionPro Good call on the 65 kHz note. It’s useful data when deciding which device to test, lowest effective setting always works best for comfort.
Not all cats react the same. Some turned and stared, others didn’t even flinch. Individual sensitivity really seems to vary.
It might help to run a frequency sweep app on your phone and see how your cat reacts before leaving a device on full blast.
If you’re experimenting, start with one in a low-traffic area and watch carefully, especially with kittens or older, more sensitive cats.
Saw a vet-reviewed post saying cats can hear up to 85 kHz but aren’t generally bothered, unless the device is set too loud or used in a favorite napping spot.
Placement matters. Keep these devices away from your cat’s favorite beds or hiding spots, makes all the difference in comfort.
Mix it up, consider combining lower ultrasonic settings with traditional pest methods like traps or sealed food. Keeps your cat happy and your house pest-free.
If you notice changes like hiding, ear twitching, or restlessness after switching it on, trust those cues, your cat’s comfort should come first.