Help - turning the taps on!

Hi, hopefully someone has some good suggestions! We've just had a new kitchen sink and taps (the lever kind) and our 2 naughty torties just won't leave them alone!

Shadow's the worst - she's deliberately turning them on (full most times) so she can watch the water. I don't really want to shut them out of the kitchen if I don't have to as one of their litter trays is in there plus Sunshine especially likes gazing out of the window all day (and cries if you remove him!).

I've searched for child-proofing things and can only find covers for bathroom taps, and a band for cross head taps - but nothing suitable really.

We can switch the taps off under the sink - and have had to resort to this while we're out (as we'll either end up with scaulded cats or a flood) but I'd like to find another solution if possible.

Any ideas? And why are torties so naughty....?! Sunshine our red boy isn't half as bad!
Thanks!

Gosh what monkeys! Could you perhaps cover the levers with something like a cup/beaker? Or failing that you could cover the whole thing, i,e, tap and leavers with a plastic cereal storage container type thing?

I'd need to find something they can't remove. I was thinking of a plastic beaker but knowing them they'd get their paws underneath it and get it off somehow! I think I might try some inflatable swimming armbands for kids as they may be harder to remove if they fit snugly - although they may puncture those I guess! They are indeed monkeys :rofl:

Yeah see what you mean. What about something like this:

Innotek SSScat Spray Repellent System

We were going to get one for the top of the TV, but thankfully Casco got bored of jumping up there before we ordered it :smile:

That is why we didn't go for that type of tap when we changed kitchen, although the old taps were turn on they had become a bit loose & Bruce had already learnt how to turn them on with his paw,loved the intent look he gave it as he got his paw behind one of the knob bits & pushed until he had a nice steady stream to get his head under so knew levers were going to be a no,no,never thought I would have to stop & think before buying because of being a cat owner but just shows how clever we have to be to out wit our beloved furries.
Could try wrapping something a bit "ouchy" round to make him stop & think,I agree with you a beaker would soon be sitting on the draining board & for sure armbands wouldn't last a couple of minutes although if the air gushed out it might make him step back..... Some photo's would be fun.....x

Yes who'd have thought you'd have to consider your cats when buying something like taps - unfortunately I never gave it a thought (so I'm the stupid one!). Shadow seems to turn it on then runs over to the cooker as if to say 'I'm sitting here look so it can't have been me', unless the alure of the water stream is just too tempting to drag her away - then she's caught red-pawed!!! They really are too clever. Mmm, I'll have to give the 'ouchy' thing a bit more thought - seems like a deterrent of some sort might be the way to go. Of course the other thing they like doing is trying to carry the plug off too...! If I catch any reactions on camera I'll be sure to post x

:rofl: !!
.........

Would having a thick elastic band going across the two taps work? The tension of the band might prevent them from being able to turn it on...or turn both taps on at once. Maybe test it first!

We have a security on our tap and are now "safe"
But he is watching closely
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r.../Photo2236.jpg

We haven't had the tap problem yet, but sleeping in the sink and looking longingly at the taps .... I daresay it won't be long!

It never ceases to amaze me what they get up to next - and I'm suspecting they never grown out of it! I guess that's why we all love them :nod:

At almost 6 months, Buzz and Baxter are watching us work the taps on the kitchen and bath. We can see them working it out in their heads. They understand the cause and effect - just need a little more strength to accomplish the goal. About a month ago it was a little too quiet around here. I found them in the powder room - Buzz unrolling the TP paper while Baxter worked on flushing the toilet. Just a little more size and we will be watching out water bills as they love this new game. I had my phone and took a video, catching a bit of the action. These guys are BUSY and so much fun!!!

Nothing amazes me anymore about MCs .
On the subject of toilet rolls Nero has adopted a full one one and carries it about the house .
Floyds current project appears to be to learn how to open the new smeg fridge . We changed it when the kitchen was done because he had worked out that the hotpoint was just like a normal door one and often opened it . Of course he could then reach pretty much all the shelves so no food was safe especially as the kittens joined in once it was open.
Luckily the smeg door is very heavy and looks to have him beat (hopefully)

I took this video with my phone one afternoon when it was a little too quiet around here. Found Buzz and Baxter exploring the power room. They were about 5 months old. They have just turned 7 months and continue to be fascinated with everything in the bathroom. BOYS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOLDYu7IifI