SSSCAT Refill Hack: How We Refill the PetSafe Can for Cheap
Quick answer
Yes, you can refill a PetSafe SSSCAT can yourself instead of buying a brand-new official refill every time. This is the real DIY method we used, and it works best for people who care more about long-term savings than convenience.[1][2]
This is not an official PetSafe refill method. It is a hands-on workaround, and the tradeoff is simple: lower cost, more effort, and less predictability than swapping in a fresh branded can.
Why this page is different
Most SSSCAT refill content either stays vague or talks about alternatives without showing a real process. This page is useful because it comes from actual use, with original photos and a method we really tried.
That firsthand proof is the whole point. If you want the cheapest path, this is the route. If you want something easier and do not mind paying more, skip down to our easier SSSCAT refill alternative instead.
If you are still deciding whether the device itself is worth using at all, start with our PetSafe SSSCAT review first.
What you need
- an empty SSSCAT can
- a TR413 tubeless tire valve
- a bicycle tire pump with gauge
The upfront cost for the parts is low compared with repeatedly buying replacement cans, which is why this method can pay for itself quickly if you use SSSCAT often.[1]
Step-by-step: how we refilled the can
1. Remove the spray head
Take the SSSCAT spray head off the empty can so the small tube on top of the can is exposed.
2. Press the TR413 valve onto the can
Push the TR413 tubeless tire valve onto the top of the can until it sits securely on the notch.
3. Attach the bicycle pump
While holding the TR413 valve in place, connect the bicycle pump valve the same way you would when inflating a tire.
4. Pump carefully
Hold everything steady with one hand and pump with the other. We treated 80 PSI as the practical upper limit and did not go beyond that.[1]
5. Remove the valve and remount the spray head
Once you reach pressure, pull the TR413 valve off and mount the spray head back on the can.
6. Test it in place
Put the unit back where you use it and test carefully. The goal is not perfection. The goal is getting the device working again for far less money.
What actually worked for us
The refill hack worked well enough that it made sense to keep using SSSCAT instead of paying full refill cost every time. That is the honest reason this page exists.
A few real-world takeaways matter:
- the method does work
- it is cheaper than repeatedly rebuying official cans
- it is more manual than a normal can swap
- the refill may not last as long as a fresh official refill
That last point matters. The hack saves money, but it is not magic.
Downsides and limits
This method is worth it if your top priority is cost reduction. It is not the cleanest or easiest option.
Readers should know up front:
- refill performance may be less consistent than an official can
- you may get fewer sprays than a fresh branded refill
- the process takes more effort than a simple can replacement
- you are doing this at your own risk
If you like the savings idea but do not want the full manual refill process each time, use our economical refill alternative instead.
Who should use this hack
This method is a good fit if you:
- already own SSSCAT
- do not mind simple DIY steps
- want the lowest-cost refill path
- are comfortable accepting tradeoffs
It is a bad fit if you:
- want the easiest possible routine
- do not want to handle the refill process yourself
- want something closer to a normal replacement-can workflow
FAQ
Does this SSSCAT refill hack actually work?
Yes. This page exists because the method worked in real use, but it should be treated as a DIY workaround, not an official product path.[1][2]
Is this the same as buying an official refill?
No. The whole point is saving money, and the tradeoff is that convenience and consistency may be worse than buying a new official refill.[1][3]
Will a DIY refill last as long as the original can?
Not necessarily. One of the important cautions from firsthand use is that DIY refills may give you fewer sprays than an official refill.[1]
What if I want an easier method?
Use our easier SSSCAT refill alternative if you want a lower-effort option that still aims to save money.
Sources
Live SmarterLiving article, “SSSCAT Refill Hack - Free Refills For Your PetSafe Cat Spray Deterrent”
https://smarterlivinglife.com/home/ssscat-refill-hack/
Live SmarterLiving article, “Save Money with this DIY PetSafe SSSCAT Refill Hack: An Economical SSSCAT Alternative”
https://smarterlivinglife.com/home/petsafe-ssscat-refill-hack-economical-alternative/
PetSafe, “SSSCAT® Refill Can”
https://www.petsafe.com/p/ssscat-refill-can/PPD00-17791/
PetSafe SSSCAT review on SmarterLiving
https://smarterlivinglife.com/reviews/petsafe-ssscat-cat-spray-deterrent/
