Shelf protection against cats

[thedragonslapper]

I have my Ts on metal wire shelving and have been considering getting a cat. Ts are cool but not cuddly lol. But I won't potentially endanger the lives of my Ts purely because of something I want yet can easily do without. I unfortunately do not have a spare lockable room I could keep the Ts in or this wouldn't be an issue but is there any way I can cat proof the shelving they live on? I have already researched cat and T cohabitation safety but can't find anything specific to my situation.

I have entertained the idea of putting chicken wire or specially cut 16 gauge fencing around the uh...openings of the shelves, suspending them there by zip tie and leave them untied on the bottom corners so I can still access the cages. Any ideas?

 

[Westicles]

I have my Ts on metal wire shelving and have been considering getting a cat. Ts are cool but not cuddly lol. But I won't potentially endanger the lives of my Ts purely because of something I want yet can easily do without. I unfortunately do not have a spare lockable room I could keep the Ts in or this wouldn't be an issue but is there any way I can cat proof the shelving they live on? I have already researched cat and T cohabitation safety but can't find anything specific to my situation.

I have entertained the idea of putting chicken wire or specially cut 16 gauge fencing around the uh...openings of the shelves, suspending them there by zip tie and leave them untied on the bottom corners so I can still access the cages. Any ideas?

I actually have a similar, if not the same shelving as that in my snake room! Nonetheless, I think doing the chicken wire route would work. But, cats are adept predators and strong willed animals. I certainly wouldn't put your t's on the lower shelves

The other thing to keep in mind is not all cats behave similarly. I have 2. One is an absolute murderer of any living creature he comes across outside. My other one could care less about anything other than food and sleep

 

[Dorifto]

If the shelf is made of metal you can glue some neodimiun magnets beneath the enclosures, so they get locked in place. To free the enclosures just twist them and pull at the same time.

Don't use too strong magnets, I need to explain it?

 

[Malum Argenteum]

We roll out a metal shelving unit like that every spring for starting seeds for garden vegetables. We have cats, and so we zip tie acrylic sheets (drill holes in top of the acrylic, then zip tie so that each piece is top-hinged, like you're imagining with the fencing). Kind of rough looking, but it works. Something like that might work for you. Chicken wire is not at all rigid, so I don't think that's a good option, unless you frame it out with something (aluminum angle stock?).

I agree about cat personality. If you get an even-tempered adult cat (from a shelter; older people often have to give up their calm and docile cats when they become unable to care for them), it may not take much to keep your Ts safe. A kitten? All bets are off.

 

[kingshockey]

use a wide base harbor frieght tool cart its with a inch tall lip so sterilte cages cant be pushed off the edge long as the adult cages are wide enough not to topple over when cat jumps onto the cage your good try not to put big vent holes to where t can be snagged by a claw or cats paw get bitten etc. then keep slings in a big vented tub with lid thats how i keep my t's one thing to is soon as your cat knows you got feeders or t's in a spot it will find a way to get up there to look

 

[darkness975]

Cats should not be allowed outdoors. They have devastated the wildlife.

You can also train them not to jump on the spider shelf.

 

[spideyspinneret78]

The best solution is to not allow them access to the room with spiders in it. I have to do this with my dog. If I I just allowed her to go into the room by herself, she'd get into things without a doubt. Which is why I never allow her inside.

 

[Westicles]

Cats should not be allowed outdoors. They have devastated the wildlife.

You can also train them not to jump on the spider shelf.

Do you have cats?

 

[darkness975]

Do you have cats?

Yes actually.

The kitchen counter was the first spot that was sought upon arriving home and a handful of times using a spray bottle is all it took to stop the habit.

 

[Westicles]

Yes actually.

The kitchen counter was the first spot that was sought upon arriving home and a handful of times using a spray bottle is all it took to stop the habit.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be smart. Not at all. I simply meant trying to stop a cat from darting out the door is tough. And yes, I completely agree that they damage wildlife

 

[Poonjab]

Coyotes. Works every time

 

[Westicles]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be smart. Not at all. I simply meant trying to stop a cat from darting out the door is tough. And yes, I completely agree that they damage wildlife

But, I'm assuming you know that spray bottles only work when you're around

 

[darkness975]

Has not been an issue since the first week or so.

I agree it is best to have a separate room but if that is not possible then secured racks that cannot be toppled over are best.

I'm thinking some kind of setup where it does not allow for a foothold and they can't get in between the shelves.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be smart. Not at all. I simply meant trying to stop a cat from darting out the door is tough. And yes, I completely agree that they damage wildlife

Yeah, unfortunately some homes don't have separate mud rooms or porches that can be a buffer zone.

 

[Westicles]

Yep. For me its I open the front door or garage and hope I can stop them. Well, at least one anyway.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

But, I'm assuming you know that spray bottles only work when you're around

Indeed. Get a home security system with a camera and then you'll realize how much the cats have fooled you. Personal experience, this.

 

[viper69]

I have my Ts on metal wire shelving and have been considering getting a cat. Ts are cool but not cuddly lol. But I won't potentially endanger the lives of my Ts purely because of something I want yet can easily do without. I unfortunately do not have a spare lockable room I could keep the Ts in or this wouldn't be an issue but is there any way I can cat proof the shelving they live on? I have already researched cat and T cohabitation safety but can't find anything specific to my situation.

I have entertained the idea of putting chicken wire or specially cut 16 gauge fencing around the uh...openings of the shelves, suspending them there by zip tie and leave them untied on the bottom corners so I can still access the cages. Any ideas?

Cats are hunters- only passive thing you can do is surround shelves with a barrier floor to ceiling- make sure grid of wire is small so cat can’t put paw inside!

 

[Thearachnidaddict]

I use the blowtorch taser method. Works like a charm

 

[ChaosSphere]

I don't have anything to add besides the fact that OP's name is too goddamn good

 

[jrh3]

Electric fence wire. It will keep it out.

 

[VaporRyder]

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Cats in acrylic boxes on shelves, spiders roam free! Fixed it for you…