Mr_Asa
Mr_Asa UltimaDork
9/22/22 2:15 p.m.

New neighbors brought an outside cat.  I've found it multiple times roosting underhood in the truck's engine bay.  Despite how little I drive the truck these days, I know that sooner or later I'll start the truck and just hear a cat screaming.  Then I'll have to hose cat guts out from under the hood, I'll have to deal with an angry neighbor (who I've already complained about this issue to,) etc etc etc.

Anyone have a good trick to keep the cat out?

At least I know where the cat likes to hang out in the engine bay, so it might be easy to prevent it from sitting there.

 

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/22/22 2:28 p.m.

Citrus-scented sprays in the engine bay?

Temporary workaround: Honk the horn once before starting the engine at home. If you hear one bang and don't see/hear the cat run off, check for a cat in the engine bay that died of a heart attack.

Encourage the neighbor to have the cat spayed or neutered if it isn't already, so that you don't end up engineering dumber cats into existence cheeky

Toyman!
Toyman! GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/22/22 2:36 p.m.

The good news is they don't have time to scream before the belts or fans make minced meat. 

The bad news is, the hose won't clean up the mess. 

Bang on the hood before you start it. 

You might try these placed strategically. 

RTR 12Pcs Fence Spikes With 30 Bundling Straps, Garden Plastic Bird Animal  Deterrent Repellent Spikes To Stop Birds And Cats Sitting On Fence Garden  Security Anti Climb Cat(Brown) - Walmart.com

1988RedT2
1988RedT2 MegaDork
9/22/22 2:50 p.m.

Pretend it's a big diesel truck and let it idle all night long?

AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter)
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/22/22 3:02 p.m.

put a dog in the engine bay?

barefootcyborg5000
barefootcyborg5000 PowerDork
9/22/22 3:04 p.m.

Actively try to get the cat to go in. Cats are shiny happy people, and will do the opposite. Give that cat some reverse psychology. Cats love reverse psychology. 

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter)
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
9/22/22 3:08 p.m.

thatsnowinnebago
thatsnowinnebago GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/22/22 3:11 p.m.

Shotgun 

Mr_Asa
Mr_Asa UltimaDork
9/22/22 3:20 p.m.
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

Wife has been wanting another dog, and that is the right engine, so I know it'll fit!

drsmooth
drsmooth HalfDork
9/22/22 3:35 p.m.

Record the sound of the cap popping on a container of Advantage flea treatment. Play the recording a few times before getting in. you will never see the cat again.

 

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/22/22 4:21 p.m.

And maybe the cat is in there because of something else, like mice.  

Just a thought.

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter)
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
9/22/22 4:36 p.m.

In reply to Noddaz :

So then you get mice, cats and a dog rummaging around in your engine compartment.

A coyote also has to show up at one point.

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/22/22 4:48 p.m.
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to Noddaz :

So then you get mice, cats and a dog rummaging around in your engine compartment.

A coyote also has to show up at one point.

No, not at all.  Just maybe there is mice living in a truck that isn't used a lot.  And the cat is looking for them.

TurnerX19
TurnerX19 UberDork
9/22/22 6:36 p.m.

This cat is your buddy, just don't let it know. A knuckle thump on the hood as part of start up procedure is a small price for the extermination service.

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/22/22 6:42 p.m.

Or get one of these for the grill.

Apexcarver
Apexcarver UltimaDork
9/22/22 7:05 p.m.

Cat repellent sprays are a thing.

1SlowVW
1SlowVW HalfDork
9/22/22 7:30 p.m.

Just leave the cat installed, they don't cost any power on a from everything I've read on the internet and they are good for the environment. 

GeddesB
GeddesB GRM+ Memberand Reader
9/22/22 8:00 p.m.

This would do it: 

Robbie (Forum Supporter)
Robbie (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
9/22/22 9:23 p.m.

Park overnight in a bad neighborhood and someone will remove your cat for free?

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