Roaming Cats

Choc Chip

Any fairly reliable ways to deter cats?

Our neighbours' cats are slowly moving into our grain sheds (I don't blame them: grain = mice/rats). I wouldn't mind in the slightest, but I have a couple of seriously cat-unfriendly dogs. One of the cats in particular is practically suicidal and it's only a matter of time before the dogs see it before I do.

We're talking a big yard here so no chance of cat-proofing, and the neighbour won't keep them in. Citrus spray... planting lavender...? Have any of these worked for anyone...?

(they really are adorable and I just want them to stay away from the dogs!)

Nody

The most reliable way would be motion activated sprinkler like this or this set up to cover the main routes in so to speak. Ultra sound will have cats walk around it, citrus/flowers etc. will simply have them wait until it rains so for a larger area automatic sprinkler would be your best bet.

Choc Chip

Nody wrote: »

The most reliable way would be motion activated sprinkler ... set up to cover the main routes in so to speak. Ultra sound will have cats walk around it, citrus/flowers etc. will simply have them wait until it rains so for a larger area automatic sprinkler would be your best bet.

There's no main routes as such though - one whole side is just field so there's no way of stopping them coming through there...

The ultrasound might work though! If I can stick it in the grain shed and discourage them from there then they might stop the suicide mission across the yard... Thanks!

I'll probably end up with all the mice moving from there into the farmhouse mind you.. :rolleyes:

Nody

Well when I mentioned it would not work and they would go around it I was referring to the below video; you'd need to place the repellents all around the grain shed pointing in every direction basically.

Lumen

It might be less hassle to put a couple of escape routes e.g. big crates around the yard.

Ms Doubtfire1

would agree with Lumen. Thanks for being so cat friendly by the way - make sure they have a decent escape route and high up spots and they should be fine.

Choc Chip

They do have decent escape routes once they're in the sheds, and the ones that have been appearing for the past while are fairly dog-savvy. We have one idiot turning-up now though that has been stalking the dogs out in the yard. Gas craic for him (provided I have a hold of the dogs), but it's all going to end in tears if I can't get him to go home or wise-up.

Thanks for the ultrasound video Nody - I'm going back to the drawing board!

Ms Doubtfire1

do you know the owners? Semi ferals are usually very weary of dogs, this sounds like someones pet cat?

Choc Chip

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

do you know the owners? Semi ferals are usually very weary of dogs, this sounds like someones pet cat?

I'd have a good idea but there is absolutely zero chance of them doing anything about it.

Ms Doubtfire1

>censored<:mad::mad:
some people.Can you get him to a rescue maybe?