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Cats and Dogs on the loose
August 14, 2007 - 10:37am — Peanuts
Can someone please tell me how to get rid of all the cats that are running loose. I'm so tired of them using our sandbox for their personal litterbox. We bought a live trap and catch some that way, but what a waste of an officers time to have to pick them up and take them to the pound. Don't get me wrong, I like cats, but if your going to have one in town you have two choices, keep it in the house at all times or put it on a leash. We don't see so many dogs running loose, but I do see a lot of owners walking their dogs which are not on a leash. This means the dogs are free to come in my yard and pee on my trees, plants, veggies or whatever they feel they need to mark. Looking forward to hearing your ideas.
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Catnip laced with...
Back to page topCatnip laced with acetaminophen (a.k.a. tylenol) should do the trick.
ARE YOU FRICKIN CRAZY? this...
Back to page topARE YOU FRICKIN CRAZY? this is toxic to dogs and cats!!!!!!!!! IT CAUSES SIEZURES AND LIVER FAILURE!!!!!!!
dAILY jOURNAL-----WHILE YOU...
Back to page topdAILY jOURNAL-----WHILE YOU ARE ALLOWING THIS TO BE POSTED MAYBE YOU'LL GET A FEW MORE WACKOS WITH THEIR IDEAS! SHAME ON YOU FOR BEING SO IRRESPONSIBLE!!!!!!!!!
six-shooter: I wasn't sure...
Back to page topsix-shooter:
I wasn't sure what the acetaminophen was going to do since when our dog was sick a vet suggested giving her an aspirin every day to ease her pain. I don't want to kill anyone's animals, I just want them to go away.
We, too, are disappointed by...
Back to page topWe, too, are disappointed by the response by Paradox. It is irresponsible, but does not constitute a violation of our policy.
Instead, we spent a few minutes gathering information that could actually help Peanuts and we hope Peanuts follows through on the information we have posted.
“Acetaminophen is extremely toxic to cats, causing anemia, kidney failure, even death,” according to Dr. Wade Himes, an International Falls veterinarian. “You wouldn’t want to give it to a cat unless you were trying to kill it.”
In addition, Minnesota laws on animal cruelty classify intentional poisoning as a gross misdemeanor.
The law further states that any person who fails to comply with any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Himes recommends products such as “Keep off my Garden” or scattering mothballs in areas where cats (or even skunks) frequent.
A variety of pet repellents are available at local pet supply stores.
Any sandbox should be covered and mothballs be scattered in the garden area. Food that can attract cats or other scavengers should not be left outside and compost material should not contain meat or other items that could attract animals.
If you know whose cat is frequenting your yard, talk to the owners. They may not realize their cat is causing you problems. Within the city, animal control can assist.
Any other constructive ideas out there?
Laurel, I am concerned with...
Back to page topLaurel, I am concerned with your answer of using moth balls. Peanuts mentioned she has a sandbox which would lead me to believe she has children. I believe childrens curiosity of what they are could pose a risk. Also moth balls in the garden, I am curious about that, would that not permeate the veggies? I was told to use peppermint oil to keep pests away. How does that affect the veggies? I don't know that either, but atleast it is not poison. Has anyone used peppermint oil for bugs and pests? I would like to know if it really works.
I pour peppermint schnapps...
Back to page topI pour peppermint schnapps on the soil. The little buggers get drunk, and beat each other to death!!
That sounds like a buffet...
Back to page topThat sounds like a buffet for Andrew Zimmern
roj2000, I'm not gonna waste...
Back to page toproj2000, I'm not gonna waste good peppermint schnapps on the little buggers! Perhaps I will drink enough of it, and I won't notice the cats (and dogs).
Problem is there are plenty...
Back to page topProblem is there are plenty of owners who don't give a darn where there dog or cat uses the restroom provided it is not their yard.
For the nearly 5 years which I lived in the falls, I had a neighbor who had has many has 5 labs who constantly used my yard as a toilet or would rip up my trash. Didn't help she had a female in this bunch which now and then attracted every male dog within miles to come over and crap all over my yard. When we would say something to the owner, she would usually come back with a reply of 'It wasn't my dog' or 'dogs will be dogs' or 'you have a photo proving i was my dog' or better yet, 'call my dad and he'll come over and pick it up'.
Peanut, Don't hurt the animal if at all possible. Call animal control and see if they can loan you a live trap. If you are around when this cat pays their visit, have a hose ready and give them a nice shower. A couple times of that and they will not be back.
We have tried different...
Back to page topWe have tried different products to keep animals away. They need to be applied frequently or they loose their effectiveness (this tends to get a bit expensive) and we found we had a sever allergic reaction to mothballs. Unfortunately we designed the sandbox for the kids and didn't think about all the animals that are on the loose. Covering it is not a realistic option because of the size and layout, there are swings, slides, climbing walls, a 'fort' and other stuff with the sand underneath and around the whole area. When we tried to put tarps around it and weigh them down, the kids just ignored it (the play area), so it was clean but unused. I would love to know the owner(s) of the cat, but have you ever tried to follow a cat home? On any given day we have 6-10 different cats wandering around. This isn't like a small problem, it's been going on forever. I think the owner(s) if found, should be given more than a 'slap on the wrist'. The owner(s) should be charged with animal cruelty for letting their animals run loose. How about the shelter charging more when owners arrive to claim their lost pet, if I understand it right, they only pay $25 to get their pet back. Maybe it should be $100, which can go to help pay for the shelter.
Let me be clear on the fact that I am not and will not, kill someone's pet. I would like ideas for scaring them away so that they won't come back again. There are no bad animals, just bad humans who are not responsible owners.
lol....wow....i cant believe...
Back to page toplol....wow....i cant believe no one picked up the sarcasm in Paradox's statement.....most educated people know that giving tylenol to animals is a BAD idea......
Peanut asked a question "Can someone please tell me how to get rid of all the cats that are running loose. I'm so tired of them using our sandbox for their personal litterbox" and Paradox was giving her an answer...after all...Peanut made sure to point out that "what a waste of an officers time to have to pick them up and take them to the pound"
Paradox was merely giving an answer, alabeit a facetious one.....
My answer to Peanut in order to get rid of cats?
Get a dog.
Raniergurl, thank you....
Back to page topRaniergurl, thank you.
Peanuts, indeed, high doses of acetaminophen is lethal to cats. While we are on the subject, I have another animal/bio-chemical fun fact to offer: feeding alka seltzer to seagulls causes their stomachs to explode.
Is it just me or does anyone else just feel like screaming DUH! ?
Six, I am astonished by your strong desire to protect the feline population of I-falls. It is truly commendable.
However, what is more even concerning than my crass and cynical sense of humor is the need for the editor to research the issue and then break it down 'Barney' style for readers. It is dreadfully disconcerting...
The cat population really is...
Back to page topThe cat population really is out of control. In the hub of town I believe it is the worst. I think that when tenants move out of their apartments or rental homes and move to a place that doesn't take cats they just leave them. Then they breed and breed. It is a real problem. I don't know the answer but it is cruel to let them wander and search for food and a warm place when the snow flies.
Kay, I never thought that...
Back to page topKay,
I never thought that might be the reason why, but it makes sense.
Raniergurl,
I have a dog...he likes cats, for a while I thought maybe he was inviting them over so that he would have someone new to play with. I had a talk with him though, and I think he's innocent of the crime. Just for the record, he will not now or ever be having offspring and loves his leash, and he was adopted from the Humane Society.
I "out did" Paradox, and...
Back to page topI "out did" Paradox, and probably will be reported to the National SPCA! I put a large picture of Hillary Clinton in my front yard, and have not seen one cat within 100 yards of my home!!!! I used one of Rosie O'Dumbell too! It worked, but started to attract roaches, so I switched back to Hillary!!
Peanuts ask Roj2000 for a...
Back to page topPeanuts ask Roj2000 for a solution, he has an answer for every problem. It could be a paradox answer though. But atleast it will be funny
But be careful, I may cause...
Back to page topBut be careful, I may cause you or your pet to "chortle"!!
Paradox- I guess I didn't...
Back to page topParadox- I guess I didn't read into your humor. I did pick up on the sarcasim in saving cats of I.F. Not my intent. Just trying to save a cat or dog anywhere from a very painful and ugly death. Yea see it only takes a very low dose 10mg/kg of any acetaminophen product to poisin a cat. If anyone wants to put an animal down do it humanely. Whether educated or not there are alot of sickos out there.
Peanut, two of the best...
Back to page topPeanut, two of the best things I can suggested which are non-lethal are a Water Hose and Pepper Spray.
A high pressure nozzle will not harm the cat but get him soaked enough that they will not want to come back especially if you do this more than once.
Pepper Spray works wonders as well. It's non-lethal, the animal will recover quickly and learns a valuable lesson quickly. The only problem there is that the owner may not appreciate it and come banging on your door.
I was forced to this action with my neighbors dogs a few months back. It was 1am and her dog was ripping open my trashcan (I mean ripping it apart). Shooing it away and yelling at it did not work and tried it many times before I was left with no other alternative. The neighbor came staggering over (booze on the breath and all) screaming at me and making threats against my 2 toddlers. End result was the dog learned it's lesson and never tried to go in my trash can again.
Did you really pepper spray...
Back to page topDid you really pepper spray the neighbor's dog? I have a hard time believing anyone could do that to a non thretening animal
I'm sorry you feel that way...
Back to page topI'm sorry you feel that way but under the circumstances I think you would have done the same thing. BTW, did I mention that this same neighbor hunts protected woodpeckers on their property who they consider to be a nuisance? Where is the difference? Oh yes, what I did was not lethal or forbidden by law.
Fluffybear, When I lived in...
Back to page topFluffybear,
When I lived in TX, I had no choice but to walk with pepper spray many times. If I had my own dog (on a leash) I would be charged by numerous dogs that owners did not properly restrain.
Hey, if it works and it keeps my animal from getting mauled or me from getting bit, so be it. One dog that I did finally have to spray (and he only got a whiff - but that was enough) would not even come off of the yard when I walked by again.
When we went for walks in...
Back to page topWhen we went for walks in the Falls, my family and I always carried pepper spray as well (there is one dog where CR20 curves that we always had the pepper spray out and ready as he was the meanest SOB and feared what would happen if he got out of that kennel). I do not recall ever having to use it but I did get close to using a baseball bat one time. Dog came charging at my infant daughter and I in our own driveway. If we were not passing by the garage at the very second and scared him off, I wonder what would have happened.
After numerous complaints from many people in our area, the neighbor made a joke of an attempt to keep their dogs in the yard by using an invisible fence. After after a couple of days (I mean 2 or 3 only) the dogs were running all over the place again. When I asked, they told me they took the collars off because the dog did not like it.
It is time that International Falls and county (for that matter) enforce a strict leash law. A good example of a working law is where my family moved. There are no dogs running loose and we have taken the dedicated paths (which are behind the home)and have not been charged uncontrolled animals once. Those who have dogs are required to have them behind fences. BTW, Wood fences (chain link is not allowed in this community) are required to be kept 10 feet(some areas as much as 30 feet) off the paths and invisible fences are required to be no less than 25 feet off the path.
Point is if pet owners were responsible than we would need laws such as this nor would dogs and cats would be running loose. Every pet (including cats) that my family or I have ever owned have never been allowed to just run loose (I do understand that accidents do happen and animals do get out).
Never thought of pepper...
Back to page topNever thought of pepper spray. Where can I find that around here?
You missing the cold temps, awesome smells, and K Mart? ;-)
Best of luck
PM with your address and...
Back to page topPM with your address and I'll send some! I purchased a lot of 12 from eBay a couple of years back and still have some which have never been used. The only thing we have to fear here is being hit in the head with acorns or pine cones.