Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
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- dragulasbruder
- Wiggling with Experience
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Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Hi-
Love my little critter but he's a real active one and a major pain when I'm trying to play (tries to grab cables off my desk, if not straight out of my hand). The hanging-spaghetti method is 100% nope. Anyone have any clever solutions to keeping cables relatively organized (at least moreso than my current haystack of unravelled rainbows) that doesn't appear like a brightly colored multifarious cat toy?
I use 3.5mm patch cables FWIW, but interested to hear back from anyone in any format. I've considered getting a tackle box or sewing kit or something, but the dimensions never seem right.
Thanks!
Love my little critter but he's a real active one and a major pain when I'm trying to play (tries to grab cables off my desk, if not straight out of my hand). The hanging-spaghetti method is 100% nope. Anyone have any clever solutions to keeping cables relatively organized (at least moreso than my current haystack of unravelled rainbows) that doesn't appear like a brightly colored multifarious cat toy?
I use 3.5mm patch cables FWIW, but interested to hear back from anyone in any format. I've considered getting a tackle box or sewing kit or something, but the dimensions never seem right.
Thanks!
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- Rex Coil 7
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
.. he wants more attention from you .. he knows if he messes with your stuff you'll pay attention to him. maybe take time to play with him more when you're not at your synth? or something? maybe? 

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- dragulasbruder
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Wasn't looking for parenting tips, thanks. Plenty of other forums for that. Spaghetti-juggling usually starts when he gets the idea that mealtime is soon, but not now--it's definitely to get attention.Rex Coil 7 wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 6:39 pmmaybe take time to play with him more when you're not at your synth?
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- Pelsea
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Hang them higher?
Or, if space allows, stretch them out on narrow shelves. Add a lip to the front of each shelf.
Or, if space allows, stretch them out on narrow shelves. Add a lip to the front of each shelf.
- sduck
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
I'll suggest some medium sized plastic tupperware style storage boxes, with easily removable lids. Depending on your degree of anal compulsion you could get a bunch - one for each length of patch cords or some similar method of organization. Or just get one or two large-ish ones and throw them all in there. Target sells some nice ones that have lids you can fasten closed, but if you flip up the closer thingies the top can stay on but be easily removable.
- dBVelocity
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
You could get a cat toy that is even more enticing perhaps, a better distracting vice? I'd say keep your cables out of reach as well until the phase passes. Patch with the door closed.
- dBVelocity
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
For storage I use an old briefcase as well as cable holders, I also use a whole bunch of cable ties. These are the twisty gear ties you can pick up from Home Depot or here:
These are really sweet at patch management too so that I'm not reaching through the nest to play the knobs.
These are really sweet at patch management too so that I'm not reaching through the nest to play the knobs.
- Voltcontrol
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
I'd get a flat & long case and modify that into a patch cable locker.
Depending on the max length of your cables something like a poker chip case, tool case, guitar case or gun case. All can be had quite cheaply. Remove or modify original innards and attach cable holder profile to the inside. Put upright next to your case when patching. Don't forget to put rubber bands over the profile to prevent the cables from falling out before closing the case.
Examples of some affordable guitar cases:

Perhaps not this one as your cat will probably love clawing the tweed.

P.s. Cable holder inspiration can be found here: https://muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic ... 4&t=150113
P.p.s. After knocking over a glass of drink and nearly frying my laptop in my home office/studio my cats aren't allowed to go in there any more. After a couple of weeks of sitting in front of a closed door they gave up trying to get in.
Depending on the max length of your cables something like a poker chip case, tool case, guitar case or gun case. All can be had quite cheaply. Remove or modify original innards and attach cable holder profile to the inside. Put upright next to your case when patching. Don't forget to put rubber bands over the profile to prevent the cables from falling out before closing the case.
Examples of some affordable guitar cases:

Perhaps not this one as your cat will probably love clawing the tweed.

P.s. Cable holder inspiration can be found here: https://muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic ... 4&t=150113
P.p.s. After knocking over a glass of drink and nearly frying my laptop in my home office/studio my cats aren't allowed to go in there any more. After a couple of weeks of sitting in front of a closed door they gave up trying to get in.
Gaun Yersel!
Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Excellent suggestion about the vertically opened free standing guitar cases, Voltcontrol!
If a lower thin aluminum panel is added, it can keep the cat from grabbing the danglies Make it with bent flanges so it can pivot partially -or fully- open to make dropping the lower ends of the cord into it more easily.. If you don't have metalworking skills and tools, just use a flat sheet of thin ply or metal and fasten hardware store angle to the sides and make two holes near the bottom. Then these can hold the pivot screws into the guitar case sides.
If a lower thin aluminum panel is added, it can keep the cat from grabbing the danglies Make it with bent flanges so it can pivot partially -or fully- open to make dropping the lower ends of the cord into it more easily.. If you don't have metalworking skills and tools, just use a flat sheet of thin ply or metal and fasten hardware store angle to the sides and make two holes near the bottom. Then these can hold the pivot screws into the guitar case sides.
- Rex Coil 7
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
He's not looking for parenting tips! Can't you read? There's other forums for that! Geezis!dBVelocity wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 8:56 pmYou could get a cat toy that is even more enticing perhaps, a better distracting vice? I'd say keep your cables out of reach as well until the phase passes. Patch with the door closed.




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- Rex Coil 7
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Regarding the rejected "parenting tips" .... about 80% to 90% of problems with pets are actually problems with owners. You can go ahead, spend money on cases and other stop gaps. None of that is going to change a single thing. This is about behavioral modification. You can lock up your cables but that won't change anything when you're at your synth with the cables out. You already said he gets in your way (paraphrased) when playing ... that behavior won't stop by putting your cable in a case. If you learn to do some behavioral modification (the cat's and maybe even your own somewhat) you'll have more luck at dealing with his pranking you for attention. I'll leave the rest of the research to yourself. Y'know ... ~no parenting tips~ and all that ... yeeeaaaa ... so have fun!
Meanwhile, perhaps try placing a pillowcase over your hanging cables from the bottom up, and tying off the pillowcase at the top with a short length of string ... this will gather up the cables might make them ~no fun~ to bat around ... or at least less fun than an easier thing to fuss with to get your attention. Untie the string and set the pillowcase aside when playing. That might due until you do your research on changing feline behavior.

Meanwhile, perhaps try placing a pillowcase over your hanging cables from the bottom up, and tying off the pillowcase at the top with a short length of string ... this will gather up the cables might make them ~no fun~ to bat around ... or at least less fun than an easier thing to fuss with to get your attention. Untie the string and set the pillowcase aside when playing. That might due until you do your research on changing feline behavior.

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WELCOME TO 2021 .. THE BEATINGS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES.
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- Voltcontrol
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
This may not work, depending on how determined your cat is, but I often just drape a bunch of longer cables around my neck while patching, and have a small pile of shorter ones on the table next to me. Easy access for you and hopefully out of the way of claws. You could keep surplus cables in a sealed container (but definitely not an open cardboard box) until you need them.
- Pelsea
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Sure. Seen “My Cat from Hell”? Used to run on Animal Planet.
- umma gumma
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
you could try one of those anti-squirrel things they use on trees and bird feeders?
like a cheap aluminium pie plate, hung under the patch cables so the cat can't reach them?
although cats can jump pretty high....hmm. maybe string a plastic shower curtain around your cable hanger instead?
like a cheap aluminium pie plate, hung under the patch cables so the cat can't reach them?
although cats can jump pretty high....hmm. maybe string a plastic shower curtain around your cable hanger instead?
- Voltcontrol
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
I hadn't. I've seen a picture of that trainer character now that you've mentioned the programme. I'll keep it at that.
Gaun Yersel!
- dragulasbruder
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Did it. Ordered a 3-tier craft box with reconfigurable plastic partitions. $10--if it doesn't work it can hold adapters.
Thanks!
For now I've been using some empty takeout containers (like flat bowl kind), they work totally fine, he keeps out of them. He only really messes with the gear when I'm using it, he thinks I'm trying to instigate playtime when the cables start wiggling.
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- Kattefjaes
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Which is fine, as long as you pretend that it isn't intended for the cat, otherwise they'll have none of it, often

- Flexyflier
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Just use a water bottle for watering plants.....when he grabs one give Him a little shot of water......he will soon learn...
"Drowning...................not waving!"
Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Don't piss on Jackson Galaxy.Voltcontrol wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 1:11 amI hadn't. I've seen a picture of that trainer character now that you've mentioned the programme. I'll keep it at that.
- Voltcontrol
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Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
That sounds disgusting.JayEm wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 12:36 pmDon't piss on Jackson Galaxy.Voltcontrol wrote: ↑Wed May 27, 2020 1:11 amI hadn't. I've seen a picture of that trainer character now that you've mentioned the programme. I'll keep it at that.
Gaun Yersel!
Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Sounds to me like the cat is functioning as expected.
Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
Jackson G sees the value of using a guitar case around cats.
I still say go for the guitar case!

Re: Cat-Proof Patch Cable Storage
I got some of those clothes hanger hooks that go over the top of a door. Keeps the cables up off the floor.
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