Do Mothballs Work on Cats

You can’t teach cats to respect humans’ personal property, but electronic deterrents and some plants and herbs can keep them away from off-limits areas without harming them. However, while mothballs work as a cat repellent, they’re toxic to cats, other animals and birds.

What does mothballs do to cats?

Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people. “Ingestion of naphthalene mothballs can cause anemia, lethargy, vomiting, and sometimes kidney or liver damage.”

Can the smell of mothballs harm cats?

Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when cats or dogs ingest mothballs. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs due to their curious nature. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people.