Bark and cats?

[janeyo]

We have just ordered a large wooden climbing frame for the boys' birthdays. (Think OH is suffering from lack of sleep as he gave in quite easily lol).
The area is will go on is partially turfed at the mo, but also lots of moss and sand and leaves and old plants. I will post a pic later to show.

We were thinking of putting bark there instead.

But is it cat proof? We have 3 little darlings plus a few visitors.

If anyone knows I'd be grateful for comments. Thanks

[Iamhanuman]

hmmmmm not sure but you could try some anti-cat themes
sprinkle orange peel amongst the bark
some "get the heckfire off my lawn" type products as well
a sonic boom machine at the edge of the area
and so on and so on...?

[HeyWayne]

Dogs bark, cats meow.

[Iamhanuman]

and please no-one suggest sniper posts or bear traps
i've had one hell of a year with one of my own cats being near fatally attacked from various sources

[HeyWayne]

I'm pretty sure I remember the cats using our bark as a loo when we had it at our old house.

We're thinking of the same sort of thing for Hayden when he's old enough, but I think I'll just stick it on the grass.

[FionaH]

My darling fluffy wuffy (is that nice enough Iam?) doesn't poo on the bark, why would she when there is lovely fresh soil to go in?
Seriously though cats do love using bark as a toilet

[jackie j]

Would you be able to put down some soft playmats like they have in the park you know the black stuff it might be worth the outlay in the long run.

[janeyo]

Alphabet/123 coloured soft play mats: Amazon.co.uk: Baby

What about these? I don't think the cats would like them! Prob work out cheaper than the bark too.

[amandaandherveg]

A friend of mine Freecycled a bunch of rubber playmats last year when her kids outgrew their swing. Might be worth posting a wanted message on your local branch.

[jackie j]

Alphabet/123 coloured soft play mats: Amazon.co.uk: Baby

What about these? I don't think the cats would like them! Prob work out cheaper than the bark too.

Depends what size you need

[piskieinboots]

my kittens don't poo in my bark mulch, they (mostly) come back in to use their tray - but someone is and I don't think it is Snowdrop, but if I catch him I will rub his nose in it

[Matt.]

Yep your neighbours cats will poo in the bark.

I saw a device that is a motion sensor connected to your hosepipe. It could view through a wide angle squirts a decent jet of water to scare off the cats. One of the better ideas I've seen.

If you go for the sonic devices see if you can try before you buy. Again I've not got one but a friends neighbour has and its well within my range of hearing. You couldn't live with that for very long before it would drive you bonkers.

[janeyo]

Result!

my kittens don't poo in my bark mulch, they (mostly) come back in to use their tray - but someone is and I don't think it is Snowdrop, but if I catch him I will rub his nose in it

pmsl!

Well I have had a result! I posted on freecycle for some rubber matting (the kind you see in playgrounds that lets grass sort of grow through), and we had an answer almost straight away that there is a firm giving loads away as surplus and we are to pick it up on sunday!
The area to be covered is 6.5m by 2.5m so quite big.
Now I have to decide if to set some seed under the bit that doesn't have any grass yet or just let the kids wear it all away...

Very happy with my freebie

[jackie j]

Well done you what a bargain glad I suggested it now lol

[pipscariad]

Wow, result! I am a tad envious, I've eyed that stuff up in play areas and thought that I could do with some under our swing - no grass left under there now, and it's like concrete in the summer (grazed knees, ouch! No, not mine ).

Might be tempted to put a wanted ad on my Freecycle.... I'm picking up a hanging basket tomorrow that I managed to acquire today, I'm not usually lucky.

Happy surfacing!