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Catalina litter box [:O]

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/09/2003 : 09:14:52

Hi all,

I've got the attention of the yard's cats and one or more of them have taken to using my boat as a litter box. Any humane aid appreciated. Don't need inhumane advice.

The yard's shipfitter suggested I hang lemon rind about the boat. I'd thought of hanging something else but shed the idea as soon as it occured.
Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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sdaly66
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 09:17:27

Not being a big fan of felines in general, I'm afraid my advice might not be constructive. However, if you have power at your slip, there are some electrical ultrasonic devices available that work on cats and dogs.

This site is a GREAT resource full of VERY helpful folks.

250 WB 1996 Hull #205

Thank you all.

Edited by - on

thacket3
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 09:36:44

Cats hate the smell of oranges. Actually any type of citrus smell will make them turn the other way. Go to petsMart or even Target they sell a citrus smelling spray designed for exactly that problem. it's inexpensive (probably two bucks or so) and is VERY effective. You may have to spray this a few times, but cats are 100% driven by habit. So after a few weeks, they should remember the smell and stay away from your boat. And it will leave the boat smelling nice and citrusy. You may want to spray the solution on a few rags and leave them on the boat exactly where the cats are going. I don't know what effect the citrus spray would have on the gel coat. Better safe than sorry.
Good Luck-
Tim

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 10:10:38

...or you could get the sand out of your cockpit. <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 15:50:24

Val,

The citrus idea sounds intriguing!

Then when you go sailing you smell the orages, and think you were in FLA during orange blossom season!

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 20:46:54

Hmmmm, I have two cats, and I know that their behaviour patterns are very, very hard to break. The only thing that would work is to prevent them from boarding.......netting in the lifelines canvas, whatever it takes. As far as potions and lotions.....there's something called liquid fence, keeps the deer out of my day lillies...but that odor would probably get you evicted from the marina....in fact I thing the cat poop smells better.
Also, there's Rex the barking dog alarm......<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

http://www.youdoitsecurity.com/K9-dog.asp

Could get interesting though. Once again, evicted from the marina for keeping a barking dog, and then chased by the animal protection folks for locking it up in a hot boat.....<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Sorry I can't be of more help. I know the feeling, my cats are very good about using their litterbox, unless I leave the door of my office open.......It's hard to do anything 100% I guess.

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/Forumshots/sunglitter.JPG" border=0>

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 08:36:49

Thanks all for your advice. DANG, one of my life's pleasures is sailing. On the boat the other day I was greeted with a most disagreeable odor. Took my shoes off, nope, looked about the cockpit where cats had releaved themselves previously, nope, went below, not there. Took the boat out into the bay and as I began to raise the main there appeared a string of turds(three) on the main halyards. GROSSED OUT TOTALLY. And yard mates who thought gull's and cormorant's scat most offensive, don't want to try this.

The thought of using citrus peel as wind tells has a humorous side to it though.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 09:13:58

Val... Are you sure they're cats? Cats generally prefer to dig a little hole, do their duty, and then cover up the hole. They love dry, preferably sandy soil. Where did it get onto your halyard?

My similar experience (in our previous boat) was from a raccoon that brought a big crab into the cockpit while we were out of town, disected and ate it (probably with a little bib), and then completed the cycle on the cockpit sole, clogging the scupper for a couple of weeks, which filled the cockpit with several inches of rain water that diluted some of the "material" (but not enough to open the scupper). Of course, that pool then warmed in the sun for a few days before I found it... <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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sdaly66
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 09:18:41

Dave,

You should post that under "cruising recipes". And I thought the duck and seagull poop was a pain.

This site is a GREAT resource full of VERY helpful folks.

250 WB 1996 Hull #205

Thank you all.

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 08:36:20

Reasonably sure it's cats, Dave. I've seen them from time to time perched in waiting for an inattentive barn swallow (perched on my safety lines digesting bugs)and then using the variety of coiled lines on the cabin top beneath the dodger as their litter box.. They gain access by taking a flying leap from the dock to the boat over the safety lines. The suggestion to rig a mesh thereabout to prevent their entry wont work.

I haven't seen a swallow in some time. Dagnab cats, I love the swallows.../purple wings and backs and orange breasts and poops the size of a grain of rice ... mostly of mosquito origin... what's not to like?

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 10:09:54

If you've actually seen the cats do their dirty work... I guess they are the culprits, but I think Dave's comments are otherwise on the mark.

I have a ranch with a current semi-feral cat population of about 20.. (give or take a few on any given day) and I've never seen them defecate on any hard surface above ground level.

Raccoons on the other hand, have an unusual behavior of picking out a spot well above the ground and using it as a "designated commode" which they will revisit on a regular basis.

Foxes are even more interesting in their toilet habits. They will take leftover food out of the cat pan or dog dish and adding insult to injury, leave their calling card in the empty dish.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 13:50:53

they're not defecating on hard surfaces...on coils of halyard...I was prepared to determine precisely who the culprits were by installing a humane trap and all the fur lovers became unglued. I can understand them loving a furry little critter, but not when they ignore the damage they do to feathered little critters. Excusing such actions as, " it's in their nature to do so.
S h#t it's in my nature to rid the world of predators but I control my urges in the name of humanity and the right of others to love their whatever.

Back to my original statement, "I love sailing but". Owning a cat begets responsibility for the animals behavior. I'd never consider loosing my animals on neighbors property.

Haven't slept easily since the ordeal. May move to another yard just to be rid of the situation.

Val on Calista #3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 13:56:45

Val,

Have you addressed the issue with the shipyard's owner/operator? Seems likely that others would be having the same problem, and that it would be in the owners'/operators' own best interests to resolve the problem.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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ClamBeach
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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 15:52:39

"on coils of halyard..."

IMHO, pretty classic racoon behavior.. the buggars developed a real fondness for a old oil drain pan that was sitting up on a high shelf in the tractor shed.

One day I reached up and pulled it off the shelf (expecting it to be very light) and a moment later was literally deep in the doo-doo.

Since there's plenty of doo here (literally B_ll S_it) a little extra didn't bother me too much, just another day.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 08:35:17

JB,

The yard personnel are part of the problem. The father of the present owners/operators wouldn't have any loose animals on the property. All dogs/cats were kept in protected places. Unfortunately he passed and his rule quickly crumbled. Before long we were up to HERE in uncollected waste. In addition to which the dogs were constantly challenging renters, often climbing on their cars, scratching them and on occasion biting them. They are currently kept on tethers, perhaps at the request of the insurance co. They were large undiciplined dogs.

Unfortunately the yard rental slips are at a premium and as such the sentiments of the renters fall on deaf ears.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 09:21:21

ClamBeach,

Initially I considered two culprits, Raccoons and cats. The areas where the scat was found were also areas where I've seen cats lounging. Given this, I was reasonably sure that cats were the culprits. But I didn't rule out the possibility that raccoons might have done it. My experience with raccoons, and we have several here about, is that they prefer roof tops against a chimney. Why a chimney, I haven't a clue. Rocky our resident coon has never entered the barns or the house, preferring large hollow trees. Mating often takes place on the lawn in full daylight.

I thought to determine exactly what species was responsible by setting a humane trap and the cat people on the premises went ballistic. So I bowed out.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 09:52:59

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Unfortunately the yard rental slips are at a premium and as such the sentiments of the renters fall on deaf ears.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Free market capitalism is a beautiful thing. Along the lines of Ludwig von Mises' praxeology, the pain and frustration of the renters will eventually rise to a level that motivates them to take action; perhaps you'll be the first. I'm confident that the yard owners will get the message eventually, but it will probably only benefit a new owner and a round of new renters.

Best of luck,

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 14:11:47

Val:

You might try contacting the county or town animal control and/or health dept...and let them do the dirty work with the animals and/or marina owners (via your tax dollars). Pursuading other non-cat people to do so likewise may further that effort.

I generally like both dogs and cats, but feel there should be a reasonable balance with respect to everyone's behavior (both animal's and human's).

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 14:15:07

JB,

you've hit the nail on the head. I've made inquiries at four marinas and have my name on the village's slip rentals. I know of two others that have made similar moves. I assume the rest are feces neutral, accepting the owner's mothers assessment of the situation thusly, " if ya step in it it's good luck". For her perhaps since she'll not have to shovel that one up.

Well enough of this s##t lets get on with sailing. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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Ellis Bloomfield
1st Mate

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USA
85 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 14:35:35

Val,
Seems like there was a string some time ago about someone kicking coiled lines into the water, maybe you could hire him for a weekend. Or try coiling the lines in the opposite direction, maybe the cats will get dizzy and fall overboard. Or you could get a grant from the government and run scientific tests to find out if cats really do always land on their feet by running it up the halyard and pulling the release lanyard. All would be much more humane than what a neighbor kid did years ago that involved a clothesline. Also remember about five years ago in Elk Mound, Wisconsin, when three kids (in their mid-fourties) captured a cat that was annoying them, killed it, put it on a spit and barbecued it and offered the meat to the fire chief, who owned the cat. The story made national news and the three were charged with many counts of many things and are probably still sitting in jail, or are at least on probation. I do remember that the total time they could have gotten exceeded what most people served for manslaughter, it approached booing the Packers.
Ellis

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 16:05:57

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Along the lines of Ludwig von Mises' praxeology<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I love this forum! I get to expand my vocabulary on a daily basis. However, in the never ending quest for perfection that is my life, I feel compelled, my dear Antares, to point out that according to Webster it is:

prax-i-ol-o-gy n. The study of human conduct. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

And now I have to go and find some more information on Ludwig. He sounds like an interesting fella.......

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - Oscar on 09/12/2003 16:09:28

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 16:49:46

Caught by the ever vigilant Oscar. [I probably just spelled vigilant incorrectly, as well.]

http://www.mises.org/

Postscript: Ha, vindication. In my 1998 Scholar's Edition of Ludwig von Mises' seminal work Human Action, published by the Ludwig von Mises Institute, the word is spelled praxeology, for which I'm sure there is some obscure justification. So, after having studied the 900 page tome and having been exposed 100+ times to this spelling, I feel vindicated.

And, if your interest has been whetted by this brief exposure to von Mises, Human Action, or the Ludwig von Mises Institute, then I would invite you to explore the closely related, but often misunderstood, Libertarian Party at http://www.lp.org/.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - Antares on 09/12/2003 19:04:14

Edited by - Antares on 09/12/2003 19:05:07

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 19:54:32

Touche amice......Darn furners doant no hoa da spelll......(btw. English is my second language...<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>)

So Der Herr von Mises is a Libertarian.....and you read the whole thing?...wow...guess that qualifies you to try Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead too.....my personal favorites.<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/Forumshots/sunglitter.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - Oscar on 09/12/2003 19:56:13

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 20:10:42

Back to the original question.. Try some mothballs in a cloth sack placed in the middle of your line coils.

Most critters don't like 'em.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 20:33:30

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Back to the original question.. Try some mothballs in a cloth sack<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Bingo! Try them wherever you think the critters may be embarking.

Now, back to my Tolstoy.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 21:51:24

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>So Der Herr von Mises is a Libertarian.....<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Yes, classical liberal, same thing. [I had to verify that.]

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...guess that qualifies you to try Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead too.....my personal favorites.<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Two of my favorites, too. However, I've since moved on to new interests, and am now making my way through Bowditch. <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bruce and Dave - Shame on you for circumventing the opportunity to quit discussing cat s*^t. <img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - Antares on 09/12/2003 21:52:24

Edited by - Antares on 09/13/2003 09:41:33

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