VIDEO MythBusters "Cat Deterrents"

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MythBusters "Cat Deterrents" In Season 13, Episode 4 of MythBusters, the hosts explore unconventional methods to deter cats from wreaking havoc in gardens, particularly when it comes to using flower beds as makeshift litter boxes. This episode dives into the effectiveness of popular cat deterrents, including clear plastic water bottles and lion poop, amidst humorous experiments and adorable feline guests.

Episode Overview​

The episode begins by acknowledging a common belief: that animals such as cats can be deterred using various homemade remedies. The MythBusters team sets up a controlled environment with a comfortable cat house and a planter box, inviting four adult cats and four kittens to test these deterrents. The excitement kicks off with a control test to establish their natural behavior without any interventions.

Key Experiments and Findings​

1. Control Test:
   • All eight cats participated enthusiastically in their new environment, with seven of them visiting the planter box.
   • The behavior observed showed that cats were most drawn to a raised cat tower, indicating a preference for elevated spaces.
   []Deterrent 1: Plastic Water Bottles:
   • Inspired by advice suggesting water bottles could repel cats similarly to how they may deter flies, the team set up these bottles around the flower bed.
   • Surprisingly, the cats showed little hesitation and continued their exploration, ultimately disregarding the supposed repellent. The results? A definitive failure, as all but one cat took interest in the planter regardless of the bottles.
   []Deterrent 2: Lion Poop:
   • The team moved on to the more bizarre claim of using lion poop to keep cats out of gardens. The theory suggested that the scent would create a territorial boundary.
   • Unfortunately, the experiment confirmed that this deterrent was ineffective. Despite the distinct smell, seven of the eight cats still ventured into the flower bed, proving this myth to be nonexistent.

     Conclusion​

     The MythBusters team concluded that both deterrents failed to keep the cats away, with the lion poop experiment particularly highlighting that the cure could be worse than the disease! The episode combines humor, intriguing trials, and, of course, adorable cat antics, reinforcing one crucial takeaway: cats are smarter than we may think, and the myths surrounding their deterrence have proven to be nothing more than that—myths.

     Join the Conversation!​

     What are your thoughts on this episode? Have you ever tried any creative methods to keep cats out of your garden? Share your stories or any other amusing cat anecdotes you have! Feel free to check out related posts for more fun experiments and discussions about the quirks of cat behavior!