How to break bad habits?

[JBD]

Charlie has been wanting to come on the deck here lately in the mornings and afternoon. I'm afraid one day spook the cat will be on the deck too as he ventures up. Really hate to see him get killed or eventually have to give him away.

So anybody got any ideas on how to break a grey squirrel from wanting to come on the deck. I don't know what has been wanting him to do that. Besides that one picture on the deck when young thats the only time I brought him up here.

[Cejemere]

I'm gathering he has been released? How about placing some food for him on the border of the yard? Or with mine when she is getting near something I dont want her ever near (plastic bag...ect) I make a noise that scares her away from it. I do this until she no longer has an interest in what it is but knows to stay away.

[gs1]

what about a noise maker??? like a plastic bag waving in the wind etc.. or a cat squirter...

ok..this doesn't make sense but there's things you can use to keep cats out of the garden or away from feeders etc...

so it sounds cruel... but just to keep her away from the deck??? it'll squirt water when it senses motion ...and when your cat is on the deck turn it off...

:grouphug

[JBD]

I'm gathering he has been released? How about placing some food for him on the border of the yard? Or with mine when she is getting near something I dont want her ever near (plastic bag...ect) I make a noise that scares her away from it. I do this until she no longer has an interest in what it is but knows to stay away.


what about a noise maker??? like a plastic bag waving in the wind etc.. or a cat squirter...

ok..this doesn't make sense but there's things you can use to keep cats out of the garden or away from feeders etc...

so it sounds cruel... but just to keep her away from the deck??? it'll squirt water when it senses motion ...and when your cat is on the deck turn it off...

Yeah he has been released. I've been keeping food around his house but at times he still comes near and on the deck. The other SQs I've noticed will run him off then he wants to come. He has been doing this recently over the last few days. Wonder if it has anything to do with the storms here? We've had some bad storms recently and thats about the time really.

I've been using a metal tin pie pan. Bang it up against my other hand. But here recently he has gotten use to that. So hate to sound cruel about it....
But dunno what else to do. But haven't been near him in like 3 days and every time he comes on the deck I get the water hose. Now when he comes around all I have to do is grab the water house and he turns around runs.

I'm not sure if its because I'm still feeding him or he wants attention? But I've been limiting myself from him and the water hose I've noticed some improvement since yesterday.

Maybe I should continue the water hose treatment?!

[Cejemere]

How long ago was he released? I was just thinking with the storms maybe he is just looking for comfort, more food....has me made himself a nest? And does he stay in it every night? Again just thinking maybe he got kicked out of it and is still working on another....I dunno, I'm no expert, just throwing stuff out there.

[JBD]

How long ago was he released? I was just thinking with the storms maybe he is just looking for comfort, more food....has me made himself a nest? And does he stay in it every night? Again just thinking maybe he got kicked out of it and is still working on another....I dunno, I'm no expert, just throwing stuff out there.

Thats what I'm thinking. Had another storm rolled through. He came up this evening. I'm begining to wonder myself. He walked out to the deck after a storm today. I gave him some food he went about his way. He has been out for several weeks 3-5 somewhere.. But he has his own private box. I check in on him every now and then. But the last time i seen he has a cocoon shape nest of leaves.

[gs1]

oh ...so sad... if he associates you with the water hose then it's like you're pushing him away...

so maybe the automatic cat deterent thing i mentioned isn't such a bad idea... i think you can get one at the bird feed stores...

the only question is how to set it on the deck ..maybe in a pot plant???

i don't want him to be associating you with the hose...:grouphug

he wants to run to his mama when he needs help....:grouphug

[Cejemere]

So very true, mom is comfort and food and he must know this. Hosing will push him away. :o(

[JBD]

Well I guess he finally learned to assoicate hose with the deck. He still comes to me which is good. I just want him to know deck and me bad... me out near his truf is good. Still feeding but trying to limit my time with him just in case he wants to start back on the deck. Haven't really noticed any change in his personality about me pushing him away

Haven't really had an issue lately of him wanting to venture on the deck. So hopefully he learned and will continue to you the hose treatment.