Cats damaging properties, need help

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Denis Marier - 20 Mar 2005 15:03 GMT

We have had problems with cats digging into our tulips beds for years.
Last year we dug up to 4 feet deep and removed the contaminated ground and
replace it with un-contaminated soil. Then we planted tulips. The cost
were big but in an attempt to have tulips and not being harmful to the cats
we footed the bills.
Today the first day of spring the cats are at it again digging like there
was no tomorrow.
The next alternative according to the SPCA is to trap the cats into an
approved cage.
Doing this will create hatred among the cats lover. Conversely, my dislike
for the cats lovers is mounting up. When I asked them does your cat digs
into garden they replied no! my cat does not go out of the house.
I also have tons of repellent which are useless with the domesticated cats.
Before doing anything drastic I wonder if someone has some constructive
comments so I can have tulips this year.
TIA

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MaryL - 20 Mar 2005 19:18 GMT

> We have had problems with cats digging into our tulips beds for years.
> Last year we dug up to 4 feet deep and removed the contaminated ground and
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> comments so I can have tulips this year.
> TIA

This idea is probably too late for this year, but it might help in the
future. Next year when you plant your tulips, lay a sheet of metal or
plastic mesh (big-enough mesh so the tulips can easily sprout through it).
Then spread mulch over the mesh. The mulch will hide the mesh but will not
permit the cats to dig, or at least greatly cut down on it. If you use a
thick layer of mulch, use part of it *under* the mesh. You don't want to
create such a deep layer of mulch on top of the mesh so the cat could easily
dig (and use) that surface.

And, yes, it is your *neighbors* who are at fault for not keeping their cats
indoors. Not very neighborly, but I'm glad you know to blame them and not
the cats.

MaryL

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MaryL - 20 Mar 2005 19:19 GMT

>> We have had problems with cats digging into our tulips beds for years.
>> Last year we dug up to 4 feet deep and removed the contaminated ground
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> MaryL

Addendum: I think you could even use a layer of that black water-permeable
fabric that prevents the growth of weeds -- and, again, cover it with a thin
layer of mulch. This should serve much the same purpose as I outlined
above.

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

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Knucklehead - 25 Mar 2005 06:18 GMT

I have found that placing moth balls around outdoor plants keeps cats away.

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Mel - 25 Mar 2005 07:01 GMT

Bloodmeal, available at greenhouses, also is a big turnoff for cats. If you
spread that around your plants, not only are you giving your plants a
nutritious boost, you can keep any wandering pussycats out of your
flowerbeds.

Melody

>I have found that placing moth balls around outdoor plants keeps cats away.

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Denis Marier - 03 Apr 2005 17:36 GMT

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
When I dug out the tulips bed and filled it up with new soil I used lots of
bloodmeal.
The first type of bloodmeal I used was not made from real bone. The next
type was in liquid form and much more expensive. It also not made with real
bone. Then I used a jelled palletized dog and cat repellent called "Get off
my Garden" produced by KING.
I have just reviewed my case with the Inspector from the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The next step is to rent a cage from the
SPCA or buy an approved one and install it on my property. My neighbors
tell me that their cats always stay in their home when they find out that I
have caged one of their cats and pay an $80.00 fine I am not going to win a
popularity contest. Conversely the cats owners are not winning a popularity
contest with me. Caging a pet is the last thing I want to do. I wonder if
the cats owners are concerned about their cats damaging my property.

> Bloodmeal, available at greenhouses, also is a big turnoff for cats. If you
> spread that around your plants, not only are you giving your plants a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> >I have found that placing moth balls around outdoor plants keeps cats away.

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Gary Stone - 03 Apr 2005 18:19 GMT

I'm always concerned about my cats and what they do while around the
neighbors property. I am fortunate in that they only come up for a few
weekends a year. I just spent the last hour on my hands and knees under my
neighbors deck. One of my cats figured it would make a great litter box
under there. I could hear a bunch of bugs and flies over there and went to
investigate. Called him up (out of state) and asked if I could install some
wire netting and lattice to skirt the deck as I have the materials on hand.
He just laughed and said sure, said he would bring me up his old drill press
and call it a draw. Overall, the neighbors have been grateful for the fact
that they now have a year round resident (me) to watch over their places and
especially grateful to the cats as they have not found any signs of mice in
the cabins since the cats arrived. I laughed and said, "Yeah, they bring all
of them home to me."

Stone

> Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
> When I dug out the tulips bed and filled it up with new soil I used lots
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
>> >I have found that placing moth balls around outdoor plants keeps cats
> away.

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Denis Marier - 03 Apr 2005 20:53 GMT

Thanks for your comments. I comment you for your good work. If I was one
of your neighbors I would appreciate you keeping an yes at my house while I
am away.
I appreciate to have cats to take care of the field mice. On the other hand
today's suburban cats are well fed with nutritional balance diet that they
do not know how to hunt and fend for themselves. The black ravens are doing
a good job at maintaining the field mice population down. In this neck of
the wood we have many private animals hospitals and vets. Today's people
are spending more on their pets then ever before. To cope with the problems
of their cats bodily functions they let their cats outside before going to
work and before going to bed. The retired people let their cats out after
the school busses have passed. One of my friend had his tool shed
vandalized (electrical wiring and all) by mice and squirrels this winter.
His cat did do a thing about it.

> I'm always concerned about my cats and what they do while around the
> neighbors property. I am fortunate in that they only come up for a few
[quoted text clipped - 46 lines]
> >> >I have found that placing moth balls around outdoor plants keeps cats
> > away.

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Shadow Walker - 25 Mar 2005 22:21 GMT

Black breathable garden cloth if that dosent slow them down because they can
dig through it with there nails. Place chicken wire over that and cover with
mulch. Remember to place holes for plants.

Shadow Walker

> We have had problems with cats digging into our tulips beds for years.
> Last year we dug up to 4 feet deep and removed the contaminated ground and
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> comments so I can have tulips this year.
> TIA

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