Need frugal cat repelant

[mom-from-missouri]

Our cat is going nuts-don't know if it is old age or what, but she keeps getting in places where she shouldn't be. Any ideas as to what I could use to keep her out of certain areas--for example-she now feels it is her duty in life to perch on top of the kitchen table--well, this isn't gonna happen in my kitchen!! I have tried mothballs--(she thought they were toys to bat around) double stick tape-(she didn't mind that stuff sticking her feet down one bit). She is declawed and rather 'elderly' for a cat. I can't put her outside, she'd either get lost, or killed by a stray. My house isn't built to where I can isolate her in one room-(open floor plan). Someone else told me marigolds-well, she ate those! I am usually at work 8-10 hours a day, so I can't just keep watching her. Who knows what else she does when I am not around...dont think i even want to know.

[gakline]

I've used cayenne pepper in potted plants. That worked to keep mine from digging. I've also heard that aluminum foil works.

[kashi]

I've heard that those plastic floor mats with the spiked backs can keep cats of off stuff if you turn the mats upside down, so the spiked part is upward. You may have to attach it the the table with a piece of double sided tape. I'm going to try it with my new cat pretty soon because he is naughty too.

Our cats always did stuff like that, though. Particularly when we weren't home. At least your cat is still sprightly enough to do things like that, and doesn't have arthritic hips or anything!

Edited to add - I've also sprayed cats with water with a squirt bottle, and my father used to shoot rubber bands at them to make them stop bad behavior.

[esmeralda]

I too am searching for a solution. I know the vet catalog smith and foster has some spikey mats that are about $10 a piece. They also have zap mats that emit a static charge when your cat steps on them, but they are EXPENSIVE!! like $75 apiece.

I did a search on Google and all the things that came up had to do with keeping cats out of the garden and using sprays and chemicals. Dont think those will work in the house.

I hope someone comes up with a solution!!

[PrincessPerky]

I use water to keep the cat outside form climbing on the screen. but that requires actually catching her, preferably without being noticed by her.

I read a phrase once about 'the Gods of kittydom' basically meaning if a cat knows you are the cause of the punishment they will only stop when you are around, but if it came from some unknown source they may not be willing to keep trying, just in case.

Part of the problem with older cats is they tend to be less upset by the wierd world of humans. so some of the odd stuff that works on younger cats they find old news.

[mom-from-missouri]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

Part of the problem with older cats is they tend to be less upset by the wierd world of humans. so some of the odd stuff that works on younger cats they find old news.

Tell me about it--I got up this morning to see she spent the night in the fruit bowl on top the kitchen cabinet, and at some point during the night, she ate half a candle. (although, she had plenty of food in her bowl)

[esmeralda]

We have a cat (the one that I am looking for a training solution for) that has taken a sudden liking to tomatoes. In the morning, I find them in the laudry room and behind the bathroom door with teeth marks in them. Very strange. It must be the thrill of the hunt b/c he wont eat them. He just maims them and leaves them to rot. He expanded into other fruits for a while, but the tomatoes seem to be his favorite. Not sure what is going on there. But I do wish he would stop.

[cercis]

We used to use mousetraps - with the spring "sprung" so that it didn't snap with much force. I'm not sure exactly how they weakened the spring, but it did work. Worked to keep us kids from putting our hands places they weren't supposed to be too. It's not something I recommend as a first option (try the mats first) but as a last resort. Just make sure that the snap isn't strong. Find someone who is willing to let it snap on them (or yourself) it shouldn't hurt, just be enough to grap and hold on.

[mom-from-missouri]

I think I will try the pepper, at least on the counter tops and tables. Although, at the moment, she is sitting in my purse. Don't think I want pepper in my purse. Why my purse, I have no idea, but it must feel like a nest to her. And, she just looks so innocent all the time-like she has no idea she has weirded out on me. At least, she still knows what the litter box is!

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

At least, she still knows what the litter box is!

Oh my yes be greatful for that! both my childhood cats forgot that important skill as they got senile .

[gakline]

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

At least, she still knows what the litter box is!

One of our cats would get pissed off if the litter box wasn't cleaned enough. So she would find some other nice carpeted corner instead.