Ultrasonic pest repellers are devices that emit ultrasonic or high-frequency noise at a high volume (anything above 20kHz). They are considered a humane pest control method that was initially thought of by Chinese farmers millennia ago.

Most animals and pests, in general, cannot listen to sounds that are up to 45kHz.

When ultrasonic pest repellers emit ultrasonic sounds, they cause confusion, convulsions, and irritated. The pests are then forced to run away from and avoid the areas which cause these discomfiting effects.

Thankfully humans don’t hear sound at such frequencies, so we don’t get to experience adverse reactions to these devices.

But what about our pets?

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Affect Cats?

Here is the thing.

Cats have very sensitive hearing. They can hear more sounds within a frequency range of 55 to about 80 kHz, which is way higher than what dogs can hear.

This sensitive hearing probably explains why your cat is never really comfortable around loud noises.

We have already established that one aspect of the effectiveness of ultrasonic pest repellents is the loud volume of the ultrasonic sound. This is what affects the cats.

Cats are more likely to be thrown off by the sudden increase in the volume of the high frequency sounds emitted by the ultrasonic pest repellent, not the ultrasonic sound.

So how do you tell if an ultrasonic pest repellent has negatively affected your cat?

You are likely to observe any of the following from its body language:

• Avoiding contact
• Diarrheas
• Clinginess
• Relentless scratching
• Unnecessary grooming
• Reduced appetite

Now, these are some of the signs that you would notice if your cat is sick or down with something, so you might need to see a veterinarian to confirm the situation.

Do Ultrasonic Devices Hurt Dogs Ears?

Dogs have excellent hearing and are known to hear sounds that are as high as 45-67 kHz in frequency. So your dog might be able to listen to the high-frequency ultrasonic sounds that come from a pest repellent device.

But do ultrasonic devices hurt dogs’ ears and harm dogs?

Well, it all depends on how intense the high-frequency sound is.

Dogs hear frequencies all the time. So they are more likely to ignore such sounds that come from most ultrasonic devices (repellents or not) since the sounds are not familiar until they become so intense and extremely loud that it becomes completely irritating them.

Here are some varying reactions that your dog might react to ultrasonic devices:

• They become anxious to move as far away as possible from the source of the sound
• They are often curious about the ultrasonic repellents, and you’d usually find them
• sniffing at it or tilting their heads towards it.
• They might be indifferent to the device or sound.

If you have any ultrasonic devices around the house that emits high pitched sound at high volumes, you might have situations where your dog faces possible stress and mild irritation. Some of the signs your dog could exhibit include:

• Displaying aggressive behaviors
• Barking
• Whining
• Running and turning in the opposite direction
• Tucking its tail
• Backing away
• A nervous disposition

To be on the safe side, we recommend that you do not keep ultrasonic repellents in those rooms where your dogs spend a lot of time in. It is also advisable that you get rid of any ultrasonic repellents you might have around the house once you notice any signs of discomfort in your dog’s body language.

Such devices can only harm dogs when the dog hears a really intense high frequency sound.