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Question about the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit

Question: "I am calling because I have a problem with the neighborhood cats. As many as 5 or 6 at a time come into my yard, dig up the flower beds and use the yard as their litter box. These are not feral cats but ones that the owners let run loose. Public services were cut back here due to the economy. Animal control tells me it is my problem. Please tell me how this works. I have tried the organic repellents you spread on the ground but these have to be re-applied regularly due to the rain." Thanks, Debbie

Answer:  In Coralville, IA, the laws are that cats are not allowed to run loose. (One of our cats was actually from a litter born under our house in April 2010. We didn't know they were there until a neighbor told us. Animal control got the Mom and my Jack socialized the kittens and found them homes.) In our city, animal control comes and sets traps.

This electric fence is a deterrent for dogs, raccoons, possums and other animals that are not jumpers. As we talked, I learned that you have never owned a cat. This low voltage fence plugs into a standard outlet, works continuously, and can protect up to about 100 linear feet of area. The problem is that cats can easily jump over a fence. In fact, our Siamese cat once jumped 9 feet from a standing position and landed on the top of a cupboard. And the cats easily jump over the tall expandable dog gates we use to keep the dogs out of the living room and dining room. Our two cats are de-clawed house cats and never run loose outside.

The options I suggest are:

1. Get cat traps from the animal control officer or your local humane society. Trap the cats and take them to the shelter. Tuna fish works well. Then the owners have to deal with paying to get their animals back and perhaps will keep them indoors.
2. Buy your own stray cat trap like this one from Havahart. Catch and take them to the shelter
3. OR some better ideas, i.e. electronic repellers that are battery operated and/or AC operated.

These products emit ultrasounds that cats do not like. (The Yardgard has multiple adjustments; the Koolatron repeller is set only for cats and dogs. ) Set up two of them up in your backyard where you say the cats go and keep the cats out without trapping them. (Of course then they are your other neighbors' problems. You can just send them along to Safe Home Products just as our customers do when they use mole chaser stakes and drive the moles next door!)

First, the Yardgard. This Yardgard has settings to deter about any animal and birds, too. Run it on AC or use the battery mode. With cats, I recommend the AC, continuous on, mode rather than the motion activated mode as cats are swift running. Mount it at the cats' head level. With the yard you have, two is definitely the lower limit of units you need. These units last for years and years without maintenance. Just make sure they are not in standing water. If you should have a squirrel problem in your attic, rats in attic, garage or crawl space, a deer problem, etc, you can adjust this unit to handle those animal pests as well.

Best results: Mount at animal's head level.  Low (sonic) settings may be audible to humans with good high frequency hearing. If this occurs, select a higher frequency. Note: Birds may be repelled by some frequencies of the Yardgard depending upon the height at which it is mounted.

Yard Guard Technical specifications:

• Dimensions: 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.5"
• Weight: 1 pound (shipping weight 2 pounds)
• Coverage: 4,000 sq. ft. (278.7 sq. meters)
• Frequency range: 15,000 - 25,000 Hz (adjustable)
• Sound pressure: 90 dB at 3 feet
• Electricity costs: Less than $0.25 per month
• Working current: <200 mA
• Power: 4 "C" batteries or AC adapter (included).
• Weather proof.
• Motion sensor activation: 35 x 70 feet
• Pattern: Oval pattern of sound is about 50 ft. wide at the widest and extends about 80 feet out. The lower the sound frequency, the wider the coverage.
• Dial positions: Dogs and cats, skunks, opossums, armadillos, raccoons, deer, insects, rodents and bats.
• In CONT AC ONLY mode: Continuous operation using AC power.
• Power Light: Red light behind clear lens activates when motion sensor is activated. Note: if left on continuous one, this red power light is on continuously.
• Compliance: EPA establishment No. 058480-TWN-001. CE marked.
• YardGard includes: Mountable plastic unit, 110vAC power adapter (with 6 ft cord), and extension wire cord (63 ft).
• Continuous or motion-sensor modes.
• Multiple sonic and ultrasonic settings.
• 6 month limited manufacturer's warranty.
• Outdoor use recommended. Use indoors only in rarely occupied areas.

Second, the Catstop. The Catstop is made especially to keep cats away. We also sell a 120VAC adapter for the Catstop so you don't have to be concerned about a dead battery. (With the traffic you've had in your yard, the adapter would be a good idea.) The unit includes a 50 ft cord.

CatStop Highlights:

• Ultra sound based concept: Safe, effective cat pest control without chemicals, visually objectionable barriers or shock.
• Infrared detection range: 80 degrees across a 20 ft distance in front of the device.
• Passive ultrasonic detector: Operates unattended. Activates when movement is detected.
• Operates 24/7: CatStop protects day and night for up to 6 months (or 4900+ activations) on one 9 volt battery.
• Silently creates a temporary sound 'barrier': Works where fences are not allowed or are impractical. Keeps neighborhood cats from violating your space without drawing attention to your efforts.
• Simple Installation: Easily extend coverage with additional CatStops.
• Power supply: 9V battery (not included).
• Output: 124 dB.
• Sensor warm up time = 40-60 seconds when battery is first inserted.When you activate the unit, the red light will come on for 3 seconds, and then turn off.  It takes approximately 8 seconds for it to re-charge between activation
• Operational time when activated = 3 seconds.
• Delay between activations: about 8 seconds.
• Output frequency: sweeping from 21-25 kHz.
• Fully water resistant.
• 2 year warranty from manufacturer

A third option is the Koolatron Outdoor Cat and Dog Repeller with AC Adapter As the Catstop, this Koolatron Repeller has ultrasonic frequencies that bother but do not harm cats. This unit also works for dogs.

Cat and Dog Repeller Features :

• Built-in focusing cone: Focuses sound for greater effective distance.
• Passive Infra Red (PIR) motion sensor: located behind the front frosted white housing.
• Test button: ultrasonic function is confirmed when button pushed as sound is lowered to an audible level.
• Compact unobtrusive design: green color
• Durable ABS housing: shock proof, can withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions.
• Waterproof to IPX4 standard: international standard that means the Lentek Cat and Dog Repeller is protected against damage from the elements.
• Perfect for yards, gardens, flowerbeds, near garbage, etc.,
• Swivel motion mounting bracket: allows easy and quick range direction changes.
• Wall Mounting Bracket: Adjustable angle allows for 180 degree direction adjustment.
  

Cat and Dog Repeller Specifications :

• Advanced ultrasonic sirens:
  • Ultrasonic sound: 80 to 115dB
  • Frequency sweep: 18 kHz to 24 kHz
  • Duration of ultrasonic bursts: 5 seconds.
• Cone range: 70 degree cone range for primary ultrasonic coverage area.
• Distance range: Up to 85 feet.
• Power on LED lights: confirms unit is active and on when lit.
• Wall mount bracket: install on wall or any vertical surface with two long screws (included). Attach unit connector to mounted bracket using bolt and nut provided.
• Power: Two (2) 9V batteries (not included)
• Battery life: approximately 2000 sound releases.
• Optional AC adapter: included. Adapter must be kept in a dry location if used as main power supply. Use only outdoor rated extension cords that accept the Cat and Dog Repeller plug. Keep all cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Always keep the connection between the ultrasonic repeller and the extension cord dry. Unplug before cleaning the animal repeller.
• Caution: Use outdoors only. Do not place near human ears or use in confined spaces or allow use by children.
• Warranty: 1 Year manufacturer warranty.
• Manufacturer: Lentek, Division of Koolatron

Our customers have had great success with all the electronic devices. It is rare to have a return IF the units are installed correctly and in sufficient quantity. Remember that ultrasound is more like light than audible sound: best results are line-of-sight, ultrasounc stops at hard objects and can bounce back and is absorbed by soft objects like bushes and flowers.

Good luck and thanks for your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Wooden Pet Gate, Step-Over, 20"Tall Walnut Finish.

Q: "I am looking for an expandable pet gate for small dogs that I can move from area to area of my house. Some areas that will need spanned are larger. Will this gate meet my needs? How large can I make it? Is is hard to move? I have two Chihuahuas. They are not jumpers What are the options? Thanks. Sheila.

Answer: This is a quality wooden gate made for Cardinal Gates for small dogs, small puppies and non-jumping dogs. The small dog gate is 20 inches tall, 1 inch thick and has bar spacings of 2.25 inches. The gate fits openings from 28 inches to 51.75 inches. Each gate extension adds 22.25 inches of width to the Step Over Gate. Each extension comes with one 'foot' piece. Each foot fits securely over the gate and has rubber feet to avoid harming floors. Add as many extensions as you like for a very long gate. The pet gate is easily moved. The basic gate expands and weighs about 6 lbs. Each extension weighs just under 5 pounds.

The gate and extensions come in several colors. All gates and extensions and foot pieces are made of hard wood.

Your choices are:

• Natural Wood Finish with Natural Wood Finish Extension, No Coatings
• Walnut Wood Finish with Walnut Wood Extension
• Oak Wood Finish with Oak Wood Extension
• White Wood Finish and White Wood Finish Extension

Do remember this is a free-standing gate with wide feet pieces. This is NOT a child safety gate or a gate for small jumping dogs. For example, a Boston Terrier coudl easily jump this gate as well as one that is 4 feet tall if he or she had a running start or desire.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the Vetscope Petscope, and EarScopes.

Q: "I use a home otoscope, the EarScope, to examine my children's ears if I suspect an infection is beginning. Do I need a different otoscope to examine my dog's ears? He is a Basset Hound with floppy ears who has had two infections so far. Thanks." Susan

Answer: Yes, you would need to buy either the Vetscope or the Petscope. The difference lies in the focal point of the instrument. The pet otoscope or vet otoscope has a focal length of 6.5 inches. That is the correct focal distance for dogs and cats. There is a detailed instruction sheet with each of the units. You can ask your veterinarian for help during your next pet check-up.

Floppy eared dogs are more prone to ear infections. To prevent ear infections and insect infestations, the recommendations are to  check your pet’s ears each week. I use an ear cleaning solution and cotton swabs to clean my dogs' ears. They don't like having the liquid squirted into their ears.  Vets recommend regular ear cleaning especially for breeds with drop-ears (beagles, bassets, cockerspaniels, spaniels, pointers, hounds & more).

It is all a trade-off among the breeds. I have had only Boston Terriers for the past 30 years. Their ears stand up (usually) but they surely do snore. Only one ear infection in all that time. I have learned to use an ear drying solution after they get their showers or play in the wading pool.

Thanks for you question. Enjoy your dog!

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Ergo Oasis Automatic Pet Water Fountains

Q:":"I would like to purchase several of the Oasis automatic pet waterers, but would like to first know whether the plastic and rubber components are safe for the health of my dogs.  Specifically, can you please let me know whether the Oasis waterer is BPA-free, PVC-free and whether the tubing in the waterer is made from drinking hose or other tube material that is safe for this use?" Thanks. Mary

Answer: Our constantly Oasis filtering pet waterer is BPA free (Bisphenol A), PVC free (Polyvinyl chloride). The water bottle is food grade PET (.(Polyethylene terephthalate) The tube between the water pump and the filter is food grade PET.(Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic.  The base and bowl are PP or Polypropylene. The materials chosen in the manufacture of these units have always met the ROHS requirements. ROHS is an abbreviation for the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant products.

The Oasis units are identical except for the size of the water bottle. We prefer the Ergo Oasis with the 3 gallon water bottle since we have two Boston Terriers and a Siamese cat sharing it. They drink almost 3 gallons a week during the summer months. We keep the waterer in the kitchen plus we put water bowls on the back porch for when the dogs are outside.

We do recommend that you change water filters at least every month or sooner if they won't backwash clean. When we refill the water bottle, we also rinse out the water bowl and the base, backwash the filter under running water and clean the filter for the pump.

So, the Oasis is safe for your dogs' health.
Thanks again for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

 

Question about using Black Deck Shield Deck Netting or Cardinal Gates 50 Ft. Silver Deck Netting to keep dogs in a yard.

Q: "I installed a fence several years ago when I purchased a dog. It is a white plastic picket fence . My problem is I now have small dogs and one keeps getting out in between the pickets. Is there anything you sell for me to put on the fence that won't look too bad. I was looking at the deck netting for children, which comes in 50 feet wide and 35 in tall lengths. Do you think that is o.k. or do you have any other suggestions? Thank you in advance for your help." Barbara C.

Answer: Thank you for this novel but practical use for the UV treated deck netting. Yes, this should keep your dogs inside and should be practically invisible from both sides. Black virtually disappears when you look at it, at least with deck netting. Attach the net with clear plastic cable ties. This is also a great idea for families with little children. Those openings might be just wide enough for a child to get a head or a leg stuck which could be a disaster. I would recommend the more expensive silver because it is thicker and more resistant to rot than the black as well as being less visible on a white fence.

Thanks for your question.
Enjoy your pups!
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Oversized Lookout I Dog Car Seat, NO Drawer.

Q: "Does the Snoozer dog seat connect to a car seat?"

Answer: Yes. To connect the Snoozer, take your seat belt/harness and hook it over the back of the dog seat in the grooves. Connect the dog's harness to the restraining strap (included with the car seat) which attaches to the car seat belt.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara