electronic deterrents

I am trying to decide which electronic deterrent to try first. With both items, the goal is to scare the cat away.

Catscram Electronic Cat Repellent, $34.95 at Amazon.com. When motion is detected it emits a high-pitched electronic squeal that is inaudible to humans. It works on a 9-volt battery so it rather portable.






Contech StayAway Automatic Pet Deterrent Refill Canister, $40.00 at Amazon.com. When motion is detected the device emits either a loud sound and a burst of compressed air or just the sound. It works on 4 AAA batteries and canisters of compressed air. I'm not excited about needing to buy compressed air canisters to continue using the device, although I suspect any compressed air canister would work and I wouldn't be stuck buying their high-priced replacements.

What I can't figure out is how to avoid false alarms. My goal is to keep Theo off the counters and stove. So, I set up one of these devices to watch the area. But what happens when I walk by the stove to the fridge to get a snack? I have read the available reviews on these products, but no one mentions that potential problem.

I am half way tempted to visit Radio Shack and get the parts to build my own system using laser beams that when broken emit a sound. That way the system could be easily be disabled when humans were using the space.

big bed

Little Rose likes sleeping in the large kitty bed!

foiled deterrent

Well, less than 24-hours after giving the aluminum foil deterrent a try, the project has been declared a failure.

Theo exploring the countertop shortly after covering it in foil. The presence and sound of the foil did not phase him in the least.

The next morning, Theo made a statement. He shredded the foil over by the coffee maker, leaving little bits. After seeing his work, I wondered if he had actually eaten some of the foil!

It's time to invest in some of the high-tech deterrents.

deterrent

I have a big problem that needs an immediate solution.

Theo is driven by a relentless quest for food. He knows he is not allowed to eat human food but he always trys to get away with stealing off a plate or off the counter. Not too long ago, after dishing out my lunch onto a plate to be warmed up, I turned and walked the two steps to return the food to the refrigerator. Two seconds later when I turned back to my food, there was Theo on the counter speedily chowing down my lunch! I was not amused.

Recently, as rice was simmering on the gas stovetop, I saw Rose entertaining thoughts of jumping up on the stove. Moments later, I witnessed Theo jumping up onto the lit gas range. Images of a flaming cat shot into my mind and I flipped out.

I spent that evening researching deterrents. However, thus far, I haven't had much success with deterrents.

My cats must be hardier than the typical cats. I recently re-applied Sticky Paws strips on the loveseat to deter scratching. The idea is that cats don't like the feel of the sticky on their paws. My cats are not at all bothered by the sticky. It may mildly annoy them but certainly not enough for them to avoid it. Theo is so food fixated that I think he would put up with torture as long as he might get some food.

I have found several electronic deterrents, that either make a sound or spray air. Before investing in those more expensive options, I am going to try some cheaper things first.

The current attempt involves spreading aluminum foil on the stove. The first night this was in place, I heard the foil rattle 4 times!

happy halloween

snuggly Willow

Willow loves a warm snuggly spot.

tasty veg snack

Willow and Nahum share a love for lettuce. Nahum rarely gets all worked up with desire, but when a leafy vegetable is out, he can't hold back! He knows the sound of the produce bags that leafy veg come home in. When he hears the sound he begins to lose control!