CATS

[davidlscott]

Has anyone used the intermittent ultrasonic cat deterrents? My Chim is in a car port and the neighbours cats like sitting on the roof.

While I will stop short of serious action (I am not a good shot anyway) and wouldn't hurt them, I am fed up with cleaning down the car and trying to keep the hardtop canvas clean. I want to Renovo it but don't want to waste my time at the moment. I have now had to put a cover on it to at least stop the footprints but it will be a pain to have to keep taking it off and putting it back on again. I am not houseproud enough to wash the car every time I use it.

I would be interested to know what systems anyone might have used and if they are effective as I went down the garden a few minutes ago to chase them off and they just sat there waiting to be stroked.

David

[Mr.Chips]

I have a similar problem, in that, local cats seem to like the warmth of the engine coming through the bonnet on my "everyday car." When I finally got p1ssed off with cleaning paw prints off the paintwork, I invested in a water-pistol. After they have been given a few soakings, they get the message and stay off the car. Don't know about the ultra-sonic option, could it interfere with any car alarms?

[hollowpockets]

my cats used to climb on the cars to get a heat, couple of buckets of water soon sorted that, they learnt the hard way.

[OLYC]

We have them in the gardens at home.

They worked fine for the first few weeks, then the cats completely ignore them, and it may be a coincidence. But we seem to have attracted a family of squirrels since having them.

[over_the_hill]

There are two smells that cats do not like

Lion dung - not so easy to come by unless your mate works at the zoo, but they will steer well clear thinking that a big bully is in the area.

Lemons - although I'm not sure what effect a few squirts of lemon juice or lemon scented aerosol would have on the paint/roof (but a good one for your doorstep or rosebed).

[symonab]

Using a water pistol fill it with some lemon juice and water then spray this at the little buggers works a treat - cause when they groom themselves after they have to lick of the lemon juice.

[davidlscott]

The ultrasonic effect is only supposed to be a high pitched noise so I would have thought it wouldn't affect the alarm - could be wrong though. Having said that, if the alarm goes off that should shift 'em!!

The water option only works if you are there and then you have to wash the car yet again.

Without offending the animal lovers here, a squirrel trap works wonders, we got three in four weeks when they started trying to get into the house.

[davidlscott]

We were told to try Citronella (as used for insects) so we soaked some rags in it and the cats just stand by it and ignore it.

I did rig up a hose on the bird feeder and drenched the squirells with it but sadly never saw the result as the tap was out of sight of it. Thats when we bought the traps as they would sit on the living room window cill trying to get in.

You can get lion dung commercially but it would make a mess of the drive!!

Edited by davidlscott on Tuesday 9th January 14:00

[dickkark]

my partner is a vet and she says that at about 4-5 years old a cats ability to hear high pitch sounds diminishes rapidly,dissapearing totally by the age of 7-8.
so these ultrasonics devices will only work on younger cats apparently.

[davidlscott]

They are less than 1 year old so I would hopefully have put them off within 3 years.

[cloggy]

I discussed this problem on PH last week, see solutions suggested here.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=141&t=340658

[davidlscott]

Thanks Cloggy - have read with interest and amusement.

Cats are like dogs and children - alright for a couple of minutes but it's great to give them back to their owners.

I will try the snakes as they are cheap and the ultrasonic thingy.

David

[sen 18]

We have six cats they all sit on the Tam when its tucked up in the garage and will only let me have it back if I give them M&Ss fresh prawns.The wife and I only lodge at our house they own it.

Edited by sen 18 on Thursday 11th January 21:08

[Pasco]

Cats hate water Nuff said

[whitey]

I de-catted my Tuscan

Much better now

[andy28]

What the hell's a squirrel trap?

[davidlscott]

If you are a sensitive soul you don't want to know but it's quick humane and effective. It's good for rats too.

Squirrels are classed as vermin and it's illegal to set them free once caught.

[martin hunt]

Not wishing to break any rules about publicising my company (Sorry TED), have you tried www.waterblaster.eu we sell waterpistols that reach upto 60ft and make it very difficult to miss anything.....

Edited by martin hunt on Tuesday 9th January 17:13

[byker28i]

Or even the right URL
www.waterblaster.eu/

(my kinda toy )

[martin hunt]

Thanks byker28i - slip of the finger....