BehavioRx Case of the Month
for October 2001

The client's two cats had begun tearing her window curtains in her absence. The inside window ledge is a favorite place for the cats to sit during the daytime. A few days later, after taking down the curtains, the client noticed that her outdoor screen was showing some rips. However, he had never noticed any other animals outdoors on the property or at the window. We suggested that he drive away from the house at his usual time in the morning, park, then sneak back to a place where he could monitor the house unobserved. He had a better idea: He had a video camcorder with an 8 hour recording setting. He set up the camera and went to work.

After work he looked at the tape on fast-forward and, sure enough, just 30 minutes after leaving the house, a large gray and white tabby cat appear outside the window on the planter box. His cats clawed at the window to no avail, while the stray cat ripped at the screen! This went on for about 15 minutes, at which time the stray cat tired of the game and disappeared from the scene.

We advised the client to go to a discount store and get an air freshener product called "Pure Citrus." He was instructed to spray the planter box, screen and the ground under the window liberally.

The next day he set up the camcorder and went to work. No stray cat appeared, while his own cats lounged on the inside nearly all day. He bought new curtains and a new screen, resprayed the planter box and the new screen, and no cat was showed up on the video for a week.

The client reported three weeks later that, after not spraying for a week, the stray had not reappeared, the screen was unscathed, and his curtains remained untouched.

Most animals are loathe to smell or taste the odor of citrus peelings, which is Pure Citrus air freshener's ingredient. Most pet stores also have citrus repellents. They are effective with both wild and domestic animals.  Yes, they are great for keeping pets off furniture or from chewing 'forbidden' objects.

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