Are you sure that cats are the culprits? I have (or rather am owned by
cats) now and then, and they just don't seem to like dipping those paws that
far into water, in my experience.

Also, it doesn't sound very "catlike" for a cat to leave its prey behind.

Although I think the predator might be a bird or raccoon or some other, my
suggestion would be to put finer netting over the grate.

About your neighbor's recommendations: I think trellis might help a
predator rather than hinder it; as for nails on the gate, that sounds like a
lawsuit waiting to happen. (I'm assuming you're in the UK, where the people
are -- I hope! -- not as ready to sue someone as here in the U.S., but
it's still a consideration.)

Anne Lurie
Raleigh, NC



"Scooby Don't" wrote in message
s.com...
I've recently moved into my new house which has a lovely little pond in
the garden - home to 3 goldfish.

The water was so murky that you couldn't see the fish, so I called a
guy from a local aquarium company who came out to clean the pond and
install a saftey grating (I have a 2 year old child). He also attached
meshing to the grate to 'keep the cats from getting the fish'.

It hasn't worked! The fish have been terrorised by numerous cats and 2
of the poor buggers have somehow been dragged out and left to die. The
remaining goldfish is in a right state, his fins are torn and he has
claw marks all over him.

How do I keep the cats away - my neighbour recommends trellis along all
walls and nails on the gate, has anyone tried this or do you have any
other ideas.

Thanks
--
Scooby Don't
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