Problems with the plastic tunnel

[John85]

Some cats like to climb my tunnel and to have a nap on top of it.Unfortunately by doing so they lacerate the plastic with their claws.
I am looking for a cheap way of keeping them off.
Anyone a good idea?And please don't tell me:"rent an angry dog!".I don't want to do them any harm but I cann't afford to cover all the tunnel with wire mesh.

[Maggi Young]

What about loose strings running along the surface, with fluttering bits of string or ribbon tied at intervals ?
If these are loose enough they will flutter and move about and make it awkward  for the cats to cross and bothersome if they try to settle for a sleep. Of course this will not frighten the cats, but it may make the place less of a restful place to lie......

[ranunculus]

Try spraying WD40 (or similar) all over the sides up to 1 1/2 mtrs high ... only a suggestion, I have absolutely no idea if it will work!!!

[Maggi Young]

Try spraying WD40 (or similar) all over the sides up to 1 1/2 mtrs high ... only a suggestion, I have absolutely no idea if it will work!!!

I wondered if an application of some sort of oil would help. Was afraid that edible oil would attract more wildlife and that a heavier machine type oil would be harmful - but I hadn't thought of good old WD40 - I would certainly try that.

[John85]

Maggi,
I am afraid they 'll play with the ribbons and make even more damage.They alreay play with loose labels attached to shrubs.Much more fun and more easier than hunting mice!
About any oil:Cats 'll lick their paws , ingest some of the oil and 'll make them sick.I want no troubles with the neighbours!
May be an electronic device that makes a kind of fence around it and blast ultrasounds each times it is crossed?I know there are some for keeping dogs inside a certain perimeter.May be somebody knows more about it?
Any more ideas?

[SJW]

Perhaps contact this company for advice?

[SJW]

Helps if I include the link! http://www.deteracat.co.uk/index.htm

[Peter Maguire]

I've used those ultrasonic cat deterrent devices before, and they seem to work. The only problem is if the sensor area covers an area through which you repeatedly walk, then the batteries run down very quickly. 
Probably with more careful siting, the batteries would last longer. I believe some also come with a main adaptor if you have a source of nearby (safe) electricity.

[John85]

Thank you both.
How far does the sensor reach?

[johnralphcarpenter]

I have the same problem. There is no solution. A cat's got to do what a cat's got to do. I tried the ultrasound device. The cats ignored it but it annoyed the hell out of my wife (she has very sensitive hearing). Perhaps try draping an additional (sacrificial) piece of plastic over the tunnel?

[David Nicholson]

Having just spent an hour this morning on a disgusting job clearing up after all the neighbourhood's cats who use my garden as a toilet (and there are many!) a 2.2 rifle would seem very appropriate

[Michael J Campbell]

Now Now David, that's  bold talk, you can't do that  to the nice pussycats.

[Gerry Webster]

Having just spent an hour this morning on a disgusting job clearing up after all the neighbourhood's cats who use my garden as a toilet (and there are many!) a 2.2 rifle would seem very appropriate

A Kalashnikov would be more effective.

[Michael J Campbell]

 

[David Nicholson]

  and with apologies to all cat lovers but it really gets me down.