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n8236 · Mar 31, 2006, 05:21 AM

I just recently bought a new MBP and quite afraid that my cat might jump onto my desk and end breaking the screen. My cat doesn't have a habit of jumping onto my desk, but I want to prevent that by asking you all where and how you keep your MBP safe. I currently tuck my MBP under a small area on my desk, but I find it troublesome.

Thanks

ghporter · Mar 31, 2006, 07:57 AM

My wife's iBook sits on her desk, closed when she's not using it and open when she is (or will be back shortly). The cats generally leave it alone. In fact the only time any of them even get up on her desk is when she's there-so they can get her attention and get between her and the computer. You know, the way cats do everything!

Unless you've got a Hulk of a cat, I'd think just leaving it closed and not near the edge of the desk would be enough.

Tomchu · Mar 31, 2006, 11:08 AM

My girlfriend's cat has an absolute fascination with my stuff -- especially smooth, hard surfaces, like that of my iBook. She'll stupidly come out of the closet (where she's got a bed), look around, walk over to the iBook, and simply plant her ass on it, and then look all pleased with herself.

I don't really care if she sits on it, but I wouldn't want any cat *jumping* on it.

ort888 · Mar 31, 2006, 11:12 AM

I think a cat could jump up and down on a laptop for hours and not hurt it.

Dakar · Mar 31, 2006, 11:51 AM

They probably enjoy its warmth too.

Binarymix · Mar 31, 2006, 12:17 PM

Pee on it. Works every time.

Dakar · Mar 31, 2006, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Binarymix

Pee on it. Works every time.

No, that'll just start a pissing match.

Oh damn, I never thought I'd use that term in its correct context.

ort888 · Mar 31, 2006, 12:44 PM

My cat peed on my old TiBook. Good times.

Rumor · Mar 31, 2006, 12:52 PM

Whenever the cat comes near it, a quick squirt with a water bottle would work. I say quick squirt, because if done correctly, you won't get you MPB wet. After a couple of times, the cat will know it's off limits.

Tomchu · Mar 31, 2006, 12:59 PM

Heavy pressure from two paws (small points) on an LCD screen aren't good -- that's why I say a cat jumping on top of my iBook would not make me happy. Sitting, I don't mind, because the cat's weight is spread over a larger area.

Salty · Mar 31, 2006, 01:34 PM

I just make it clear to my sister's cat not to mess with my PowerBook. I also close the door of my room when I'm not in there.

jorgem4 · Mar 31, 2006, 02:20 PM

I just got a kitty with my GF, the main condition is that my desk (wher my 12 PB and 20 in Cinema Display are) is WAY off limits! I heard doble side tape works well to tell the cat that the place is off limits...we will see.

I am also concerned of al the cords I have under my desk and arounf the room (TV, DVD, Xbox etc) and how to keep her away from them...any sugestions?

Infact any suggestions / advise on for a me cat owner are very welcome, she is my first pet ever.

Goldfinger · Mar 31, 2006, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

I think a cat could jump up and down on a laptop for hours and not hurt it.

Exactly.

Some of you need to get real. Squirting water, double sided tape ? Do that if you want your cat to dislike you. It's sadistic. A normal cat won't touch a computer, it could walk on the keyboard but whatever. It's not like your keyboard is in pain. And as for a cat walking on the back of an LCD ? So what, it's like the cat weighs 20kg.

No need to use draconian methods to teach your cat. Just pick the cat up and place it somewhere else when it comes near/on the computer. And talk to it, say: no!. Repeat this a few times and it will understand.

cjrivera · Mar 31, 2006, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Binarymix

Pee on it. Works every time.

On the cat or the computer? Or both?

However, back to the topic... easiest way to keep the cat off the MBP.....

get rid of the cat.

Tomchu · Mar 31, 2006, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

Exactly.

Some of you need to get real. Squirting water, double sided tape ? Do that if you want your cat to dislike you. It's sadistic. A normal cat won't touch a computer, it could walk on the keyboard but whatever. It's not like your keyboard is in pain. And as for a cat walking on the back of an LCD ? So what, it's like the cat weighs 20kg.

No need to use draconian methods to teach your cat. Just pick the cat up and place it somewhere else when it comes near/on the computer. And talk to it, say: no!. Repeat this a few times and it will understand.

I didn't say I punish my girlfriend's cat. Any time it ever jumps on my iBook, I tell it "No!" in an angry voice, and pick it up. It gets the idea.

I guess I won't bother explaining the physics of decelleration and weight to you, though. A seven-pound cat jumping on a laptop, and shifting all of its weight at the decelleration moment to its front paws is a lot of pressure. Ever push the back of your laptop screen? Now give it a really hard poke. That doesn't make me comfortable. LCDs aren't exactly made of brick.

scaught · Mar 31, 2006, 04:16 PM

just accept it, man. cats love laptops.

Dark Helmet · Mar 31, 2006, 04:18 PM

I was going to say the same, they love the heat and cats do what they like, nothing you can really do about it.

CMYKid · Mar 31, 2006, 04:44 PM

i'm still not sure WHY the pee on them, but I have too damn many friends who have had cats pee in.on laptops, monitors, keyboards.

shocking.

Spliff · Mar 31, 2006, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by n8236

I just recently bought a new MBP and quite afraid that my cat might jump onto my desk and end breaking the screen. My cat doesn't have a habit of jumping onto my desk, but I want to prevent that by asking you all where and how you keep your MBP safe. I currently tuck my MBP under a small area on my desk, but I find it troublesome.

Thanks

Put masking tape, sticky side up, on your desk where the cat might jump. Keep there for a few days. They learn pretty quickly because they hate crap on their paws.

ort888 · Mar 31, 2006, 04:52 PM

My cat peed on everything. I don't think he was targeting my Powerbook, it was just in the line of fire. I think the pee worked it's way down my coffee table and got all over the back of my laptop.

This cat is no longer with us.

Spliff · Mar 31, 2006, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

My cat peed on everything. I don't think he was targeting my Powerbook, it was just in the line of fire. I think the pee worked it's way down my coffee table and got all over the back of my laptop.

This cat is no longer with us.

For peeing cats, try this stuff. Lots of vets and catteries recommend it. It doesn't work for 100% of the cases, but it's worth trying.

Feliway

ort888 · Mar 31, 2006, 05:00 PM

Didn't work. We tried it.

The cat went to live with my ex-girlfriend and has been fine. He was having problems living with other cats and it lead to pissing all over. Now that he is by himself he is back to his regular cute self.

Spliff · Mar 31, 2006, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

Now that he is by himself he is back to his regular cute self.

Yeah, some cats like to be the only one in the household.

Spliff · Mar 31, 2006, 05:12 PM

Oh, and this thread needs more photos.

FireWire · Mar 31, 2006, 05:40 PM

I'm surprised nobody called Ms. Animal lover to the rescue yet

Spliff: is the girl your gf? and is the 3rd photo genuine? I never saw a "true" sad face on a cat before

Originally Posted by ort888

My cat peed on everything. I don't think he was targeting my Powerbook, it was just in the line of fire. I think the pee worked it's way down my coffee table and got all over the back of my laptop.

This cat is no longer with us.

Reminds me of a cat we had when I was a kid. He ruined everything in the house. My parents finally decided to get rid of it, but the ironic thing is that he peed on her lap while en-route for the SPCA

I was probably only 3 then, but I remember that scene perfectly!

Spliff · Mar 31, 2006, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by FireWire

I'm surprised nobody called Ms. Animal lover to the rescue yet

Spliff: is the girl your gf? and is the 3rd photo genuine? I never saw a "true" sad face on a cat before

I wish my gf had a rack like that! All the photos are from http://www.cuteoverload.com/ and I suspect that the shower cat's face might be photoshopped.

My cats are, sadly, dead.