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Help! Cat sleeping on car engine.


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Old 30-12-2016, 13:18
Patchbuncle
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Went to top up the fluid levels on the car to find the engine covered in paw prints, grrrrrr. Any advice how to stop this?

I've had quick Google and considered the sprays but surely that'd make the car stink? We think it's our cat doing it, so don't want to use one of the ultrasound deterrents to keep her completely away. There is a cat flap to the garage so the pesky animal has somewhere to go when she chooses to stay out at night. Keeping the cat in isn't a option, she is a rescued stray and much prefers prowling around at night, it would be impossible, in fact.

Any suggestions (that don't involve maiming said cat)? We are having a few random minor electrical faults with the car that we're wondering are caused this!

Last edited by Patchbuncle : 30-12-2016 at 13:26. Reason: Car stink, not cat stink!
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Old 30-12-2016, 13:34
TUTV Viewer
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Any suggestions (that don't involve maiming said cat)? We are having a few random minor electrical faults with the car that we're wondering are caused this!
There's 2 reasons your cat may be going in there...

Firstly the warmth of the engine.

Secondly the sweet taste of spilt or leaking antifreeze that cats seem to love but will quickly them.

Check for spills and leaks.
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Old 30-12-2016, 13:38
Patchbuncle
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There's 2 reasons your cat may be going in there...

Firstly the warmth of the engine.

Secondly the sweet taste of spilt or leaking antifreeze that cats seem to love but will quickly them.

Check for spills and leaks.
No leaks or spills, think its a shelter thing which is a bit annoying seeing as there's a cat flap to our garage which is full of cosy places.
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Old 30-12-2016, 14:11
killjoy
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Barbed wire?
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Old 30-12-2016, 14:18
TerraCanis
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No leaks or spills, think its a shelter thing which is a bit annoying seeing as there's a cat flap to our garage which is full of cosy places.
Lock the cat flap?

(If shelter is a problem, cat houses / small dog* kennels might be a suitable alternative).

*Just hide any packaging with D-O-G written on it before the cat sees it.
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Old 30-12-2016, 14:38
Patchbuncle
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Lock the cat flap?

(If shelter is a problem, cat houses / small dog* kennels might be a suitable alternative).

*Just hide any packaging with D-O-G written on it before the cat sees it.
I don't think that would be a problem, the cat eats the dog's food, cuddles up with him and washes him. Sleeping in something marked DOG, wouldn't be a problem, in fact it may be an incentive!
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Old 30-12-2016, 14:48
Fizzbin
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Blanket or tarpaulin over the bonnet.
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Old 30-12-2016, 15:53
scottie2121
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Blanket or tarpaulin over the bonnet.
I'd assumed the cat didn't access the engine by opening the bonnet then closing it behind him/her.
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Old 30-12-2016, 15:56
Lou Kelly
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Orange peel on the bonnet.
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Old 30-12-2016, 16:32
Gort
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Lion poo on the bonnet?
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Old 30-12-2016, 16:38
Patchbuncle
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Lion poo on the bonnet?
That's the thing though. Wouldn't it smell when the engine is warm. I spend a lot of time in that car...
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Old 30-12-2016, 16:42
Gort
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That's the thing though. Wouldn't it smell when the engine is warm. I spend a lot of time in that car...
Well, the warm engine will heighten the smell and ensure that all the cats on your street stay indoors. That way you'll save the owners of other cars in your street the trouble you have. You'll soon be the hero of your community.
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Old 30-12-2016, 17:36
howardl
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One of my cats years ago, got into the engine compartment, we didn't know, and we drove 7 miles on a family visit with her on the engine, we didn't know, when we got home hours later there was no sign of her ...found out she crawled out from under the car and must have followed our scent,and ended up at the house we visited...got a call the next day to say a cat just like ours was in their house.
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Old 30-12-2016, 19:47
annette kurten
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one of my cats died when he`d got into next door`s engine compartment and the neighbour was called out to a fire.
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Old 30-12-2016, 19:49
tealady
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Put the car in the garage.
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Old 30-12-2016, 20:05
Patchbuncle
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one of my cats died when he`d got into next door`s engine compartment and the neighbour was called out to a fire.

Oh no, poor thing.

I have ordered some pellets laced with lion poo and will try them in a tray under the car, flippin cat.
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Old 01-01-2017, 00:46
MartinPickering
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Try mothballs under the bonnet. I know they keep weasels and rats away so they might do the same for cats. Yes, they smell but I, personally, like the smell (and I can't smell it inside the car anyway).
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Old 01-01-2017, 01:15
GalindaSong
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Cats hate the smell of citrus, so perhaps spraying some citrus based essential oils on the bonnet might help?
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Old 01-01-2017, 03:41
Toby LaRhone
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Orange peel on the bonnet.
Hungry Rottweiler on the bonnet.
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Old 01-01-2017, 13:19
Patchbuncle
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Try mothballs under the bonnet. I know they keep weasels and rats away so they might do the same for cats. Yes, they smell but I, personally, like the smell (and I can't smell it inside the car anyway).
Are mothballs still a thing?

Cats hate the smell of citrus, so perhaps spraying some citrus based essential oils on the bonnet might help?
Tried citrus, car turned her back and went to sleep!

Hungry Rottweiler on the bonnet.
Would an elderly labrador be a good substitute?
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