Why have three San Jose outdoor cats suddenly rejected their warm beds?

DEAR JOAN: In 2022, we purchased three outdoor houses for our three outdoor cats; one on the front porch and another two in the backyard. The houses are exposed but under a porch roof and barn roof.

The front porch cat is female, while there are two male cats in the backyard, and they do not mingle. The cats initially slept in these little houses, especially when the weather was cold, but now none of the three venture inside these structures.

We have cleaned the bedding and keep them free of debris. We are looking for an answer to why the three cats refuse to sleep in these three structures, especially now as the weather turns colder.

— Patrick and Mary Taylor, San Jose

DEAR PATRICK AND MARY: Cats can be extremely picky and fickle when it comes to sleeping choices, but my guess is that some other creature came sniffing around the houses, perhaps even taking a snooze inside, and now the cats don’t feel safe. When you’re an outdoor cat, you’re perhaps at your most vulnerable when you’re asleep.

I suggest moving the beds off the ground and putting them in secluded areas. Narrow the entrances and cut emergency escape holes in the houses. Cats feel more secure in tight, enclosed spaces.

For warmth, line the houses with bubble wrap, then put in lots of straw. That not only makes the beds comfy, but also insulates against dropping temperatures. The straw will also stay drier than cloth bedding.

DEAR JOAN: For a number of years, I was able to grow fabulous tomatoes by the basketful. Then, about 4 years ago, the rats and squirrels took over. They lay in wait until the tomatoes were nearly ripe and then decimated the crop. I’ve been lucky to get a half dozen, partially ripe tomatoes for myself.

Last year, I erected a frame around my raised bed, but I only had chicken wire handy and the holes were too large to keep out the rats.

I am marshaling forces for next year. I plan to replace the chicken wire with ¼-inch wire mesh in hopes that will do the trick.  Does this sound like a solution?

— Dave, Los Altos

DEAR DAVE: Oh no they didn’t! Our tomato crops are sacred and only to be shared with select individuals. Taking without permission just can’t be allowed.

As you’ve discovered, when it comes to keeping rats and squirrels out, chicken wire is not the right choice. I suppose it’s good at keeping chickens corralled, but not much else. The holes are no obstacle for rodents, and the wire is so flimsy that any creature with a decent set of choppers can easily gnaw through it.

My recommendation is hardware cloth. It has quarter-inch holes and is usually made of steel. Unless the rodent has super powers, it won’t get in.

You want to completely enclose the tomatoes and also bury the hardware cloth down a couple of feet to discourage tunneling.

DEAR READERS: Just a note of gratitude on this Christmas Day to you, my faithful readers and friends. I so appreciate your questions, suggestions and conversation as we learn together how to best coexist with our animal brothers and sisters. I wish you many blessings of the season.

Animal Life runs on Mondays. Reach Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.