DEAR JOAN: Two days in the past, a mountain lion was seen about 150 yards from our home about 4 p.m.
We've got two out of doors cats, and we're involved for his or her security at nighttime. This can be a very rural space. I've been leaving our giant out of doors yard mild on at night time, hoping to scare the mountain lion away, however am I solely serving to it discover the cats?
Any recommendations on preserving the cats secure? They're principally free-roaming barn cats that can not be confined.
Mike Bernal, Morgan Hill
DEAR MIKE: As anybody who reads my column usually is aware of, I are inclined to lecture fairly a bit on the significance of preserving cats indoors, particularly at night time when the hazards to them will increase.
I’m going to spare you the cleaning soap field lecture, as a result of these are barn cats, which have a job to do. Nevertheless, they nonetheless want a spot the place they will shelter from the climate and predators. For those who don’t have already got this for them, you must look into getting it.
As risks go, mountain lions don’t pose an enormous threat to the cats. They may hunt small animals, together with cats, however they have an inclination to go after bigger prey. Coyotes, however, will stalk, seize and eat cats, so there’s that to be involved about.
Retaining mountain lions away from your house is a good suggestion whether or not or not you could have outdoors cats. Leaving your lights on may assist deter the cougars, however putting in movement activated lights, sprinklers or alarms is even higher. That’s as a result of whereas mountain lions depend on stealth to catch their prey abruptly, they don’t wish to be shocked themselves and are usually cautious of something that’s unpredictable.
Putting in motion-activated units or utilizing timers on deterrents will make it harder for the mountain lion to determine your yard.
Electrified fencing is also a deterrent, however you threat stunning your individual cats. Eradicating brush and locations of concealment for the cougars may even make your yard much less welcoming.
DEAR JOAN: Settle a guess with my good friend. Do cats all the time land on their ft?
Jordan, Reno, Nevada
DEAR JORDAN: Don’t you guys have sufficient playing in Nevada with out drawing cats into it?
I’m unsure my reply will settle something, however cats normally land on their ft. They've superfast reflexes that enable them to spin round and land ft first. For those who watched them in sluggish movement, you’d see the cat’s physique twist and its head lock into place because the cat sights the touchdown spot.
It’s a professional “all the time” as a result of it is dependent upon the cat. Please don’t attempt dropping cats to seek out out — they are often injured.
Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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