Keeping an outdoor cat outdoors.

[Tobias Reiper]

I would like to start off by saying that I have nothing against housecats, but from what I've seen they shed year round indoors due to the heat in winter and that wouldn't be so good on my computers, synth, and drum set.

That being said, whenever I open my door my cat comes running in. At first she'd run in, I'd pour some food outside, then she'd eat and disappear until it was time to feed her the next day. If I had to go outside while she was eating all she'd do was take a quick glance at me then go back to her meal.

Now she'll run inside when I open the door while she's eating. She still disappears (either hunting or she'll go to the garage to sleep) after eating, but it's gotten to the point that any time I open the door while she's around she'll run in.

Any ideas on how to stop it? I wouldn't mind having a housecat, but I've seen her shed outside during the winter and I don't want those loose hairs around my computers, plus she's too old at this point to litter box train without a lot of effort.

[sc_q_jayce]

Bear traps.

[Tobias Reiper]

Bear traps.

I tried something similar to that, actually. I took some mouse traps and weakened the mechanisms, then I placed them in front of the door when I had enough time to work with her.

They were too weak to cause harm, but they were powerful enough to startle her and possibly be annoying, but she'd just shake them off and keep coming.

[sc_q_jayce]

I tried something similar to that, actually. I took some mouse traps and weakened the mechanisms, then I placed them in front of the door when I had enough time to work with her.

They were too weak to cause harm, but they were powerful enough to startle her and possibly be annoying, but she'd just shake them off and keep coming.
That's justification for using bear traps instead of weakened mouse traps.

[Teallaura]

FA, to housetrain her set up a litter box where you mean to leave it, pick her up, plop her in, leave her alone (she'll just walk away, like as not). Congrats, you've litter trained a cat.

Unless she's sick or incredibly stupid (doesn't sound like the latter) she'll train with no problems. She'll more likely wait for you to let her out since that's what she's used to, but as long as she knows where that box is, you're covered if she has to stay in too long.

Computers, et al: close the door to that room. No kitties allowed.

Barring that, clean them frequently (those cans of compressed air are terrific! so are the electronic vacuum attachments!).

Keeping her out: this one may backfire - you can end up with a cat that won't get near you anymore, and that's especially likely since you probably don't handle her a lot. But this will train her.

Take a clean (buy a new one - an old one might have a trace of something that can hurt her. New ones are a buck - don't be a cheapskate here), empty squirt bottle and fill with clean, pure (i.e. no pepper, vinegar or any other possible irritant) water. Keep it beside the door and spritz her when she tries to come in. It won't take long and she'll quit - but you may also lose her trust. I really wouldn't do this one were I you.

[themuzicman]

I'm just aware that the cat may be standing there when I open the door, so I crack it just enough to see what he's doing, and if he's there, I lead (slowly) with my foot, keeping it in front of him as I say "no, you stay OUT" as I exit the house and close the door.

Michael

[mossrose]

Good grief. My problem is trying to keep my cats IN! Even the blind one wants to go outside if I let her.


Fatty, cats are very smart. The litter box is easy, as Laura said.

We have umpteen computers in the house, two cats, and one of them is a longhair. We have fur everywhere. It doesn't hurt the computers any more than house dust does!

BRUSH the cat once a day, vacuum occasionally (not the cat, the house.........:brood:), keep the cover on the keyboard when you aren't using it, and you will be fine.

:smile:

[DesertBerean]

keep the cover on the keyboard when you aren't using it, and you will be fine.:smile: Also get an optical mouse or trackball. Better than digging hairballs out of the guts of a regular mouse.

[Teallaura]

Also get an optical mouse or trackball. Better than digging hairballs out of the guts of a regular mouse.

You mean everyone doesn't have an optical? :shocked:


BRUSH the cat once a day, vacuum occasionally (not the cat, the house.........:brood:), keep the cover on the keyboard when you aren't using it, and you will be fine.


Actually, with a calm cat and some patience, you can train them to let you use the vacuum - with the brush attachment, of course!

It's easier to buy a curry comb made for pets, however.

[SpiritWoman]

One question. Why have a cat if not for companionship?

I have a cat, three dogs, four birds and 5 computers.

The computers really don't mind sharing company with my pets.

And visa versa. :cheshire:

[mossrose]

You mean everyone doesn't have an optical? :shocked:





Actually, with a calm cat and some patience, you can train them to let you use the vacuum - with the brush attachment, of course!

It's easier to buy a curry comb made for pets, however.
I have a curry comb for my cats, but the longhair doesn't like it much. She would rather I used the softer bristle one on her long hair. The shorthair, however, loves the curry comb, and the longhair will let me use it to get loose hair up.

They don't like the vacuum, and haven't for 18 and 15 years, respectively. I know that some can be trained to enjoy it, and if so, all the better.

I just had visions of Michael running around with the shop vac trying to suck the poor cat right up into the thing, that is why I specified not to vacuum the cat.

:hehe:

[DesertBerean]

You mean everyone doesn't have an optical? :shocked: Teal, Teal....I am a federal employee. I deal with those dinosaurs all the time at work. :brood: Bleck.

Actually, with a calm cat and some patience, you can train them to let you use the vacuum - with the brush attachment, of course! The upright brush? Interesting idea. :grin:

[Teallaura]

Teal, Teal....I am a federal employee. I deal with those dinosaurs all the time at work. :brood: Bleck. State employee here - you get to take pets to your office? No fair!

:wink:

The upright brush? Interesting idea. :grin:it's great when they're willing - painful when not.

[Teallaura]

I have a curry comb for my cats, but the longhair doesn't like it much. She would rather I used the softer bristle one on her long hair. The shorthair, however, loves the curry comb, and the longhair will let me use it to get loose hair up.

They don't like the vacuum, and haven't for 18 and 15 years, respectively. I know that some can be trained to enjoy it, and if so, all the better.

I just had visions of Michael running around with the shop vac trying to suck the poor cat right up into the thing, that is why I specified not to vacuum the cat.

:hehe:

Ever try one of the curry stones? It's a pumice rock made for loose hair on horses - my longhairs love it. Finding them is a pain, however...:sad:

I don't believe Muz actually has a cat - and FA's not that mean (De on the other hand...:uneasy:).

[mossrose]

Never heard of the curry stone. We live in a rural area, I will have to check with my vet. He also does large animal work.

:smile:

[DesertBerean]

Never heard of the curry stone. We live in a rural area, I will have to check with my vet. He also does large animal work.

:smile: So does mine. *Makes note to stop by*

[Teallaura]

I think I still have one in the package - I'll look when I get home for the name. Actually, I've got to go to Selma today and I usually get them at a coop there, so I'll try to pick one up.

[Darth Executor]

I don't believe Muz actually has a cat - and FA's not that mean (De on the other hand...:uneasy:).

I hurt people, not cats. I train cats to lurk around the house and when a stranger comes in, claw his eyeballs out.

[Jillyn'Toast]

I hurt people, not cats. I train cats to lurk around the house and when a stranger comes in, claw his eyeballs out.

You just gotta act tough all the time, don't you. Your cats can't even be cute.

[Mark_S]

Glue its feet to the porch

[Teallaura]

Never heard of the curry stone. We live in a rural area, I will have to check with my vet. He also does large animal work.

:smile:

Here it is: It's called "Slick 'n Easy" (http://petvetsupply.com/grmhfar002.html) Horse Grooming Block.