Cats will have no deterrent effect on possums. They will certainly
attack young Brushtail Possums and adult Ringtails, and any other
smaller species such as Gliders and feathertails, if present.
The first stage in the possum war is to be absolutely certain that they
are not dwelling in house rooves or walls. Note that these days in
Melbourne, if you de-possum the roof, you are not permitted to trap and
deport the possums - you have to provide alternative accommodation in
the form of a possum nest-box.
Is there a supply of delicious plants in or on the patio and/or
trellis? Possums love climbing roses and other plants. A change of
vegetation might help but Brushtails can even digest gum-leaves, so are
probably attracted by anything else at all.
Get a stiff yard-broom and transfer droppings to compost-heap.
Years ago, I recall taking my mother's large fierce tomcat to the vet,
to have a large swollen abscess lanced. The vet said it was caused by
deep puncture wounds from sharp pointed incisors - which were quite
likely inflicted by a large Brushtail, judging by the space between the
two punctures, rather than another tom-cat.
No correspondence on the wickedness of keeping an unconfined tom will be
entered into, because I entirely agree. Our present feline is neutered,
elderly and torpid, and is kept in at night whenever possible. He
belongs to our son in any case.
Anthea Fleming
Ivanhoe, vic.
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