Hi Everyone,
First of all I like cats I use to own two myself.But now i find myself on catwatch and this morning was no exception.A new cat a few doors down has taken a fancy to my garden and just stares at me when i go to shoo it away so I have to make quite a song and dance about it.Today It decided to eat the mealworms I scattered around for the ground feeding birds, I couldn't believe it,I have about four different cats stop by in my garden.
I know many of you have posted about cats on here and believe me i have read them.But those of you who have put the green stuff or wire on your fences could you please post me some pics I am at the end of my tether now and would like to see what you have done.
Many thanks
Littleowl : - (
Buy yourself a strong water pistol, they hate water and you wouldn't be doing them any harm other than giving them a bath !!
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Hi Birdwatcher,
I will be putting that on my shopping list,I do have a small one that I found under my cupboard not very powerfull though, I was so frustrated earlier that I actually ran out with it in hand but the cat had jumped the fence by then.
Thankyou
Littleowl
Hi Littleowl,
The new moggie in our neighbourhood still gets in our garden despite the wire netting. This is because he comes down the side from the front of the house, about which I can do nothing. However, he can't jump up and over the fence from the other side anymore. One of my feeding areas is located near the top of the fence where he appeared. I just made the fence higher with some ordinary chicken wire. The first time he tried he collided with the chicken wire and landed in a heap back on the other side, so now he now longer comes that way and my birds are safe. He used to cling to the top of the fence by his front claws, unseen by the birds on the fixed tray feeder, then he could just reach out and aim his feet at them. He can no longer do this, so we are all happy. The chicken wire is fixed to the top of the fence from the other side, so it still leaves the top ledge for the birds to perch. I don't mind him on the ground when he comes in from the front because we can all see him, including the dogs. He doesn't hang about!!!
Birdwatcher's idea of water pistols is a good one.
As for him eating your mealworms, my young dog also eats them, along with suet pellets, raisins and anything else she finds.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Sparrow,
Thanks for imput on this subject.Our garden is closed in at the back with 6ft fence panels, except three were blown down in the storm in november,that now has chicken wire to the same height until we replace them.The cats all climb over these wooden panels, (drives me mad).The birds pirch mainly down one side as you saw in my Sparrow pic.I will have to take a long hard look to what to do.
Hi all
I have to have a cat scarer. Mine is the Catwatch version but I must admit that I didn't buy it from the RSPB. I bought it on eBay as a used but no longer required one.
It does the job very well, and has continued to work after being buried in snow a couple of times.
Because of the layout of my garden and the difference in levels, I really need another one, to place at a different angle, and I bought one in the US. As I haven't seen any cats in my garden for ages, I haven't used it yet.
Best wishes Chris
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Hi,
I'm sure you know this already but for the purpose of anyone else who may be reading, With the shrubs where the random cat may hide under its a good idea to put brambley, thorny cuttings, this apparently is very good at stopping cats from laying in wait. I have done it but don't have a problem with cats very often as i have a dog.
I too would like to see any photos of peoples cat deterrent inventions. I have a friend who has a real problematic cat in her garden. Thanks
Hi woodpecker,
I think I will have a look at one of those,thanks for the idea.
Krystle,I am thinking of adding prickly shrubs/plants to my garden.
You could also try covering the mealworms in chilli powder....if they're dry ones, you should soak them beforehand anyway for about 15 mins in water, take them out, put them in a freezer bag and chuck in a few teaspoons of HOT chilli powder and give the bag a good shake, before putting them out - try not to have any excess chilli 'dust' as this could be harmful if it were to get into birds' eyes - other than that, chilli powder is harmless to birds......trust me, the cat won't eat your mealworms again!
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Hi LRB,
There's an idea thankyou,but as you say be very carefull of the chilli dust!.We learn something new every day.
Liz R said:chilli powder is harmless to birds
Hi LRB
That's really interesting and sounds worth a try.
Are birds still as attracted to the mealworms when they are covered in chilli powder?