The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Fruit => Topic started by: Dans on July 15, 2012, 12:50:08 pm

Title: Cat proofing fruit bushes?
Post by: Dans on July 15, 2012, 12:50:08 pm

Well I had been wondering why my gooseberries were all over the floor and had been blaming the wind. This morning I saw my cat who likes to tear apart cardboard boxes grabbing branches and shaking and ripping *sigh*  ::) Bush is only a year old so can't really take the hammering she is giving it.

Has anyone with cats have a tried and tested way to keep the bushes protected? Saw a netted cage in Dobbies the other day but it looks very flimsey. Not sure it would stand up to my dragon dog monster cat!

Dans

Title: Re: Cat proofing fruit bushes?
Post by: Mammyshaz on July 25, 2012, 10:27:18 pm

You can always try strong citrus peelings, most cats hate the smell, a small mesh fence around it is the only other thing if your cat is damaging further up  :fc:

Hopefully some better advice will be along soon

Title: Re: Cat proofing fruit bushes?
Post by: fairhaven on July 27, 2012, 09:39:29 pm

Hi
It may help if you plant some catmint within 6 ft of your bushes - Most cats will find this much more appealing, just make sure that you get a good size plant to start with!     You may also want to consider this when you put your christmas tree up this year   ;D

Title: Re: Cat proofing fruit bushes?
Post by: Dans on July 30, 2012, 09:42:54 pm

Thanks

Will give the cat mint a try. I did buy a small plant but they killed it with love!

Will also give the mesh a try.

It's a good job she looks so cute when she sleeps!

Dans