I've been thinking about how I could defend myself if I come face to face with a vicious puma. I've been testing things on my cat Squiggles because I think there might be some behaviours that are common to all cats. Here's my latest idea, based upon the way Squiggles will chase an ostrich feather.



Let's say the vicious puma and I are about 10 feet apart. I cast a weighted ostrich feather as far as I can away from me using my carbon fiber fishing/tent pole which has already been baited with the feather, and an appropriate weight, and quick release buckled to my waist belt. Vicous puma chases feather while I sneak off in the opposite direction.



This is just the first draft of my idea so I am open to ideas from others as to how this idea might be improved.

I keep it simple by running faster than my wife.

What about a slingshot and some catnip sachets? Deter attacks from a greater distance perhaps?


Honeymoon's over huh Travis?

Edited by kthompson on 07/09/2012 20:58:55 MDT.

Give 'em a scratch behind the ears.. they like that.

Lol, Ken!

(We just did a 30+ mile lollipop over two nights in the Porcupine Mountains. She's a trooper alright!)


Matt....are you talking about wives or Pumas?

Edited by T.L. on 07/09/2012 21:05:13 MDT.

Laser pointer would work

Exercise it until it gets tired, then run away

Just make sure you have fresh batteries

They attack from the rear. You just need to wear a mask on the back of your head. Suppose to work with tigers also. Maybe a Nixon one would scare them off.

This post reminds me of a funny thing that happens up here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Every year soemone sees a lion out on a local trail.

The rangers come out and place warning signs.

The hikers stand and have their picture taken in front of the warning signs depicting a crouching lion.

A week goes by and the signs come down.

As if the lion has gone away.. like there could only be one lion out there.

Thats it! It's the SAME lion!
Now I understand.

Even more hilarious is a few years back when the local kindergarten teacher ran into a lion in her car on the way to class. Neither she or the lion were injured and both went their seperate ways.. at high speed!
There is just something funny about the incident.

PS. I love the name "Squiggles" for a cat!

A NIXON mask! Hilarious Ken!

Edited by Ice-axe on 07/09/2012 21:16:49 MDT.

" local kindergarten teacher ran into a lion in her car on the way to class. Neither she or the lion were injured and both went their seperate ways.. at high speed! "


She could have stopped to let it out. At least slowed down.

Was it a feather ruse avoiding class?

Edited by kthompson on 07/09/2012 22:18:55 MDT.

If attacked put your thumb in it eye and pop out it eye ball it will run away never to attack anyone ever again.
Terry

Edited by socal-nomad on 07/11/2012 15:34:11 MDT.

Consider packing a black softshell. Simply lay it on the ground and step back. If it's anything like my housecats, it will almost certainly curl up on the black jacket and molt, giving you enough time to escape.