cat in heating ducts

[newbie]

HI I HAVE A PROBLEM THAT YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY ANSWERED IN OTHER POSTS BUT COULD I PLEASE GET SOME ADVICE: I HAVE BEEN HEARING SOMETHING WALKING IN MY DUCTS THAT DEFINETLY SOUNDS ALOT LARGER THAN A MOUSE. SINCE I AM IN MICHIGAN AND WE HAVE 5INCHES OF NEW SNOW I SAW CAT PRINTS GOING TO A SMALL SPACE IN MY SKIRTING I KNOW I HAVE TO LIVE TRAP THE CRITTER FIRST(I HAVE A CAT AND DOG MYSELF AND LOVE ALL ANIMALS) BUT I AM WONDERING WHAT CAN I USE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE DUCTS AS A QUICK FIX TILL THE WEATHER PERMITS ME TO CALL A REPAIRPERSON.OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THESE FERAL CATS AND I AM AFRAID ANOTHER ONE WILL TRY THE SAME THING.ALSO I HAVE NEVER HAD WORK DONE TO THE UNDERNEATH OF A MOBILE HOME AND WONDER IS THIS KIND OF REPAIR GENERALLY COSTLY ? I THINK THIS WEBSITE IS AWESOME AND HAVE TOLD ALOT OF MY NEIGHBORS ABOUT IT THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

[Robert]

Hi,

You can use aluminum flashing to cover any openings, attach with sheet metal screws or pop rivets and foil backed duct tape.

You could then get a bucket of mastic duct sealant from a hvac supply or a big home/building center supply and brush it completely over all.


Then seal all skirting and bellywrap openings.


Remoave a register at end of duct trunkline and lay light inside duct. Then use a mirror to hold down in duct and see what it is carefully.



Take care and best wishes,
Robert