cockchafer beetles

bonsey · #1 (**permalink**) 20-06-2011, 08:49 PM

hi,i have a lot of these beetles swarming around the conifers at the back of the garden,the cat eats them and is then sick,how long before they finish what ever they are doing?please advise if there is any whay of stopping my cat killing everything wild in the garden bar locking him in.thanks

Kate_Izzy · #2 (**permalink**) 20-06-2011, 10:18 PM

I'm afraid the only way to stop cats chasing stuff is either lock them in or build them a secure run!
I read today that the beetles only live a few weeks so shouldn't be for long.

I have a cat and they're not very compatible with a lot of wildlife. Mine's locked in most of the day at the moment as we have a lot of fledgling birds visiting the garden, tend to just let her out for a couple of hours in the evening or if I'm in the garden - she's used to being locked in at night though.

bonsey · #3 (**permalink**) 21-06-2011, 05:52 PM

hi,thanks for the info about the beetles,i will have to get him used to being inside at least over spring,im fed up of picking dead baby birds up off the lawn,he even pulled all the bird box lids off in next doors garden and killed the chicks,even the bees on the clover are not safe,i think i just have a problem
cat.

jpscloud · #4 (**permalink**) 21-06-2011, 06:20 PM

I think there's a sticky on the forum somewhere about cats, and how to care for them to minimise problems for birds and wildlife. If not, try the RSPB site, I'm pretty sure there's one there.

One thing that makes a big difference is an indoor loo - not something everyone wants to do, for sure, but it does mean you can confidently keep your cat in during critical times (dawn, dusk, fledging time etc.) and not risk distress due to it needing to go out to go to the loo. You can get really good covered loos that don't smell at all with the right cat litter.

I'm very lucky with my cat, she is very laid back by nature... she comes out with me while I'm watering but as soon as I call her she comes in.