GRRRR CAT!!!

Hi Kat

I have to say I have my own grumbles about Cats in my garden.  I have lost count how many we have and if I see them they are made to move quickly

What I have found disturbing is that I keep on finding dead mice scattered about my lawn area, and I assume that these cats are killing mice and leaving their presents in my garden

Great for the Owl population but I am not too happy about it

Regards

Kathy and Dave

Hi Kat, I read in a very similar thread that someone, Seymoraves I believe (but don't quote me) attached some chicken type wire to the top of his fence and that deterred cats because they can't balance on floppy wire:-) You could try putting some near your nest box to put the blighter off. If you don't want ugly chicken wire on top of your fence you could run strands of garden wire (you know, like string only wire) two or three lengths of that laid side by side and slightly raised above the top of the fence would make it difficult for their feet I should think and would be less ugly. Or you could criss-cross it, even more difficult for furry feet. I have heard of people nailing that vicious carpet grip stuff, you know with the pins sticking up but A) I think it could be illegal and B) it's too unkind - effective, though, I should think. The last two may damage birds though:-( But the chicken wire bent over to form a tunnel should be ok for birds to perch on but impossible for cats to walk on and no damage done to anyone except the look of your fence maybe:-)

Your ears should have been on fire yesterday, was telling a bird lover in the village shop how to gut load her mealworms - I always think of you when I'm doing that:-) Thanks for the tip:-)))

soaking is the answer. if they are going to be a ongoing problem try a sprinkler. locate it where you want and turn it on when you want. cat's will soon get fed up.

Unknown said:

But what can I do about it? Nothing

I lay twiggy branches, rose and shrub prunings in a sort of criss-cross across the beds where I don't want my neighbour's cat to mess (which is everywhere) - it does put them off as there's no room to dig. Doesn't look very pretty but once the plants mature it doesn't appear necessary any more, what they like the little so and sos is freshly dug soil or bare soil. We're starting a garden from scratch (unintentional pun, sorry) here and we have 12 new beds for them to use as litter trays and the twigs have helped a lot. Some swear by lengths of hose and toy snakes but haven't tried those. Also old plastic bottles with water in to keep them in place on the bare patches are supposed to work, not very good looking though:-(

Higgy, love your pooch:-) That little bit of tongue sticking out, sweet! Kez chases the cats, doesn't stop them coming back though, they live with a dog:-( I also chase cats away as does Himself but back they come, the just leg it at the first hint of door opening:-(

ClaireM AWWWWWW!