How can I block my (unused) chimneys so my cats won't climb up?

Question

I need to block of 3 chimneys so my very agile cat won't climb up. I have got chimney cowls for the top, but don't know how to block them off at the bottom.

Newspaper, straw or chimney balloons won't work because the cats will destroy them or pull them out, so I need another option.

BUT, I'm rubbish at DIY. Can you buy any size-adjustable chimney blockers? Or can anyone suggest how to fit a cat-proof blocker without lots of carving and measuring?

Answer 1

wot u need to do is about 3 foot up fix a Baton of 1" x 1" round the chimney then fix a sheet of 1/4" ply but u will need to drill some holes in it just for ventilation.

Answer 2

Train the cats.

Get a paint ball gun, freeze the pellets and shoot them in the butt when they go near the chimney.

After a while they will say"gee, the chimney sure looks like a fun place, but MAN...does it hurt"

Answer 3

Get some bendable metal mesh,some what stiff but bendable. Cut it 2 inched bigger than the chimney, Lie on your back and push it up in the center. lf a bit too big cut a little off til it fits right

Answer 4

You can try using a piece of rigid foam insulation.  It can easily be cut to any shape and put in the whole.  Cats can be tough

Answer 5

I use a piece of heavy duty plexy glass about 10mm thick and around 1 metre square (Perspex) that I put over the 'firehole' during summertime and hold / stick it there with neatly cut gaffer tape (different colours available from pound shops   :), then put an electric fire in front of it. It stops the soot falling, and my cat wouldn't be able to get up even if he wanted to.

PS, don't use a cat to sweep your chimney - you cruel thing LMAO.

EDIT - You can get them to cut you some Perspex (clear, or any colour you like ) at a wholesaler such as Kiowa http://www.kiowa.co.uk/

Just measure the size of the hole 1st, then the only DIY you have to do is the sticking on the gaffer tape, even a kid could do that. Easily removed in winter so you can use you fires again....

Answer 6

i agree with the mesh answer, but i would use "chicken wire"; it is very cheap and flexible; in the store (Lowe's, etc) it is called "hex poulty netting"

Answer 7

You need a piece or pieces of slate & some fire cement (local DIY store).

Give the throat of the chimney (top of fire) a good brush to clear loose soot, then brush liberally with water to soak the fire bricks.

Break a piece of slate so it fits the hole (wood would be fine if you have any thin bits), and 'glue' the piece in with fire cement - fingers are best to 'squish' it around the edges.

If the slate or wood's too heavy, use a stick to prop it in place.

Once set, no more  naughty escaping puss ies!

Answer 8

Okay, now I'm really curious!  Don't all chimneys have a damper that can be closed?

Answer 9

They make chimney blocks for the lower half of a chimney. Check out home depot or Lowes.