Devil Cat Likes Fish

[Frizzles7]

So I recently upgraded tanks to a 120, and my cat seems to think I got this new tank for her. I have caught her multiple times sitting on top of the overflow, and once even on top of the lights!

Anyone have any suggestions for keeping a cat off of the tank? I already have a screened lid, and yesterday I put tin foil on any of the nearby furniture I think she may be using to jump up there (but tin foil in the living room is not a good long term solution). I don’t want her or my lights to fall into the tank.

Here’s a picture of the offender:

 

[reef lover]

Blow a fan across the top most kitty's hate wind.

 

[Salty.Reefer]

Aluminum foil placed where she jumps from helps a lot. Cats hate stepping on it. My family used it in our house for a couple weeks to keep them from going behind the TV. When we removed it they didn't get try again.

 

[Frizzles7]

Those are good suggestions. The fan I may be able to do. And perhaps I can convince my husband that we can live with the aluminum foil for a couple weeks.

Any other things I can try?

 

[cmcoker]

Motion detector air spray can https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-ssscat-deterrent-cat-spray/dp/167583

Could also look into snappy trainers or scat mats.

Good luck!

 

[Don's tank]

I actually keep a step ladder by the tank so my cat can look at the fish without jumping on top.

 

[Crashjack]

You have to catch the cat in the act, but a squirt gun will typically deter cats from going places they aren’t supposed to go... plus it’s kind of fun.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Double sided scotch tape on the landing area.

 

[VR28man]

In the long run, having DevilCat fall into the tank is the best solution. Guarantee you she won't do it again.



I might be tempted to push her in if I had this problem. You’ll be there and can minimize any damage, compared to just randomly falling in when you might not be there .

Seriously, the main question is why is she there? Is it because it's the highest accessible point for her in the room? And/or because it's warm underneath? Try to make a better place for her to hang out. Encourage her to go there, discourage her softly from going to the tank after you set up the alternative. (or not so softly, if you prefer intentional immersion AKA feline waterboarding).

I found my two cats like always switching around spots in the house. At best it goes in monthly, or annual, cycles. But often they like something for a while, and then it goes out of fashion.

Life will be even better when the fish get used to her. Ref: my post in this thread:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/keeping-cats-off-tank-help.328003/page-4#post-4702794

I have a cat problem too.....



ETA: the only fish in the tank right now are a mated pair of yellow headed jawfish. However, the grey cat (russian with a little tortie) constantly chases them from one end of the tank to the other. They are no longer in their den all the time, especially the male. I think they're eating, but they won't eat in my presence anymore (because of the grey cat......). The grey cat is REALLY interested; the video is nothing compared to what I've seen. Attacking the glass, walking on the cover, etc. Lots of stress for jawfish

The other one (white and brown domestic shorthair cat) doesn't seem to care. She'll sometimes look from a far, but is otherwise unconcerned.

@Caseyoidae : very nice. I might try that, as well as a number of ideas in this thread.

So my problem is solved. See the video (apologies there's no sound. While this was going on I was in a very boring con-call that of course i had to cut out)



In the end, the fish got used to the cat after a few weeks. The cat is hanging out literally in front of the firefish's lair; the firefish just ignores her. The firefish normally spends much of its day outside swimming about and chasing after plankton particles (good), but has no qualms going back to its lair when needed.

ETA rather than bump the thread: Susan's suggestion is a good one as well. You can see I, unintentionally, have given my cat a similar fish watching spot.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Make her a "Fish TV Watching" spot. Mine don't jump on top even with a lid.

 

[Frizzles7]

These are some great ideas. Thanks guys! I’ll start trying these and see how it goes.

 

[Keiki]

Out of 3 cats Lilo is the one that shows the most interest. The bottom isn't tank related, but one of her crazy sleeping positions. Sorry for the glare on the tank.

 

[Streetlamp]

Get rid of the cat and get a dog?