h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

That should be 'came back' of course

purrrrrrrrfect

poop. I meant

I knew that

Similar in effect to a water pistol, an old washing up liquid bottle is good (and won't get you branded as a terrorist by overly-suspicious neighbors). Also you can get quite a lot of water in. According to my mother (a cat lover, but a garden lover even more), the best strategy is to give a good soaking to a "new cat" - accompanied by a war cry if circumstances permit - to ensure there's at least one cat that'll never come back.

You can buy a 2-D model cat with reflective eyes from garden centres. I think they're supposed to frighten others away.

Thanks you lot! This is very helpful indeed.

Drinks all round ...

I might have to try each suggestion one-by-one (apart from the .22 suggestion Hoo, I'm afraid). Or, I could make an elaborate combination of all or some plans. Hmmm.

Hows about filling up a water pistol with eucalyptus oil?

Ste

we can practise warcries while we're drinking !


hummm, nice


ARGooogougougoug-yeeennnneee <- my new warcry

For peple who like mogwizzles, go to my U space and read the diary of a housecat there

As for filling a water pistolwith eucalyptus, may get pricey, but you could always add a few drops tot he water int he pistol for a double whammy? And make many warcries:

How about "nottheface!"

Sorry, I stole that from somewhere, and for the life f me can't remember where

Is it plaigiarism if you can't remember the source? I fear it is *sigh*

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1898645.stm

I've heard it is very good indeed!

But as I have a cat myself, I use a water spray (one off those you can buy for a pound in IKEA for spraying plants) which I keep on the windowsill next to the back door. For the really pschotic cat from next door but one I iuse the spray with washing up liquid in it (for greenfly really) and I shoot for the eyes. Works a treat

For anyone who can 'borrow' the odd large plastic syringe from work, they can make reasonable water pistols. When fiiled (with no airspace), a good thump on the plunger with the heel of the hand can generate a jet that goes quite a distance. Not enough to really soak the cat, but possibly accurate enough for a head-shot.

fnaa fnaa

Lion Poo, eh? That makes a lot of sense. I seem to remember the Missus mentioning Mountain Lion Poo. I know they exist Southern California, and even in some parts here in San Diego! Maybe I could go to the San Diego Zoo and ask a favour of the keepers...

I think the cats come in the night, so unless I stand sentry 24 hours a day with a water pistol or syringe (now I would have access to them!) it ain't an option. Shame, sounds like fun.

I bought some eucalyptus oil today (expensive stuff!) and am currently drying out teabags. I'll let you know how it goes...

Thanks

Ste

Thought you might like to know that the results of my experiments with holly clippings are very encouraging. After one experience of stepping onto the spiky leaves (and then leaping high over the rest of them )the cats have been leaving the newly dug vegetable patch alone. Result

Good luck Ste

And well done on the holly leaves front... Maybe if you dip a holly leaf in eaucalyptus oil and lauch it at the offending using a slingie thingie, or a jet of water?

Okay, so maybe I'm being just a little now

If they have a specific entry point to your garden, try leaving moth balls or orange peel there.

Interesting the posting about training cats - ours knows exactly where she's allowed - just waits until we're out of the room to go there!

If they have a specific entry point to your garden, try leaving moth balls or orange peel there.

Interesting the posting about training cats - ours knows exactly where she's NOT allowed - just waits until we're out of the room to go there!

I tried moth balls. They had as much effect as a written notice saying 'Cats please keep out'