stop tree climbing??

bluemoon912

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 26, 2004
Messages
3
Purraise
1
Hi,
I just joined this forum because I have a new problem with my cat. I recently moved, and when introducing my cat to his new yard he found a tree that he really liked to climb. On his third trip up the tree I happened to stand next to the tree and look directly up at him. To my horror I saw all the power lines running from the pole to the house directly over his head. They run right through the branches of the tree about 10 feet off the ground. This is the best tree for him to climb so I know he'll keep going for it.

Any suggestions for some type of barrier or deterrent to keep him out of that particular tree. It needs to be something fairly temporary as well. Since I am renting, I need an idea that the landlord could agree too.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I can't stand the thought of keeping him inside all the time once the weather is good. He can't stand it either ---

Thanks
Carrie
 

talon

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 2, 2003
Messages
2,299
Purraise
3
Location
NVA, USA
If the power lines are truly in the tree than that is a hazard and the tree should be at least trimmed back from the lines. Is there anyone who can anonymouslly call the power company and let them know of the situation. You could call, but that might anger the landlord if he/she finds out you made the call.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

bluemoon912

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 26, 2004
Messages
3
Purraise
1
Thanks for the response. The tree isn't really big enough to trim, and as low as the wires are it would have to be cut really. It's a nice tree, but not very well planned. The meters are on the wall behind the tree so I would assume someone has been there, and I know the phone company has been out to fix a problem. Maybe I can just approach the landlord with it as a hazzard issue. Till then I guess it's cabin fever kitty..
Carrie
 

hissy

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Feb 19, 2001
Messages
34,872
Purraise
76
You can also wrap the bottom of the tree with aluminum foil to stop the cat from climbing although the option is there for the cat to leap clear of the foil and land on the tree, plus if you wrap tightly you will kill the tree itself.
 

amberthe bobcat

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 17, 2003
Messages
4,829
Purraise
18
Location
In the Cougars den
Your best bet would be to keep your cat inside at all times. They are much healthier that way and are not prone to the dangers of being outdoors, mainly the human dangers. All my cats stay indoors.
 

ziggy

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
37
Purraise
1
Location
England
Im afraid this is a matter of opinion.
I believe they are happier and healthier OUTSIDE, all my cats are indoor/outdoor and always will be. So you see it goes both ways and it's not really fair to just throw 'keep them indoors' at anyone who has a cat problem. It's often not the answer. If this cat has been used to being outside, as it obviously has, it would be crueler to suddenly keep it locked indoors. The poster already said she is not willing to keep him in, and also that he would not like it.
I too would second getting someone to cut the tree so it's not so much of an issue or getting something to go around the trunk to stop him getting high enough.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

bluemoon912

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 26, 2004
Messages
3
Purraise
1
Thanks everyone,
I'll check out the links for the cat fence. I didn't know they made something like that. If not maybe aluminum flashing would work if I can think of a way to not attach it directly to the tree. I still have some time to work it out, the snow's too deep for him to get into the yard anyway.

Thanks for the help,
Carrie
 

amberthe bobcat

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 17, 2003
Messages
4,829
Purraise
18
Location
In the Cougars den
Ziggy, cats may be happier outside and that too is a matter of opinion. I have a cat that would never want to go outside, she is scared to death to even try. Most cats, if not let outside when they are kittens, will not want to go out. I spend a great deal of time interacting with my cats, so they get the excitement and attention they need. But, to say they are healthier is without a doubt not true. With all the illnesses they can pick up, let alone getting flea infested, hit by a car, getting into fights with other cats and or other animals and to be exposed to the biggest danger of being outside, humans. I would be willing to bet that an indoor cat has a longer life expectancy than an outdoor one. I too, when I was a child, had indoor outdoor cats. Were they happier? Well, only the cat knew. But, were they healthier? Absolutley not. Any cat that I had who went outside never made it past 10 years of age. They ended up getting into fights, would get sick and we had a stray cat the would hang around by our house that was poisoned. Like I said, the human dangers.
 

ziggy

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
37
Purraise
1
Location
England
I do believe indoor outdoor cats are healthier too. Obviously only if they're properly vaccinated and neutered before being let out. You cannot put a blanket statment on something like this and say ALL indoor cats are healtheir than ALL outdoor ones, because THAT is without a doubt not true.
I've had cats 15 years and they've ALL been indoor/outdoor, I wouldn't have it any other way, and NONE of my cats have lived less than 15 years. One lived to 20. None of my cats have had car accidents (I'd be surprised if they could FIND a car round here!) and none of my cats have gotten into fights. Infact, the only serious problems my cats HAVE had have been due to being indoors.
Indoor cats are more prone to obesity, have higher stress levels and are more prone to hairball problems. I would assume that if someone here said they were going to get a dog but never walk it, people would accuse them of animal cruelty. To me, thats no different to getting a cat and not letting it out. Or getting a horse and keeping it in a stable it's whole life.
But that ISN'T the debate here at all. This isn't the place for me or you to spout our view on where cats should be in or out. It shouldn't be an issue since it's already been stated that this cat WON'T be an indoor cat. The debate is trying to stop this cat climbing where he shouldn't be and since the poster already SAID she didn't want him as an indoor cat, I think it was almost......not rude but a little preachy so suggest she keep him in when she already said she didn't want to. Unless you missed that part.
It would be like me telling you to let your cat out when you already said you don't want to.
 

lotsocats

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
May 30, 2001
Messages
5,481
Purraise
17
Location
Out Yonder in Kentucky
Ziggy and Amber...If y'all would like me to pull out your posts and start a new thread with them in the IMO forum, let me know. Otherwise, lets keep this thread focused on keeping cats from climbing trees.

Thanks!

Renae
 

momofmany

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
16,249
Purraise
70
Location
There's no place like home
Here's an idea for you! I've talked to the docents at our zoo and they have told me their ideas around keeping the animals out of the trees (they have a chimpanzee group that spends a lot of time in a large outdoor area with large trees). They might have some ideas for you. Perhaps call the zoo and see what ideas they have come up with over the years!
 

marge

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 27, 2003
Messages
2,428
Purraise
1
I think as was said here, it's different for different cats and their neighborhoods. My cat lived outside for a long time-on the streets and then was rescued. and he was very unhappy indoors only. So I let him out for short spirts when I am there etc. My neighborhood is safe and quiet. He is so much happier I can't even tell you. But yes if he had never been outdoors I can see how that would be a better choice. Each cat is different.
 
Top