Cat climbing on top of tunnel

Sausage dog

Any suggestions for preventing/discouraging our cats from jumping up onto the top of the tunnel. Their claws will have it destroyed in no time. Anyone else have this problem and if you did how did you solve it? Thanks

macraignil

Haven't had that problem but have been told squirting water at misbehaving pets can discourage bad behavior so you could get a toy water pistol or adapt an old plastic water bottle with a small hole in the cap and use it on the cats when they go climbing.

Oldtree

How are they getting on to the top of the pt? Can you block there access there in some way, chicken wire, windbreak mesh, green garden wire?

Sausage dog

Oldtree wrote:

How are they getting on to the top of the pt? Can you block there access there in some way, chicken wire, windbreak mesh, green garden wire?

The wind break mesh might be a good idea, if we can set it bk far enough from it. Thanks. At the moment they just jump up, walk up the sides, nails digging into the plastic and then bounce & do somersaults on the top of it. Has to be seen to be believed!

Oldtree

Could probably strech the mesh between a few stakes alongside the pollytunnel. Thread the mesh onto a wire at ground level between stakes and they won't be able to get underneath the mesh. They wont try to climb the mesh.

Hocus Focus

macraignil wrote: »

Haven't had that problem but have been told squirting water at misbehaving pets can discourage bad behavior so you could get a toy water pistol or adapt an old plastic water bottle with a small hole in the cap and use it on the cats when they go climbing.

Garden hose!

Oldtree

Maby you could find another use for the cats

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Maby you could find another use for the cats

Abuse of domestic animals?- thats not very nice is it ...

Back to the polytunnel issue - I presume by your description they are gaining access via the two ends of the polytunnel? I have used flappy bags / sacks secured with plastic tape to scare away birds who were doing damage to the plastic - might be worth a try?

Sausage dog

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Abuse of domestic animals?- thats not very nice is it ...

If you had looked closely at the picture you would have seen that it was not a domestic situation, the cats were wild, ie un-domesticated :P

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

If you had looked closely at the picture you would have seen that it was not a domestic situation, the cats were wild, ie un-domesticated :P

Really - you could see they were wild when they were depicted staked and dead? - wow that's quite unbelievable ...

kylith

gozunda wrote: »

Really - you could see they were wild when they were depicted staked and dead? - wow that's quite unbelievable ...

You... you do know that they're just drawings, right?

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Really - you could see they were wild when they were depicted staked and dead? - wow that's quite unbelievable ...

Could you see any domestic buildings nearby?

marketty

Put a cucumber on it, cats are terrified of cucumbers. Seriously, check YouTube

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Could you see any domestic buildings nearby?

You think it is funny to skit about killing cats - domestic or otherwise? Your sick sense of humour is showing and silly emojiis don't disguise that i'm afraid ..

kylith wrote: »

You do know that they're just drawings, right?

Yes I can see it is a drawing provided by OT and indicating cats should be staked and eviscerated ... sick humour my opinion. The OP seems to agree. Hey but whatever you think yourself...

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

You think it is funny to skit about killing cats - domestic or otherwise? Your sick sense of humour is showing and silly emojiis don't disguise that i'm afraid ..

Yes I can see it is a drawing provided by OT and indicating cats should be staked and eviscerated ... sick humour my opinion. The OP seems to agree. Hey but whatever you think yourself...

Yes, wild cats are vermin and can be disposed of as vermin and recycling or reuse is all the rage this year. But I was unaware that you were an ailurophile, and a physic one to boot.

Hay ho, theres a fantastic book just for you



With treats such as



And my personal gardening favorite

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Yes, wild cats are vermin and can be disposed of as vermin and recycling or reuse is all the rage this year. But I was unaware that you were an ailurophile, and a physic one to boot.
...
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y2IK9Y2sL._SY400_.jpg

Seriousley pathetic post ...

delly

Okay folks, no more dead cat drawings please. Your humour style is not appreciated by the other members Oldtree, so let's not upset any more people. Thanks.

Oldtree

Ah delly, sher I didn't realise there were any pc sensitives around

I've heard of Gardeners using old cds strung up on string to scare cats away, might be worth a go.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Ah delly, sher I didn't realise there were any pc sensitives around

I've heard of Gardeners using old cds strung up on string to scare cats away, might be worth a go.

Again seriously pathetic post...

Oldtree

Op if none of the above work you could invest in a movable feast, an ultrasonic cat repellent device that has a motion detector. That way you can focus the scare area and the rest of your garden would be free for your cats to use.

In a previous garden I had problems with visiting cats leaving their mess behind and things like cat repellent powder didn't work.

my3cents

Oldtree wrote: »

Op if none of the above work you could invest in a movable feast, an ultrasonic cat repellent device that has a motion detector. That way you can focus the scare area and the rest of your garden would be free for your cats to use.

In a previous garden I had problems with visiting cats leaving their mess behind and things like cat repellent powder didn't work.

You can do just the same with a water repellent https://www.amazon.co.uk/PestBye-Battery-Operated-Activated-Repellent/dp/B004YCUT4W/ .

New Home

I don't know how effective it would be considering that it's outdoors, but cats don't like stuff to be sticking to their paws, and they don't like to walk on tinfoil either. You could temporarily fix to the polytunnel another sheet of plastic sprayed with spray adhesive or with double-sided sellotape, and/or you could attach to it some long, large strips of tinfoil, just until they get used to the idea that they shouldn't go near it.

Oldtree

New Home wrote: »

I don't know how effective it would be considering that it's outdoors, but cats don't like stuff to be sticking to their paws, and they don't like to walk on tinfoil either. You could temporarily fix to the polytunnel another sheet of plastic sprayed with spray adhesive or with double-sided sellotape, and/or you could attach to it some long, large strips of tinfoil, just until they get used to the idea that they shouldn't go near it.

Interesting idea but I think they would be back soon after the sheet was removed.

gozunda

New Home wrote: »

I don't know how effective it would be considering that it's outdoors, but cats don't like stuff to be sticking to their paws, and they don't like to walk on tinfoil either. You could temporarily fix to the polytunnel another sheet of plastic sprayed with spray adhesive or with double-sided sellotape, and/or you could attach to it some long, large strips of tinfoil, just until they get used to the idea that they shouldn't go near it.

Sounds like an excellent idea. Should scare the birds away as well imo. Less sh!te too

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Interesting idea but I think they would be back soon after the sheet was removed.

:rolleyes: better than cat-o-tent as a solution ...

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

:rolleyes: better than cat-o-tent as a solution ...

Not really, paying for a sheet of plastic to put glue on, then when it all settles down and the cats are tutored, you have got to but yet another sheet of plastic to replace the initial perforated one. Dosn't make sense but a graduate would know that Im sure.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Not really, paying for a sheet of plastic to put glue on, then when it all settles down and the cats are tutored, you have got to but yet another sheet of plastic to replace the initial perforated one. Dosn't make sense but a graduate would know that Im sure.

Definly something off with that tbh

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Definly something off with that tbh

I'm glad you finally see the nonsence of it.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

I'm glad you finally see the nonsence of it.

Absolutely - your idea was pure rubbish if you don't mind me saying so ..

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Absolutely - your idea was pure rubbish if you don't mind me saying so ..

Oh I'm heartbroken now, i thought you were referring to you idea of sticking bits of plastic bags to the pollytunnel plastic, or were you going to wander around waving the bits of plastic and going "boo" to the cats.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

Oh I'm heartbroken now, i thought you were referring to you idea of sticking bits of plastic bags to the pollytunnel plastic, or were you going to wander around waving the bits of plastic and going "boo" to the cats.

Ah well wrong there again no offence .....

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Ah well wrong there again no offence .....

You wernt going to stick the bits of plastic bags to yourself were you? That would be mad.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

You wernt going to stick the bits of plastic bags to yourself were you? That would be mad.

Quite - that would be mad as a bush - another one of your ideas?

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

Quite - that would be mad as a bush - another one of your ideas?

No. I thought you thought that one up. Best get a brush and sweep that one under the carpet.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

No. I thought you thought that one up. Best get a brush and sweep that one under the carpet.

I think you need some broom to fix yours tbh

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

I think you need some broom to fix yours tbh

What an inspired ides. A comb might just do the job. Fold a piece of paper over it and blow it like a whistle. Might scare the cats away.

gozunda

Oldtree wrote: »

What an inspired ides. A comb might just do the job. Fold a piece of paper over it and blow it like a whistle. Might scare the cats away.

.

You do that and dont worry about anything - it will be fine ....

Oldtree

gozunda wrote: »

.

You do that and dont worry about anything - it will be fine ....

I don't have any cats????

blackbox

Oldtree wrote: »

Op if none of the above work you could invest in a movable feast, an ultrasonic cat repellent device that has a motion detector. That way you can focus the scare area and the rest of your garden would be free for your cats to use.

In a previous garden I had problems with visiting cats leaving their mess behind and things like cat repellent powder didn't work.

I bought one of these with the intention of scaring off herons. Not effective against herons and doesn't bother the cats in the slightest. Don't waste your money.

P.S, even though I am a cat lover I find "101 Uses for a Dead Cat" to be very funny.

Oldtree

I've seen similar ones work with dogs but no experience of them with cats.

There's always the zap collar option in some fashion or an in ground fence collar system.

Discodog

Oldtree wrote: »

I've seen similar ones work with dogs but no experience of them with cats.

There's always the zap collar option in some fashion or an in ground fence collar system.

Cruel & ineffectual. We don't "zap" domestic pets.

The only form of cat deterrent that works are motion activated sprinklers

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Premium%C2%AE-Activated-Sprinkler-Detection-Irrigation/dp/B0115J14UY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1509877343&sr=8-6&keywords=scarecrow+cat

Oldtree

Discodog wrote: »

Cruel & ineffectual. We don't "zap" domestic pets.

"We"? Are you saying it's illegal?

https://www.amazon.com/Aetertek-AT-211D-Rechargeable-Training-Vibrate/dp/B00IJ33VBK

Maby some kind of electric fence would do the job then, works for horses.

Lumen

Oldtree wrote: »

Maby some kind of electric fence would do the job then, works for horses.

I use electric netting to protect the chickens from foxes. It also works on cats and dogs, they learned after one zap not to go near it.

I don't think this is cruelty any more than using a thorny hedge is cruel. Cruelty would be intentionally electrocuting for no purposeful end other than sick amusement.

If the pets spoke English I would explain that the chickens are family, but that doesn't work.

Don't agree with the electric collars though. A painful physical barrier is something a pet brain can process. Random electrocution at some invisible threshold probably wouldn't make any sense.

Discodog

Oldtree wrote: »

"We"? Are you saying it's illegal?

https://www.amazon.com/Aetertek-AT-211D-Rechargeable-Training-Vibrate/dp/B00IJ33VBK

Maby some kind of electric fence would do the job then, works for horses.

Those collars are already illegal in Wales. The new Animal Welfare Act imposes conditions that are much wider reaching.

The problem with the dog "invisible fences" is they don't work. A dog is an intelligent driven animal. Often they will risk or endure the shock to get out & then can't get back in.

Normal electric stock fence is a physical barrier. The danger is that the shock required to deter a cow may be enough to kill a cat.

Oldtree

Discodog wrote: »

Those collars are already illegal in Wales. The new Animal Welfare Act imposes conditions that are much wider reaching.

So what you are saying is not illegal here.

Discodog wrote: »

The problem with the dog "invisible fences" is they don't work. A dog is an intelligent driven animal. Often they will risk or endure the shock to get out & then can't get back in.

A neighbour of mine used one on a wanton springer (and it worked) as the other 2 options were:
1. leave the much loved dog locked up all day while away at work
2. have the dog shot by a neighbouring farmer for trespassing near sheep.

Discodog wrote: »

Normal electric stock fence is a physical barrier. The danger is that the shock required to deter a cow may be enough to kill a cat.

The single wire electric fencing used around here has an adjustable shock levels, so if it not going to kill me (give me a mild shock) its unlikely to kill a cat.

PS I dont intend any cruelty to the animals

Discodog

Oldtree wrote: »

So what you are saying is not illegal here.



A neighbour of mine used one on a wanton springer (and it worked) as the other 2 options were:
1. leave the much loved dog locked up all day while away at work
2. have the dog shot by a neighbouring farmer for trespassing near sheep.



The single wire electric fencing used around here has an adjustable shock levels, so if it not going to kill me (give me a mild shock) its unlikely to kill a cat.

A stick isn't illegal. Beating a dog with one is.

Your neighbour shouldn't have a dog if they can't look after it. Give the dog a nice run before work & it will be fine all day.

I have had quite a belt off electric fences. I am not saying it would kill a cat.

Many gardeners face problems with cats. The only solution I have found to work is the sprinkler

Oldtree

Discodog wrote: »

A stick isn't illegal. Beating a dog with one is.

Your neighbour shouldn't have a dog if they can't look after it. Give the dog a nice run before work & it will be fine all day.

I have had quite a belt off electric fences. I am not saying it would kill a cat.

Using a stun collar on a cat is not illegal in Ireland so I dont get what you are saying about the stick?????

I dont think the RSPCA need any more animals... do you? They are inundated especially at this time of year. The neighbour did what she had to and still has her much loved dog. Would you rather the animal was put down.

Oldtree

Discodog wrote: »

Many gardeners face problems with cats. The only solution I have found to work is the sprinkler

You may remember this from a few years back and the efforts I went to over a number of years that did not include a stick!!!

Oldtree wrote: »

I had a small bit of lawn in a back garden in London and the same problem, but lots of cats would come and do their doo . I tried every sort of cat repellant i could find and nothing really worked for long.

My solution after a few years of trying was to make friends with the immediate neighbours cat. The cat then assumed ownership of the territory and that reduced the amount of doo fairly rapidly.

In order to curtail the last bit of doo I made a small sand pit about 1m X 50cm X 10cm deep, kinda like a big cat doo box. The cat loved to do the doo in the pit and left the rest of the garden alone. It was then very easy to use a small shovel/rake to scoop up the doo.

Only problem with this solution for you is that the kids may play in the sand pit too unless they can be persuaded not to and you make them one out in the back garden. (but this pit would need to be covered in some fashion lest the newly trained cat find it).

I have 2 dogs now and they are untrainable, so I am back to doing a regular "spoo hunt" :rolleyes:

Discodog

Oldtree wrote: »

Using a stun collar on a cat is not illegal in Ireland so I dont get what you are saying about the stick?????

I dont think the RSPCA need any more animals... do you? They are inundated especially at this time of year. The neighbour did what she had to and still has her much loved dog. Would you rather the animal was put down.

The collar isn't but causing unnecessary suffering is illegal.

The RSPCA don't operate here. All she has to do is exercise the dog. I have two dogs that are left all day with no problems because I get up early & walk them.

"I have 2 dogs now and they are untrainable," Dogs can always be trained

Oldtree

Discodog wrote: »

The collar isn't but causing unnecessary suffering is illegal.

Therefore the collar isnt causing unnecessary suffering QED.

Discodog wrote: »

The RSPCA don't operate here. All she has to do is exercise the dog. I have two dogs that are left all day with no problems because I get up early & walk them.

The ISPCA then :rolleyes: you know what I meant.

My neighbour walks her dog before she goes to work and after she comes home too but did not want to leave the dog locked indoors as she felt that was cruel, when she had a garden for the dog to wander in. The point was to train the dog in absolute terms and quickly as the farmer shot another local dog who was wandering and not attacking his sheep.

Discodog wrote: »

"I have 2 dogs now and they are untrainable," Dogs can always be trained

My dogs have a lovely garden to wander around and poo where they like, I was referring to where they poo as you well know and have no intention of training them to poo in the same place every time, dogs cannot stand the smell of their own poo and choose to spread it around a bit.