Help--how to keep cats out

[Linda/NE]

We have a chain link fence at the preschool and a new shipment of sand. The kids absolutely love it but the neighbor's stupid cat uses it as a litter box. This is the same neighbor who opens for me twice a week. I've mentioned it to her numerous times that the cat craps in the sand and then the kids end up finding it while they're playing. Her uncle volunteers with us and we'd repeated told him how we need to keep that cat out of the fence. The other day I heard him make, almost a sarcastic comment, about the cat only crapped once.

Anyway, is there something that I can use around the fence that would be safe for kids but a deterent for cats and any other stray animals? We've also had dogs venture in our yard too. I was thinking there was some kind of gel like stuff that you could use in gardens to keep cats out.

[Beth/TX]

Easiest solution would probably be to put some kind of cover on the sand box. We had a snake lay eggs in the sand box at my mom's house one year. Putting a cover on the box will ensure that nothing can get in.

[Linda/NE]

The sand covers a good portion of our back yard where the swings and slide are. It'd be too hard to cover it all. Thanks though!

[Diane]

I can't think of any way you're going to keep the cat out of the sand other than to contain the cat to the owners home. If it's been an outside cat all along... this may be a hard thing to do. Cat's do things like that in the sand, and I guess it's just doing what comes naturally. Not that makes what it's doing in your sand okay, but besides finding some way of covering it up... (large tarps?) I wouldn't have a clue.

Are cat's allowed to run free where you live? I'm a cat lover/owner... and I wouldn't want anyone doing this to my cat, but could you call animal control? Let them take care of it. This may cause some problems between you and the owners (who help you out) but at least you wouldn't have to worry about finding any surprises in your sand anymore.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works that will leave everyone feeling satisfied/happy.

[AnnW]

Do you have a PetSmart near by? I would ask them. There might be something you could spray. I know I sprinkled cayene pepper on plants to keep our puppy from chewing on them, but that might not work with kids cause they could get it in their eyes.

[Diane]

Do you have a PetSmart near by? I would ask them. There might be something you could spray. I know I sprinkled cayene pepper on plants to keep our puppy from chewing on them, but that might not work with kids cause they could get it in their eyes.

I know they sell something called "Cat Away"... (they also have "Dog Away") that we use to buy and use on our furniture to keep the cat off from it. If the area is that large though you'd probably end up spending a fortune (it wasn't cheap) spraying that around each/every day/night to keep it potent enough to keep the cat offended by the smell to want to stay out.

I've also used cayene pepper in my outside flower pots to keep the squirrels out and that works great... but like AnnW said, I'm not too sure how that would work with kids being around, to say nothing about how much $$ you'd have to invest in buying that much cayene pepper for the whole summer. LOL

[vea29]

Not any real help.....but we use to put a pool cover over the sand box at my old job...May there is a largre tarp you could buy...Like the ones landscapers use to colect leaves....Tack it down some how...we use to use the Rubbermaid Bins that the sand toys were in.

[vea29]

http://www.petsmart.com/global/search/search_results.jsp?cm_ven=goo&cm_cat=adwords&cm_pla=Cat&cm_ite=Repellants&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025622&N=2025622&Ne=2&TS=2%7CALL&bmUID=1147176908535

[Linda/NE]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking there might be something we could spray around the fence rather than the whole yard. My assistant suggested contacting the extension office to see if they'd have some ideas.

I didn't think animals were allowed to roam free in town, but I'm not sure of the rules on cats. Of all the places for us to open up would have to be next to Cat Lady! She has lots of cats inside her house. When the wind is just right you can smell a 'cat smell' when walking past her house. She's a big animal advocate, which is fine to a certain extent, but I draw the line at treating cats like people. One day a little girl was trying to get this cat to leave the fenced yard because she knew it wasn't supposed to be there. The little girl was kicking at it, which she shouldn't have done. Cat Lady told me about it the next day and expected me to 'talk' to this little girl immediately about it. I told her that no the little girl shouldn't have kicked the cat, she was only trying to get the cat out because it craps in the sand. I think CL wasn't happy with me but if HHS or the health inspector came around and there was cat crap in the yard we'd get written up. Sorry got off on a tagent there!

Thanks!!

[Diane]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking there might be something we could spray around the fence rather than the whole yard. My assistant suggested contacting the extension office to see if they'd have some ideas.

I didn't think animals were allowed to roam free in town, but I'm not sure of the rules on cats. Of all the places for us to open up would have to be next to Cat Lady! She has lots of cats inside her house. When the wind is just right you can smell a 'cat smell' when walking past her house. She's a big animal advocate, which is fine to a certain extent, but I draw the line at treating cats like people. One day a little girl was trying to get this cat to leave the fenced yard because she knew it wasn't supposed to be there. The little girl was kicking at it, which she shouldn't have done. Cat Lady told me about it the next day and expected me to 'talk' to this little girl immediately about it. I told her that no the little girl shouldn't have kicked the cat, she was only trying to get the cat out because it craps in the sand. I think CL wasn't happy with me but if HHS or the health inspector came around and there was cat crap in the yard we'd get written up. Sorry got off on a tagent there!

Thanks!!

I hope you'll find something that works. :)

[AnnW]

Linda, do you have restrictions as to how many pets you can own? If she has enough cats that you can smell the urine, I think I would call the humane society.

[Melody]

I agree with what Ann said, call the humane society. Maybe you could get a big dog? LOL
I don't see why cat owners can let the cats outside without being tied up like a dog. Dogs are not allowed to roam freely, cats shouldn't be either. They get into garbage, into sand boxes and gardens. Usually a dog roaming (in my area anyhow) are friendly, they just happened to get out of the yard somehow. Cats, imho, are more of a neighbourhood nuisance. We do have one neighbour that sees it that way as well and won't let their cat outside unless they tie it to a leash and are there to supervise it (in case it got tangled or a dog came along).

[Melody]

One day a little girl was trying to get this cat to leave the fenced yard because she knew it wasn't supposed to be there. The little girl was kicking at it, which she shouldn't have done. Cat Lady told me about it the next day and expected me to 'talk' to this little girl immediately about it. I told her that no the little girl shouldn't have kicked the cat, she was only trying to get the cat out because it craps in the sand.

Why not have a big spray bottle filled with water outside and spray the cats each time they come in the yard? It wouldn't harm the cats but even the kids could use it and eventually the cat will get the message not to go over the fence unless it wants to be sprayed with water. We did that to teach a cat not to jump on the kitchen counters and it worked.

[PamE]

I agree with what Ann said, call the humane society. Maybe you could get a big dog? LOL
I don't see why cat owners can let the cats outside without being tied up like a dog. Dogs are not allowed to roam freely, cats shouldn't be either. They get into garbage, into sand boxes and gardens. Usually a dog roaming (in my area anyhow) are friendly, they just happened to get out of the yard somehow. Cats, imho, are more of a neighbourhood nuisance. We do have one neighbour that sees it that way as well and won't let their cat outside unless they tie it to a leash and are there to supervise it (in case it got tangled or a dog came along).

Just be glad it's not a COW!!! :lol: Now there's an unpleasant package to find on your doorstep in the morning!! 8o

Sorry... it just struck me funny with the thought that little bitty dogs have to be leashed and cows can roam free to poop where they may. :rolleyes: Something's just not right about that!

[Melody]

Just be glad it's not a COW!!! :lol: Now there's an unpleasant package to find on your doorstep in the morning!! 8o

Sorry... it just struck me funny with the thought that little bitty dogs have to be leashed and cows can roam free to poop where they may. :rolleyes: Something's just not right about that!

ROFLMAO.......

[angie r]

Just be glad it's not a COW!!! :lol: Now there's an unpleasant package to find on your doorstep in the morning!! 8o

Sorry... it just struck me funny with the thought that little bitty dogs have to be leashed and cows can roam free to poop where they may. :rolleyes: Something's just not right about that!

Oh no you didn't just say that!! rofl!

[Diane]

Just be glad it's not a COW!!! :lol: Now there's an unpleasant package to find on your doorstep in the morning!! 8o

Sorry... it just struck me funny with the thought that little bitty dogs have to be leashed and cows can roam free to poop where they may. :rolleyes: Something's just not right about that!

8o 8o 8o ... You are hilarious!!! :biglaugh:

[PamE]

:lol: Wish it were funny when it happens, lol! :lol:

[Diane]

:lol: Wish it were funny when it happens, lol! :lol:

I suppose it isn't... and the smell has to be incredible. :grimace: :rolleyes: That's one thing I hope I'll never have to experience. LOL

[PamE]

I suppose it isn't... and the smell has to be incredible. :grimace: :rolleyes: That's one thing I hope I'll never have to experience. LOL

It's the only time in Arizona when a snow shovel would come in handy!!! :goofy: (where's the gag-me smilie???)

[Linda/NE]

Linda, do you have restrictions as to how many pets you can own? If she has enough cats that you can smell the urine, I think I would call the humane society.
That I'm not sure of. At times I think she takes better care of the cats than of herself and her home. My assistant (G) & I refuse to eat anything that comes out of her house because there's bound to be cat hair in it!

Definitely need to check into the city ordinances on this. Thanks!

[Linda/NE]

Why not have a big spray bottle filled with water outside and spray the cats each time they come in the yard? It wouldn't harm the cats but even the kids could use it and eventually the cat will get the message not to go over the fence unless it wants to be sprayed with water. We did that to teach a cat not to jump on the kitchen counters and it worked.

that might just work, at least for this friendly one that is the neighbor's beloved pet. I don't think I'd let the kids use it though. I'm sure more than the cat would get wet!!

We used to throw glasses of water at cats that would climb up the screens on our doors when I was a kid. They usually learned their lesson.
thanks!

[Linda/NE]

Just be glad it's not a COW!!! :lol: Now there's an unpleasant package to find on your doorstep in the morning!! 8o

Sorry... it just struck me funny with the thought that little bitty dogs have to be leashed and cows can roam free to poop where they may. :rolleyes: Something's just not right about that!

OH MY!! Seriously??? Around here the cattle are in pastures or lots with electric fence around it. I can't say that I've ever seen them just roaming. Uh ..wait.. I take that back. One farm place we lived on would let the cattle into the yard to eat down the grass/weeds so they didn't have to mow it. We had a gate across the driveway. We had a fenced in yard so they never got up by the house.

It's quite an unpleasant smell.

[PamE]

OH MY!! Seriously??? Around here the cattle are in pastures or lots with electric fence around it. I can't say that I've ever seen them just roaming. Uh ..wait.. I take that back. One farm place we lived on would let the cattle into the yard to eat down the grass/weeds so they didn't have to mow it. We had a gate across the driveway. We had a fenced in yard so they never got up by the house.

It's quite an unpleasant smell.

We have free range down here (like in TX) so the moos can go wherever their little hearts desire. :moo: Unfortunately they seem to have a penchant for my rose bushes and pond water (right on our front walkway).

[Diane]

We have free range down here (like in TX) so the moos can go wherever their little hearts desire. :moo: Unfortunately they seem to have a penchant for my rose bushes and pond water (right on our front walkway).

I couldn't imagine having to look out for cow sh!t every time I walked out my front door. LOL It's bad enough when someones stray dog makes a deposit I know nothing about. :)

[aztec_judy]

LindaNE : first off, if the smell is that bad, and she appears to take better care of the cats than herself then maybe you do/should call the humane society on her. For it shouldnt be that way.
second : take a spray bottle, 12 oz with water and a few drops of liquid soap in it. spray the cats with that and they will start staying away more.
third: you need to make sure that your ARE doing all to protect the kids first an foremost; not matter what else may happen.
fourth : are you & neighbors sure its only happened once ??? or have you not been informed of other times that it mite have happened ??? hmmm
Considering the type work your in, you dont' need that kind of headache to go with it. And You know that once the Health people become involved they won't stop at just one time of checking you out, they will be back.
I am a cat lover and have had 3 cats at one time and never did ya come in and smell the urine that way at all. Infact, most people were surprised to find that I had the 3 cats. they all thought I only had the one.
today I have NO animals, which I do so prefer; since I can go more often place and not worry about my pet(s) ... lolololol

good luck ......

[PamE]

How high is your fence, Linda, and how big is your play area? The reason I ask is Dh and I covered part of our pool area with fabric shade (there might be another name for it) and we've been amazed at how well it's held up (even in the az sun). Maybe you could cover the area with that, or put posts up every 5' or so and attach it to that. What a pain! :rolleyes:

[KarlaB]

We have free range down here (like in TX) so the moos can go wherever their little hearts desire. :moo: Unfortunately they seem to have a penchant for my rose bushes and pond water (right on our front walkway).

OMG! I am ROFLMAOPMP! I thought you were kidding! I just cannot even imagine!! :lol: And to think I get annoyed when the neighbor dogs poop in our yard! :{

[PamE]

OMG! I am ROFLMAOPMP! I thought you were kidding! I just cannot even imagine!! :lol: And to think I get annoyed when the neighbor dogs poop in our yard! :{

I don't mind the dogs so much anymore! :lol:

Mom's dh has spent a lot of time and money putting up a split rail fence around their front yard to keep the cows out. It was such a hoot the other day when a humongous bull came walking down the street, walked over their fence like it wasn't there and proceeded to munch on their little sapling trees. :lol: Mom's dh was so disgusted, lol!

[aztec_judy]

PamE : that reminds me of living in TN .. and was going to run errands one day; and I was stopped very very quickly at my back door. There between me and my jeep was 3 cows .. lolol I went to the front door and looked out and there was like about 4 more out front .. they were just grazing on the grass ..
So I called the owner of the land and asked him if he knew who the cows belonged too ??? hmmm And he said ... oh no are they out again?? I said yes they are and I dont mind them eating my grass .. but I need to leave and I ain't stepping out with them there.. help please..
The owner of the cows came and got them about 30 minutes later .. lololol I should have taken pics of them there but didnt' think about it til like 3 days later.. lololol during the year and a half that we lived there that happened like 2 times .. lolololol tooo funny .. too funny .. lolol

[KarlaB]

I don't mind the dogs so much anymore! :lol:

Mom's dh has spent a lot of time and money putting up a split rail fence around their front yard to keep the cows out. It was such a hoot the other day when a humongous bull came walking down the street, walked over their fence like it wasn't there and proceeded to munch on their little sapling trees. :lol: Mom's dh was so disgusted, lol!

OMG! These stories are just killing me!! :lol:

[Diane]

OMG! These stories are just killing me!! :lol:

That's one thing I never have to worry about seeing in my front yard... and if I did something would be very wrong. LOL I did see a deer in my front yard once, but that was many many years ago... and also very unusual seeing I don't live by any woods. Just watch... tomorrow I'll wake up to a cow grazing in my front yard. LOL

[PamE]

That's one thing I never have to worry about seeing in my front yard... and if I did something would be very wrong. LOL I did see a deer in my front yard once, but that was many many years ago... and also very unusual seeing I don't live by any woods. Just watch... tomorrow I'll wake up to a cow grazing in my front yard. LOL

They usually come in the middle of the night, which was why we were suprised to see that bull! 8o

Sorry, Linda, I didn't mean to take over your post. :(

[Linda/NE]

LindaNE : fourth : are you & neighbors sure its only happened once ??? or have you not been informed of other times that it mite have happened ??? hmmm
Considering the type work your in, you dont' need that kind of headache to go with it. And You know that once the Health people become involved they won't stop at just one time of checking you out, they will be back.
I am a cat lover and have had 3 cats at one time and never did ya come in and smell the urine that way at all. Infact, most people were surprised to find that I had the 3 cats. they all thought I only had the one.
today I have NO animals, which I do so prefer; since I can go more often place and not worry about my pet(s) ... lolololol

good luck ......

WE know it has happened more than once. Her Uncle that volunteers with us is the one that claims it only happened once. I'm sure that's what she claims as well. We always scoop it up and dump it over the fence in her yard. She saw sand in her yard the other day and apparently wasn't very happy. Don't know if anyone told her we were just returning what was hers. LOL
Thanks for the info.

[Linda/NE]

They usually come in the middle of the night, which was why we were suprised to see that bull! 8o

Sorry, Linda, I didn't mean to take over your post. :(
Not a problem- I always enjoy when threads take a humorous curve. :)

[Linda/NE]

How high is your fence, Linda, and how big is your play area? The reason I ask is Dh and I covered part of our pool area with fabric shade (there might be another name for it) and we've been amazed at how well it's held up (even in the az sun). Maybe you could cover the area with that, or put posts up every 5' or so and attach it to that. What a pain! :rolleyes:

I'm not entirely sure, I think it's a 4 ft. fence. I couldn't tell you the size of the play area. I'm just not good with judging area. I might have to look into that. Thanks!