napagirl
Well-Known Member
My rabbit Dimi is a house rabbit. But she LOVES to be outside with us in the backyard while we are gardening, relaxing, etc. I've spent many hours/money researching and removing unsafe plants, and putting in safe ones for her. I NEVER, EVER leave her unsupervised, as my neighbor has a "huntress" cat. I didn't know if the cat would react to her or not, but I got to find out last night.
While sitting out yesterday, about 7pm, the neighbor's cat shot like a bullet after Dimi. Dimi was able to outrun the cat, and we were up and after the cat in an instant. Fortunately, the cat did not make contact with Dimi, and Dimi did not suffer a heart attack. She was soooo upset, and it took me hours to finally get her calmed down. She is fine now, and obviously hasn't been back outside.
I talked to the neighbor this morning who is a nice enough person, but will do nothing about the cat coming into our yard. Animal control said I could trap the cat and bring it in, but they would just give it back to the owner, since cats are allowed to roam. And I don't want to start world war 3.
So I would like to hear some ideas of how to humanely keep the cat out of our yard. Obviously just supervising isn't good enough as this attack happened lightening-fast. I read about motion sensor sprinkler that we could set up when Dimi is not outside. But I read that it wasn't always so good with smaller animals like cats. There is also cat repellent which I may try. Another option is to put some type of chicken or hog wire on top of the fence areas where the cat comes over. I just don't know what to do about this. Dimi LOVES the garden, and loves getting her exercise. It isn't a big yard... maybe 65ft x 30 ft. any ideas or similar experiences??
While sitting out yesterday, about 7pm, the neighbor's cat shot like a bullet after Dimi. Dimi was able to outrun the cat, and we were up and after the cat in an instant. Fortunately, the cat did not make contact with Dimi, and Dimi did not suffer a heart attack. She was soooo upset, and it took me hours to finally get her calmed down. She is fine now, and obviously hasn't been back outside.
I talked to the neighbor this morning who is a nice enough person, but will do nothing about the cat coming into our yard. Animal control said I could trap the cat and bring it in, but they would just give it back to the owner, since cats are allowed to roam. And I don't want to start world war 3.
So I would like to hear some ideas of how to humanely keep the cat out of our yard. Obviously just supervising isn't good enough as this attack happened lightening-fast. I read about motion sensor sprinkler that we could set up when Dimi is not outside. But I read that it wasn't always so good with smaller animals like cats. There is also cat repellent which I may try. Another option is to put some type of chicken or hog wire on top of the fence areas where the cat comes over. I just don't know what to do about this. Dimi LOVES the garden, and loves getting her exercise. It isn't a big yard... maybe 65ft x 30 ft. any ideas or similar experiences??