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Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Friends,
I recently moved into a new house. I use the square foot gardening method, so I tilled up a nice little section and placed several wooden frames for my plants (three 4x4, two 2x6 and two 2x8). My problem is that my cat has decided that I've built her the seven biggest cat boxes in the county. At first, it was no big deal. Most of the garden doesn't have anything in it yet and it's easy to tell where she's been digging. I just scoop out her business (check for saltiness, of course) and smooth over the soil. Yesterday, though, she just dug up two square feet of radish and carrot seeds to plant her own cat poop plant. Needless to say, I was ready to plant a cat bush about then (but I guess that next season, I'd have an even bigger problem as all the cats got ripe). I've read some back posts on some solutions, but I want to get some fresh opinions. Someone suggested chili powder or cayenne pepper would keep her out, but also that she might lick it off of her feet and maybe get it in her eyes. They went on to suggest that she might scratch out her own eyes to relieve the pain. How about black pepper or coffee grinds? Will these keep her out without causing her to resort to self mutilation? Do coffee grinds have to be fresh? (I hear that fresh coffee grinds keep snails away too, so if they would work, that would be great.) I don't want to hurt her, but I'm not above causing a little discomfort (as long as she won't injure herself to avert it) or even scaring the hell out of her (though I would probably prefer not to). I chase her out of the boxes when I see her in them, but I can't watch her twenty four seven. Locking her indoors is not an option. I'm also extremely lazy, so building a fence or chicken wire covers is out. Well, maybe chicken wire covers, but I'd rather pursue some easier options first. I'm also completely organic, so mothballs or other chemicals are out. Anyways, what has worked for you? Thanks, b. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Brian,
My raised beds front a greenway, and I get cats, geese, nutira, you name it. For cat control, I use orange peels scattered throughout the garden. Works well. For nutria, I use live animal traps. For geese, I dangle AOL CDs from poles in the garden. They're scary when the wind blows... skg "brian" wrote in message om... Friends, snip My problem is that my cat has decided that I've built her the seven biggest cat boxes in the county. snip Anyways, what has worked for you? Thanks, b. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Not a solution to keep her away, rather to avert her to better places, but
have you considered building a cat litter box outside? Seriously. Build one, perhaps 3x3 (big enough to be as appealing as the garden boxes) and fill it with sand or very sandy soil. Cover it with some sort of cover to keep the soil dry with a cover perhaps three feet off the surface, far enough to keep the rain out but close enough to also keep the rain out. If you decide to do this, you might want to decorate it in some clever way. It seems logical that she would prefer the light sandy soil to the garden soil. On the good side, the work need not go to waste. If she really doesn't like it, after weeks/months that you know she won't use it, you can always plant a nice planting of cacti. When she starts using it, periodically cleaning it would be prudent. Oh, and nice little electric wires around the vegetable boxes probably wouldn't hurt a bit (well, her, but only once if she's a normally smart cat). Glenna |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
"Glenna Rose" wrote in message news:fc.003d0941018d3ca53b9aca00be29f75f.18d3cd6@p mug.org... Not a solution to keep her away, rather to avert her to better places, but have you considered building a cat litter box outside? Seriously. Build one, perhaps 3x3 (big enough to be as appealing as the garden boxes) and fill it with sand or very sandy soil. Cover it with some sort of cover to keep the soil dry with a cover perhaps three feet off the surface, far enough to keep the rain out but close enough to also keep the rain out. If you decide to do this, you might want to decorate it in some clever way. It seems logical that she would prefer the light sandy soil to the garden soil. On the good side, the work need not go to waste. If she really doesn't like it, after weeks/months that you know she won't use it, you can always plant a nice planting of cacti. When she starts using it, periodically cleaning it would be prudent. Oh, and nice little electric wires around the vegetable boxes probably wouldn't hurt a bit (well, her, but only once if she's a normally smart cat). Glenna The best solution I have found is to simply lay chicken wire on top of the raised beds. Regards, Bill |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
I don't want to hurt her, but I'm not above causing a little
discomfort (as long as she won't injure herself to avert it) or even scaring the hell out of her (though I would probably prefer not to). Perhaps you could lay in wait with a garden hose--wait until the cat is poised for a deposit, and hose it into next week. Shouldn't take too many applications. -- The US government wants the power to read citizens' email, but refuses to defend the nation's borders. What's wrong with this picture? |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
"Anonymo421" wrote in message
... Perhaps you could lay in wait with a garden hose--wait until the cat is poised for a deposit, and hose it into next week. Shouldn't take too many applications. Or try a motion detecter that momentarily turns on sprinklers. -Olin |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
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Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Yeah, I had the same problem with my cat's as well!
Peppers can and does irritate them when they get it into their eyes but it is a fast learning curve! As with anything applied topical---you have to continue with re-application. Soon she will learn to stay out. However, you will always have to re-apply after every watering! Another option is to purchase those little plastic plug things you see on roses when you get them from a florist. I haven't found an on-line source for these yet and simply purchase them from my local florist store for 10 cents each. I steppe the hottest peppers (About 2 cups full sometimes more never less) from the garden in a vegetable oil (buy the cheap kind, you aren't going to eat it!) Drain out a few cups, run the peppers through the blender with some of the oil you drained out. With a funnel, pour it back into the oil and POOF, a month later you have a gallon worth of CAT HATING HOT PEPPER SMELL! (If you purchased a gallon of oil in the first place that is. With a Dremil, (or any drill with a very small drill bit) drill holes all over your plastic plugger thing. They have a stopper with a hole in it for the flower stem. Once I have drilled holes in the plugger I dip them into a melted paraffin wax (from the canning section of the grocery market). Don't get the wax too thick as you want the smell to permeate it. Yes, in hot weather you will find yourself refilling the hot oil once or twice per month. And re-dipping the plugger. But you can keep the paraffin in its own container and melt it in the microwave. I keep it in a large plastic container-re-used from any product---mine happens to be a large butter tub. Once you have the holes drill, applied the thin coating of wax, put the stopper on the top, tie some garden twine just under the stopper cap. Make sure you allow enough twine to tie it to your plants or stake! Remove the stopper, fill the plugger with the hot oil, replace the stopper and attach it to the plant or stake near the plant. I use this same method for my indoor plants as well because lets face it, give kitty soil and YUCK! I leave the top open and simply change them once a month with a good washing in the dishwasher refill and go. Once, I thought the cats had learned where NOT TO GO! Wrong, with the hot pepper smell gone GAME WAS BACK ON! Grrrrrrrr. Also, after a heavy rain I re-fill them. As it's a garden, lets face it, you are in it all the time so it's easy to check on the condition of your hot pepper plugs. Timber www.timberslodge.net ....a Step Through Time "brian" wrote in message om... Friends, I recently moved into a new house. I use the square foot gardening method, so I tilled up a nice little section and placed several wooden frames for my plants (three 4x4, two 2x6 and two 2x8). My problem is that my cat has decided that I've built her the seven biggest cat boxes in the county. At first, it was no big deal. Most of the garden doesn't have anything in it yet and it's easy to tell where she's been digging. I just scoop out her business (check for saltiness, of course) and smooth over the soil. Yesterday, though, she just dug up two square feet of radish and carrot seeds to plant her own cat poop plant. Needless to say, I was ready to plant a cat bush about then (but I guess that next season, I'd have an even bigger problem as all the cats got ripe). I've read some back posts on some solutions, but I want to get some fresh opinions. Someone suggested chili powder or cayenne pepper would keep her out, but also that she might lick it off of her feet and maybe get it in her eyes. They went on to suggest that she might scratch out her own eyes to relieve the pain. How about black pepper or coffee grinds? Will these keep her out without causing her to resort to self mutilation? Do coffee grinds have to be fresh? (I hear that fresh coffee grinds keep snails away too, so if they would work, that would be great.) I don't want to hurt her, but I'm not above causing a little discomfort (as long as she won't injure herself to avert it) or even scaring the hell out of her (though I would probably prefer not to). I chase her out of the boxes when I see her in them, but I can't watch her twenty four seven. Locking her indoors is not an option. I'm also extremely lazy, so building a fence or chicken wire covers is out. Well, maybe chicken wire covers, but I'd rather pursue some easier options first. I'm also completely organic, so mothballs or other chemicals are out. Anyways, what has worked for you? Thanks, b. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
brian wrote:
Friends, I recently moved into a new house. I use the square foot gardening method, so I tilled up a nice little section and placed several wooden frames for my plants (three 4x4, two 2x6 and two 2x8). My problem is that my cat has decided that I've built her the seven biggest cat boxes in the county. At first, it was no big deal. Most of the garden doesn't have anything in it yet and it's easy to tell where she's been digging. I just scoop out her business (check for saltiness, of course) and smooth over the soil. Yesterday, though, she just dug up two square feet of radish and carrot seeds to plant her own cat poop plant. Needless to say, I was ready to plant a cat bush about then (but I guess that next season, I'd have an even bigger problem as all the cats got ripe). I've read some back posts on some solutions, but I want to get some fresh opinions. Someone suggested chili powder or cayenne pepper would keep her out, but also that she might lick it off of her feet and maybe get it in her eyes. They went on to suggest that she might scratch out her own eyes to relieve the pain. How about black pepper or coffee grinds? Will these keep her out without causing her to resort to self mutilation? Do coffee grinds have to be fresh? (I hear that fresh coffee grinds keep snails away too, so if they would work, that would be great.) I don't want to hurt her, but I'm not above causing a little discomfort (as long as she won't injure herself to avert it) or even scaring the hell out of her (though I would probably prefer not to). I chase her out of the boxes when I see her in them, but I can't watch her twenty four seven. Locking her indoors is not an option. I'm also extremely lazy, so building a fence or chicken wire covers is out. Well, maybe chicken wire covers, but I'd rather pursue some easier options first. I'm also completely organic, so mothballs or other chemicals are out. Anyways, what has worked for you? Thanks, b. A blast of cold water smack in the face. My neighbor lets his cats run loose & they love to dig up my container garden. Each time I catch them, I blast them with cold water. After several hard-pressured blasts, they stayed away last summer. Now spring is coming. This time, I plan to set out poison. If the jerk won't control his cats, oh well. It's the cats or the veggies I worked hard to grow, & I don't like cats in any event. I want & need the veggies. Cat stew is also an option. I've had it with this irresponsible cat owner. Minteeleaf, not gonna take it anymore. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
I think I'm going to recommend what is for me the universal garden problem
solver, chicken wire. Get enough to go around the garden and staple it to inexpensive little wood uprights to make a very inexpensive perimeter fence you can put up in just a few minutes. We have several cats. They have a huge concern for their paws and it seems like they don't like to get them into chicken wire. Plus they don't tend to jump up and over something and back down again, hardly ever. They like to jump up on things, or jump down from things, but they try to avoid anything they have to hurdle. From past experience, to save some work, use Preen under the fence so you don't get weeds growing there. And/or put your grass clippings there. "brian" wrote in message om... Friends, I recently moved into a new house. I use the square foot gardening method, so I tilled up a nice little section and placed several wooden frames for my plants (three 4x4, two 2x6 and two 2x8). My problem is that my cat has decided that I've built her the seven biggest cat boxes in the county. At first, it was no big deal. Most of the garden doesn't have anything in it yet and it's easy to tell where she's been digging. I just scoop out her business (check for saltiness, of course) and smooth over the soil. Yesterday, though, she just dug up two square feet of radish and carrot seeds to plant her own cat poop plant. Needless to say, I was ready to plant a cat bush about then (but I guess that next season, I'd have an even bigger problem as all the cats got ripe). I've read some back posts on some solutions, but I want to get some fresh opinions. Someone suggested chili powder or cayenne pepper would keep her out, but also that she might lick it off of her feet and maybe get it in her eyes. They went on to suggest that she might scratch out her own eyes to relieve the pain. How about black pepper or coffee grinds? Will these keep her out without causing her to resort to self mutilation? Do coffee grinds have to be fresh? (I hear that fresh coffee grinds keep snails away too, so if they would work, that would be great.) I don't want to hurt her, but I'm not above causing a little discomfort (as long as she won't injure herself to avert it) or even scaring the hell out of her (though I would probably prefer not to). I chase her out of the boxes when I see her in them, but I can't watch her twenty four seven. Locking her indoors is not an option. I'm also extremely lazy, so building a fence or chicken wire covers is out. Well, maybe chicken wire covers, but I'd rather pursue some easier options first. I'm also completely organic, so mothballs or other chemicals are out. Anyways, what has worked for you? Thanks, b. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
On Fri, 07 Mar 2003 22:35:22 GMT, "Tim B"
wrote: I think I'm going to recommend what is for me the universal garden problem solver, chicken wire. Get enough to go around the garden and staple it to inexpensive little wood uprights to make a very inexpensive perimeter fence you can put up in just a few minutes. We have several cats. They have a huge concern for their paws and it seems like they don't like to get them into chicken wire. Plus they don't tend to jump up and over something and back down again, hardly ever. They like to jump up on things, or jump down from things, but they try to avoid anything they have to hurdle. Works fine for us too. The little 3' high chicken wire fence also keeps out rabbits and our dogs - the garden is inside the dog's fenced back yard. Pat -- CLICK DAILY TO FEED THE HUNGRY United States: http://www.stopthehunger.com/ International: http://www.thehungersite.com/ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
My personal favorite!!!
"Repeating Decimal" wrote in message ... in article , brian at wrote on 3/7/03 7:56 AM: Anyways, what has worked for you? killing them |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
ROTTWEILER
"Pat Meadows" wrote in message ... On Fri, 07 Mar 2003 22:35:22 GMT, "Tim B" wrote: I think I'm going to recommend what is for me the universal garden problem solver, chicken wire. Get enough to go around the garden and staple it to inexpensive little wood uprights to make a very inexpensive perimeter fence you can put up in just a few minutes. We have several cats. They have a huge concern for their paws and it seems like they don't like to get them into chicken wire. Plus they don't tend to jump up and over something and back down again, hardly ever. They like to jump up on things, or jump down from things, but they try to avoid anything they have to hurdle. Works fine for us too. The little 3' high chicken wire fence also keeps out rabbits and our dogs - the garden is inside the dog's fenced back yard. Pat -- CLICK DAILY TO FEED THE HUNGRY United States: http://www.stopthehunger.com/ International: http://www.thehungersite.com/ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
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Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Minteeleaf wrote in message ...
A blast of cold water smack in the face. My neighbor lets his cats run loose & they love to dig up my container garden. Each time I catch them, I blast them with cold water. After several hard-pressured blasts, they stayed away last summer. Now spring is coming. This time, I plan to set out poison. If the jerk won't control his cats, oh well. It's the cats or the veggies I worked hard to grow, & I don't like cats in any event. I want & need the veggies. Cat stew is also an option. I've had it with this irresponsible cat owner. Minteeleaf, not gonna take it anymore. Minteeleaf, First.. there is no such thing as a cat owner. Cats own themselves and ******** to everybody else. As much as I dislike cats, I do feel that you should tell this guy thatyou are laying down poison before you do it... even if the only reason is to avoid getting the hairs sued off your butt. Tell him that you have a raccoon problem or something... and that as you have seen his cat in your garden, you only think it fair to advise him that it is at risk of imminent, prolonged and painful death. Don't mention how much pleasure this would give you. Do put it in writing and keep a copy. I had a dog poisoned once by some neighbors who decided that they didn't like the barking during the day. We were unaware that there was a problem until she suffered cronic liver failure. If they'd told us it was a problem we could have looked at fixing the situation rather than ending up with a mortal enemy on the other side of the fence. We got our own back by getting friends in the local council to redirect the new sewer system through his carefully tended back garden. He keeled over from a heart attack shortly after. Hopefully my dog bit him the moment he walked through the pearly gates. Matt |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Schmuck wrote: First.. there is no such thing as a cat owner. Cats own themselves and ******** to everybody else. As much as I dislike cats, I do feel that you should tell this guy thatyou are laying down poison before you do it... even if the only reason is to avoid getting the hairs sued off your butt. Tell him that you have a raccoon problem or something... and that as you have seen his cat in your garden, you only think it fair to advise him that it is at risk of imminent, prolonged and painful death. Don't mention how much pleasure this would give you. Do put it in writing and keep a copy. I had a dog poisoned once by some neighbors who decided that they didn't like the barking during the day. We were unaware that there was a problem until she suffered cronic liver failure. If they'd told us it was a problem we could have looked at fixing the situation rather than ending up with a mortal enemy on the other side of the fence. We got our own back by getting friends in the local council to redirect the new sewer system through his carefully tended back garden. He keeled over from a heart attack shortly after. Hopefully my dog bit him the moment he walked through the pearly gates. Matt I don't like my neighbor's half a dozen cats running loose and crapping in my flowerbeds, BUT, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of rabbits in my garden, and the rabbits were a much bigger problem. It makes it a lot easier to tolerate all the cats. BTW, I don't hate cats; I have one myself. Best regards, Bob -- Have a Windows® computer that is powered on for hours at a time? Join the search for a cure for cancer: http://grid.org/projects/cancer/ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
As much as I dislike cats, I do feel that you should tell this guy
thatyou are laying down poison before you do it... even if the only reason is to avoid getting the hairs sued off your butt. I think telling him you're setting out poison is just asking to be harassed. It is a well known fact, however, that animals enjoy the sweet taste of antifreeze (which is fatal). Now, old radiator hoses have been known to leak and tragic accidents have happened when el gato stumbled across the delicious puddle. This is why certain old cranks have learned to set a saucer of antifreeze out along problem feline paths--nothing suspicious about a cat sucking up some spilled antifreeze. I'm not advocating anyone doing this, but it is one method I've heard of. I don't need to tell you about the danger to any small children in the area. If hosing doesn't work, I would simply catch it in a live trap, drive it about 100 miles away, and dump it somewhere. -- The US government wants the power to read citizens' email, but refuses to defend the nation's borders. What's wrong with this picture? |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
More than likely you will accidently poison your own dog this way. Dogs
like sweets. I don't think cats do. If you're gonna kill something, have the balls to do it humanely and then take the consequences. What a loser: Anonymo421 wrote: As much as I dislike cats, I do feel that you should tell this guy thatyou are laying down poison before you do it... even if the only reason is to avoid getting the hairs sued off your butt. I think telling him you're setting out poison is just asking to be harassed. It is a well known fact, however, that animals enjoy the sweet taste of antifreeze (which is fatal). Now, old radiator hoses have been known to leak and tragic accidents have happened when el gato stumbled across the delicious puddle. This is why certain old cranks have learned to set a saucer of antifreeze out along problem feline paths--nothing suspicious about a cat sucking up some spilled antifreeze. I'm not advocating anyone doing this, but it is one method I've heard of. I don't need to tell you about the danger to any small children in the area. If hosing doesn't work, I would simply catch it in a live trap, drive it about 100 miles away, and dump it somewhere. -- The US government wants the power to read citizens' email, but refuses to defend the nation's borders. What's wrong with this picture? -- Have a Windows® computer that is powered on for hours at a time? Join the search for a cure for cancer: http://grid.org/projects/cancer/ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Put some ibuprofen in a can of tuna. The cats will be pushing daises shortly
there after. BTW, I HATE cats. Whenever my wife isn't looking, I lock it up in the dog kennel. The dogs go crazy. It's great to get him drunk, too. He loves Baileys more than I do. If you cut the whiskers off, they think they can fit through holes smaller than they are. Smoke some weed, and watch your cat run into walls. You'll **** yourself. "zxcvbob" wrote in message ... More than likely you will accidently poison your own dog this way. Dogs like sweets. I don't think cats do. If you're gonna kill something, have the balls to do it humanely and then take the consequences. What a loser: Anonymo421 wrote: As much as I dislike cats, I do feel that you should tell this guy thatyou are laying down poison before you do it... even if the only reason is to avoid getting the hairs sued off your butt. I think telling him you're setting out poison is just asking to be harassed. It is a well known fact, however, that animals enjoy the sweet taste of antifreeze (which is fatal). Now, old radiator hoses have been known to leak and tragic accidents have happened when el gato stumbled across the delicious puddle. This is why certain old cranks have learned to set a saucer of antifreeze out along problem feline paths--nothing suspicious about a cat sucking up some spilled antifreeze. I'm not advocating anyone doing this, but it is one method I've heard of. I don't need to tell you about the danger to any small children in the area. If hosing doesn't work, I would simply catch it in a live trap, drive it about 100 miles away, and dump it somewhere. -- The US government wants the power to read citizens' email, but refuses to defend the nation's borders. What's wrong with this picture? -- Have a Windows® computer that is powered on for hours at a time? Join the search for a cure for cancer: http://grid.org/projects/cancer/ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
More than likely you will accidently poison your own dog this way. Dogs
like sweets. I don't think cats do. Why would anyone leave poison out where their dog would have access? And yes, many cats will eat sweets; mine liked ice cream. If you're gonna kill something, have the balls to do it humanely and then take the consequences. And what would be a "humane" way to kill a problem cat? Blow a hole in it? Club it? I don't the local vet will help you euthanize someone else's animal. As I said, I would just take it somewhere else and drop it off, not poison it. But only a fool would take your advice and admit to killing a problem animal. The poster still has to live in the neighborhood--he just wants to be permanently rid of a nuisance, not start a feud. If you're going to allow your animals to enter other people's property and cause damage, then perhaps you should consider taking responsibility for what happens to them. What a loser: Wow, I haven't seen wit like that since high school.... -- The US government wants the power to read citizens' email, but refuses to defend the nation's borders. What's wrong with this picture? |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
In article ,
(brian) wrote: I'm also extremely lazy, so building a fence or chicken wire covers is out. Chicken wire is really easy. You don't have to build anything, since you've already got a wooden frame. Put screws into the wood vertically (so the heads are sticking up) about 6 inches or a foot apart. Chicken wire comes in rolls 2 feet wide. Cut as many lengths as you need to cover the bed--if you've got 4-by-4 beds, you need two four-foot lengths. Lay them over the beds, and hook the wire honeycomb around the screws. It takes about five minutes. It's easy to remove the wire temporarily for planting or weeding. -- Stella Hackell She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life. --Frances E. Willard, _How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle_ |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
I want to thank everyone for thier suggestions to a solution to my cat
problem. I tried lemon peels (someone suggested orange peels. I used lemons because I have a lemon tree in the yard and 99% of them go to waste anyways - does this make a difference?) and they didn't have any effect. Maybe I didn't use enough. I just cut up a bunch of peels into maybe 1 x 2 inch pieces and scattered them around. Maybe 1 every foot or so. I tried black pepper because I happened to have some, but this didn't deter her either. My next step is to try chyenne pepper. I know I said I didn't want to use this for fear of her gouging out her own eyes, but I'm getting desperate and I really can't imagine her doing that. If this doesn't work, I'm gonna break down and build a fence. I know I said I was too lazy for a fence, but she dug up another batch of seeds and has really cheesed me off. Anyways, the local hardware store has some fencing stuff on the cheap that looks both durable and really easy to install. My new question is about the fence. The one in question is two feet tall. I recall reading (perhaps in this thread) that cats don't like jumping over things. They'll jump up onto things and jump off things, but not over things. Will two feet be tall enough? She's definately what I call a "happy" cat (i.e. well fed) and can't get out of the back yard without the gate being open. Any taller than two feet, and I won't be able to get over it (I'm a bit "happy" myself). Thanks again, b. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
Glenna Rose wrote:
Glenna, Why don't you ever seem to post with the rest of a message thread? Why do you always start a fresh one to respond? Just hit "reply" and your response will stay with the others ... where, by courteousy, it belongs. -- Do not respond to the email address above. It is a fake. |
Seven Biggest Cat Boxes in the County
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