On Wednesday evening I walked in the door around 8pm after a long day at work in Surry Hills. I was met at the verge by my beloved and quickly whisked inside to see what had been procured on the last of the Christmas shopping. Once inside I saw a Heineken 5L keg under the tree. I kind of hinted about 2-3 months ago that I would not mind one for Christmas. That was rather pleasing knowing that the period between Christmas and New Year will be kind of hazy.
I was then shown all the final Christmas gifts and a new inflatable Santa, unfortunately an Indoor ornament only. Feels good not having to rush around in the crowds hunting for gifts. All we need to do now is get the grub and grog. Easy pickings with me on leave next week I am sure that Mum and I can get that sussed.
Anyways, the next thing presented was a complete surprise, and further evidence that Socko and I are soul mates. Socko presented a Bird Bath and wild seed bell to me. I have actually been contemplating the exact same approach since spending more time outside and noticing that we do get a lot of Parrots (will need to get my bird book out to identify the variety) and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in the area. It is not just the pests like Indian Minor, Pigeons and Starlings after all. So now I will be moving into attracting the local native birds to the yard.
I am at a bit of a quandry though as to whether I put that out the front, or out the back. Out the front has a natural advantage of two large eucalypts across the road which themselves attract the native fauna. Out the back though is more secure. Also, at the moment we have a lot of Christmas decorations up in the front, and a large party marquee out the back. So I will probably be waiting until those are removed before making a decision as to what goes where. We also bought a large seed feeder last year, so I am considering also firstly locating and secondly deploying it.
This is even more of a reason to banish the feline invaders to their own premises, or atleast out of mine. The CatWATCH is looking more and more the goer. Just awaiting a response from the distributor about its effectiveness on deaf cats. Whilst we are on this subject the RSPCA have responded, and the advice is:
Thank you for your email.
I am sorry about the position that you find yourself in.
One option is to try to spray the area where the cats are “invading” with eucalyptus, lavender, citronella oil, lemon or orange peels or a chemical cat deterrent obtained from perhaps a pet supply shop or a garden nursery. These may help to deter the cats.
I do not know the circumstances of your neighbour but are there any relatives or close friends who visit her with whom you may be able to have a quiet word with to explain the situation. They may be able to convince her of the more responsible option of having her cats de-sexed etc.
I hope this information has been of help to you. If you need further advice re this or any other animal welfare issue, please contact me on the details listed below.
Thank you for your interest in animal welfare and for your support. It is very much appreciated in our efforts to help all creatures, great and small.
If only there was a sensible family member or responsible carer that I had sufficient trust in to contact to I would. Unfortunately, they are focussed solely on the neighbour and neglecting the needs of the felines and the general public in the vicinity. I will though be trying the spraying of citronella oil very soon. Lavendar is already in the garden, and once the lemon tree begins dropping fruits the peels are gonna be scattered under the house. That said the CatWATCH is looking increasingly attractive. I have asked the RSPCA for an opinion on the device.
Anyways, off to bed with me as I have a vendor Christmas party tomorrow evening and I want to ensure I drink/eat the value of our current contract. Given is in the millions I will end up in hospital before I succeed hehe.
PS: My latest batch of pots are on the way. So once they arrive its off to Bunnings to pick up some more of the great RichGro Professional Mix with Seasol, EziWet and Osmicote.
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