Can house cats and model railroads mix?

[Anonymous]

I see said sam the cat I am!

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, maybe I should over feed my cats so they get fat and lose their ability to jump very high. As for sprinkling dog urine around the layout; I want to keep my cats away, not people too! Also, I have considered and rejected squirt bottles, spraying water would cause more harm to the layout than just letting the cats up on the pike. Maybe I should try an "animal psychic" who can communicate with my cats via ESP?

[IRONROOSTER]

Don't have the problem with the two cats in the house. The female rules the basement so the male doesn't come down. And she's a bit over weight and can't jump to the layout which is 58" off the floor.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Yuk!!! Don't try that!

[Javern]

sprinkle dog urine about the layout room, will not only keep away cats but squirrles also

[Anonymous]

A trick that might work, although I don't know if you want to use it - would be to squirt the cat with a squirt gun whenever you see the cat trying to get on the layout. The cat doesn't associate the squirt gun with you, but associates it with climbing onto the layout. (no, you can't use the spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of alcohol to water). Drawback - it gets on your scenery and can cause problems, not to mention if it hits your locomotives....

Or....you can try the "sound" aversion therapy. If you see the cat trying to climb on the layout, find some kind of unpleasant sound to make - like clap two 1 X 3 boards together. This has the advantage of not being painful to your hands, the sound is louder, and closer to the cat's upper range of hearing (above 20,000 Hz).
But, like with the squirt gun, you have to catch the cat in the act of climbing. Once the cat is on the layout, it's going to continue to be on the layout until you walk into the room. By then, the damage to the layout is already done.

I don't think putting sharp points at various points on the layout is going to make a difference - too random, and besides, the object is to prevent, not injure.

I have an N-scale layout in the living room and my cat won't get on it. It's only about 18 inches off the floor, but she'd rather lie under it than try to get on top of it.

[Anonymous]

ok i can not help but this is the funnist thread i have ever read here

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SuperChiefFan

Has anyone thought of asking THE CAT what it thinks? Perhaps with a bribe or two Kitty might reveal definitive answers to this question.[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

My cats think they own the house and all it contains. The only reason why they put up with humans in their home is because we are the beings that make sure they have plenty of food, water, a clean litter box, warm laps, and plenty of pats. The felines think they should be aloud to go any where they please. If a human is near by and has "issues" with particular behaviors (like playing kitty kong in Plasticville) they will wait until said human is not in sight before doing their thing, mostly to avoid the hassle of listening to irrate human gibberish. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Well if I spot my cat tree eight feet from the layout that should be far enough away to keep any flying felines off the railroad.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scott218

What if you placed the cat tree just out of jumping range?

How far can your cat jump? from an elevated postition, could be 5-6-7 feet if hes young and limber.

If hes old and fat like some old cats i've known you could put it right next to the track, he'll just "look" at it and imaging he's chasing it..

One of mine has jumped 7 feet!

[Anonymous]

The cat tree and high shelving works. That's what we have and they leave things alone.

RMax

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

QUOTE: Originally posted by robmik


Not funny. It was only a matter of time before someone here decided that a really lightweight comment involving animal cruelty was funny.[:o)]

...But just to show that I hold no grudge...this is an open invitation to vsmith to come and visit my layout.
I have arranged a direct line from the dryer plug, ( a nice even 220 volts ), to run directly to vsmith's "Borracho"...so I would then also get to see him hit the ceiling.[:p]
and regards;
Mike

Your kidding,right?? Now, did you seriously believe that he meant what he said.
You need to sell your cat and buy a sense of humor. Dave

Maybe i shouldnt mention that I am also by trade a Professional Cat Torturer...[}:)]

I can make any housecat talk..meooow![:-,]

I know all the spots to rub, scratch, tickle, itch, pet and otherwise bring a cat to a purring extascy... Give me some string and I can make any housecat my best friend in about 5 minutes[;)]

i'm pretty good with Dogs too.

Women? well..lets just say I havent got one to fetch me anything from the fridge ...I sure seem to do alot of fetching for her though... but they are like cats, you just have to find the right place to rub them, but why is it mostly their feet?

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scott218

What if you placed the cat tree just out of jumping range?

How far can your cat jump? from an elevated postition, could be 5-6-7 feet if hes young and limber.

If hes old and fat like some old cats i've known you could put it right next to the track, he'll just "look" at it and imaging he's chasing it..

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robmik


Not funny. It was only a matter of time before someone here decided that a really lightweight comment involving animal cruelty was funny.[:o)]

...But just to show that I hold no grudge...this is an open invitation to vsmith to come and visit my layout.
I have arranged a direct line from the dryer plug, ( a nice even 220 volts ), to run directly to vsmith's "Borracho"...so I would then also get to see him hit the ceiling.[:p]
and regards;
Mike

Your kidding,right?? Now, did you seriously believe that he meant what he said.
You need to sell your cat and buy a sense of humor. Dave

[Anonymous]

Has anyone thought of asking THE CAT what it thinks? Perhaps with a bribe or two Kitty might reveal definitive answers to this question.[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[Anonymous]

A Moat, that's what you need! a nice wide and deep moat. The worst thing that will happen to your feline friend is it will get wet!! The moat will also add to the scenery and hey if the cat still wants to get adventuresome then you got your self a Fire tug with operating water canons. Just don't use high voltage as this could have cat-astrophic consequences!

Just goes to show you there's alot of ways to skin a cat[:D][:0][:D]

[Anonymous]

What if you placed the cat tree just out of jumping range?

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scott218

I wonder if putting a cat climbing tree in the close vicinity of my model railroad would keep my felines away from my layout. If cats like high places maybe they would forego the railroad entirely infavor of a location near by the layout that is highter than the highest point on the pike. What do you think vsmith?

Quit honestey I wouldnt do it

Your putting the cat in a position where he can look down on the layout and a train looks especailly like a cat toy being dragged on the ground, 10 to 1 he'll pounce onto the last car of the train.

[Anonymous]

My train room has a gate, about 4 ft tall made of 1x2's and dowel rods. My kids think it looks like a jailhouse door!
Between it and a trusty water bottle, (for the sneak attacks) keeps my 4 furry buddies at bay.
Cayenne pepper and No-Stay all sound like a good idea, the low voltage electrical wire is not a bad idea (the griping about it is uncalled for, as anyone raised around it can tell you) BUT, cats are not dumb. They will just jump over it. [}:)]

[Anonymous]

Scott,

There's a repellant at Petsmart that's called No-Stay that's supposed to be harmless to fabrics and other areas where Kitty is forbidden. I wonder if this would help you? Spraying it completely over the layout is a no-no, but maybe around the edges, just enough for the cat to get a good whiff of and subsequently leave the premises.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I wonder if putting a cat climbing tree in the close vicinity of my model railroad would keep my felines away from my layout. If cats like high places maybe they would forego the railroad entirely infavor of a location near by the layout that is highter than the highest point on the pike. What do you think vsmith?

[vsmith]

Its Cool,

BTW the cat hitting the ceiling reference came from one Thanksgiving were the cat that lived to be 18(much much younger here), who WORSHIPPED turkey, ( after every T-day he would sit directly in front of the frige and cry for leftovers and try to climb into the frige to get at them), got onto a side table when he though no one was looking, crouchingly got right up to the turkey when my mother slapped her hands to shoo him, well, he LEPT up in complete surprise and he hit the ceiling, landing on the floor, running like mad out of the room.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond

In answer to the subject heading, Yes, cats do mix with model railroads. When I have a derailment, Bubba (my cat) is mixed up in it most of the time.[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

Your cat Bubba actually derails your trains? What does he do, pounce on the trains or just foul the track? I think these cat / model railroad stories are quite amusing.

[Anonymous]

Sorry thst I said those things. Now that I know you were joking I think it's funny. I have two cats and love animals and I thought you ment what you said.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

"Can anyone contact the ASPCA?? That wasn't funny vsmith."

Oh come on... it was very clear he was joking. Sometimes people here are WAY too serious. Making fun of human disabilities is cause for concern. But joking about a freaking cat? Give me a break. [sigh]

What? Another person for Chessie to dip into hot metal!!!

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robmik

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith
...If that dosnt work a low voltage horse-wire hook up to the rails would also form a negative reaction to the layout. Plus you'd get to see your cat leap and hit the ceiling![:D]

Not funny. It was only a matter of time before someone here decided that a really lightweight comment involving animal cruelty was funny.[:o)]

...But just to show that I hold no grudge...this is an open invitation to vsmith to come and visit my layout.
I have arranged a direct line from the dryer plug, ( a nice even 220 volts ), to run directly to vsmith's "Borracho"...so I would then also get to see him hit the ceiling.[:p]
and regards;
Mike

Oh come on, now!!! you obviosly havent had a cat for very long!

FIRST THINGS FIRST

DO NOT EVER CONFUSE ME WITH A CAT HATER!!@!^%&$[:(!]

My comments are based on 30+ years of raising, living and caring for cats. Last year I rescued two litters of abandoned kittens, raised one litter for 4 months before adopting ALL 5 of them to good homes and rescued another abandoned kitten that was badly ematiated when we brought it home and took care of her adopted her to a good home also. I have also since captured the feral mother cat and had her fixed and took one severly deformed kitten to a vet but had to have it put down. Got it? Good![}:)]

I had a cat that lived to be 18 years old, his mother died the year later at 20. SO DONT lecture me on cats and cruelty. I know more about cats and cat behavior than most people know about there own kids.

I know from experience that a startled cat (which is what i was referring to) will leap upwords away from what scared it, and I HAVE SEEN a startled cat jump off a table and bru***he ceiling before meteoring into the carpet.[;)]

I referred to a LOW VOLTAGE horse fence cable which delivers around 10 volt, just enough to startle with out harming. You obviously never been around this system, sorry if you misunderstood. It keeps horses from pushing against the fence eventually knocking it down. there are similar systems used for dog kennels. thats were the reference comes from..

[Eriediamond]

In answer to the subject heading, Yes, cats do mix with model railroads. When I have a derailment, Bubba (my cat) is mixed up in it most of the time.[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[Roadtrp]

"Can anyone contact the ASPCA?? That wasn't funny vsmith."

Oh come on... it was very clear he was joking. Sometimes people here are WAY too serious. Making fun of human disabilities is cause for concern. But joking about a freaking cat? Give me a break. [sigh]

[Anonymous]

We have 5 cats and they are no problem. I have put a climbing tower in and shelves up high so they can watch. They leave the thing alone for the most part. We do have 2 that like to sit on the layout but are very well behaved and destroy nothing. While the trains are running they may walk around carefully and avoid them. Our big male sleeps under the table while every thing is running. As soon as I open the den door they all rush in and have a look. It's like a treat for them. I think if you try to keep them from becoming a part of your train life that is where you have problems.

RMax

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by robmik

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith
...If that dosnt work a low voltage horse-wire hook up to the rails would also form a negative reaction to the layout. Plus you'd get to see your cat leap and hit the ceiling![:D]

Not funny. It was only a matter of time before someone here decided that a really lightweight comment involving animal cruelty was funny.[:o)]

...But just to show that I hold no grudge...this is an open invitation to vsmith to come and visit my layout.
I have arranged a direct line from the dryer plug, ( a nice even 220 volts ), to run directly to vsmith's "Borracho"...so I would then also get to see him hit the ceiling.[:p]
and regards;
Mike

Can anyone contact the ASPCA?? That wasn't funny vsmith.