Cat-Proof Your Computer and Get 30GB of Space Free

By Michele C. Hollow of Pet News and Views

When I’m busy writing and Earl Gray, my cat, jumps up on the desk, I quickly slide the drawer that houses my keyboard under the desk to protect my copy. Earl, like most cats, is fast, and on occasion, has stepped on my keyboard and erased some content.

Earl Gray, our cat, loves to jump up on my desk and often has stepped on the keyboard.

I heard from Caroline Golon of Romeo the Cat and learned that 97.2 percent of cat parents say their cats have deleted something by walking across their keyboards!

Caroline is currently working with SurDoc, an online automatic backup of computer files for PC and MAC users. If you sign up, use the code CATPROOF, and you will receive a free 30GB account. Once you are on the site, click the “sign up” button; a “Do More” button will drop down. Click on that to get to the sign up page. That is where you will put in the promo code: CATPROOF.

Following are tips on protecting your cat and your computer.

Protect Your Cat

1. Tie and Bundle Loose Cords

Enclose within plastic coverings wherever possible. Secure larger cords to the walls with clips.

2. Spray Exposed Wires with Cat Repellent

But be careful to keep moisture away from computer openings!

3. Remove Peripheral Devices

Remove devices you don’t use and put them away.

4. Beware of Moving Parts

Avoid printers with exposed rollers because they can catch a cat’s tail.

Protect Your Computer

1. Keep it Cool

Turn off equipment before leaving the room. This helps keep it cool (and less inviting).

2. Avoid Breakage

Retract keyboard trays and letter trays on printers when not in use. Or, store keyboard upright, and close CD and DVD-ROM drawers.

3. Keep the Computer Clear of Fur

Fur clogs can cause your computer to work harder and overheat.
Shut your laptop when not in use and put it away. Keep desktops under a plastic cover.
Clean the fan, vent openings and any filters in your computer regularly.

4. Keep Drinks, Cats and Computers Apart

Discourage cats from being near the computer.
Create a “safe zone,” such as a basket that is near you but not next to the computer. Or, put a cat tree close to your work station.

Protect Your Files

1. Close Applications

Close open applications before leaving your computer.

2. Auto-save

Set your programs to auto-save frequently.

3. Install Paw Recognition Software

Programs like Pawsense teach your cat to stay off the keyboard. http://www.bitboost.com/pawsense/

4. Back up Online

Make sure you are using an online backup service like SurDoc – in case your cat accidentally “edits” or deletes a file.

For your free 30GB account, click here.

Click on image to enlarge.

Editor’s Note: Caroline has asked other pet bloggers to run similar posts about the free 30GB account. To show her appreciation, she will award one blogger with a $500 donation to give to a favorite pet nonprofit.

Ruby

August 9, 2012 at 9:59 AM

My cats are on my desk all the time!

Barbara

Wow, this is an easy contest that we can all win.

Elliot

August 9, 2012 at 10:01 AM

Purrect contest!

Robin

August 9, 2012 at 10:02 AM

I’m part of that 97.2 % of cat owners with cats on their keyboards.

Inez

I hope you win the $500 donation! Good contest.

Kayley

August 9, 2012 at 10:19 AM

I take a lot of photos, and could use the extra space. Thank You!

Wanda

August 9, 2012 at 10:22 AM

I could definitely use extra space to store songs and photos. Than You.

Alice

August 9, 2012 at 10:23 AM

More space please! I will sign up.

Linda

Thanks! Will check it out.

Jordonna

August 9, 2012 at 11:08 AM

Those of us with lots of photos of our furkids could definitely use more space. Thanks!

Lucy

August 9, 2012 at 11:10 AM

I keep my keyboard covered when I’m out of the office, and I keep the door closed. When I’m in my office and my cats are around, they have jumped up on the desk. It’s quick action that has saved the day, but cats can be fast. So, this is a good thing. I always hit the save button a lot.