Chewing is rarely naughtiness. Puppies chew because they are teething, and older dogs and cats chew because they are bored, anxious, or have simply found something that gives satisfyingly under the teeth. A bitter taste interrupts the habit at the exact moment it happens, which is the only moment at which an animal can connect the action with the consequence and start to lose interest.

The formula is non-toxic and goes onto the target rather than onto the pet, so it suits table legs, skirting boards, cables and the arm of a chair a cat has claimed. The 50ml bottle is small deliberately: this is for spot treatment of the two or three places actually being damaged, not for misting a whole room. Most bitter sprays fade within a day or so, so reapplying daily through the first week is what makes the difference.

• Bitter taste deterrent for cats and dogs
• Non-toxic formula
• For furniture, skirting boards and household items
• 50ml bottle for targeted spot treatment
• Supports gentle behaviour training rather than punishment

Not every animal minds it. A fair number of dogs, and the occasional cat, are entirely unbothered by bitter sprays and will keep chewing regardless. It also does nothing about the reason behind the behaviour, so a bored dog left alone all day will simply move on to the next object. Pair it with something they are allowed to chew and more exercise, and test on a hidden patch first, because sprays can mark waxed wood, paint and some fabrics.

Who it's for: Owners with two or three specific items under attack who want a cheap thing to try alongside redirection and more exercise.