I was going to use this between the wall and the refrigerator, so our cat can not climb behind to the fridge, getting stuck. Could I use it for this purpose?
I know this is quite old, but in case others have a similar question — I had a similar issue at an apartment, where there were spaces between the side and back of the dryer and the walls. Per the lease, fastening things to the walls was out. So I used contact paper.
I cut a strip 3-4" wider than the "gaps" I needed to fill. The strip needs to be long enough that a couple of inches can 'overlap' on the floor, yet it will be tall enough that a cat won't decide to see if they can jump over it. Note that contact paper attaches to itself quite well (at least for this project). So it doesn't HAVE to be one long strip.
Then I tore off 1"–1.5" of the backing along each side. Note: I didn't score this, as I was afraid I'd cut too far through. I just tore it off by hand. It doesn't have to be perfect, or look good, as no one should ever see it. Honestly, you could probably just take the entire back covering off, although it might be more difficult when putting it up, if it falls over and sticks to itself. Personally, I didn't want to have all that sticky side exposed because...bugs would get stuck on it and that's a horrible way to die. I know that singles me out as pretty darn weird...but this solution DID work.
After you have exposed sticky edges, you "install" it. It's 'paper', but stiff paper—meaning you can fold it, but it won't work so well at the corners. So, yeah, this part is pretty much a PIA. It will help if you left yourself enough 'wiggle' room by having AT LEAST an inch on each side. Also, you CAN re-position it, although not indefinitely (it will eventually lose its stickiness).
The final "product" was contact paper attached to the appliance on one side, the wall on the other, and a couple inches onto the floor. I think for one of the gaps, I put it pretty close to the front of the appliance, and on the other side I managed to get it back in a few inches (so it was less obvious).
It held up for the 5 years I was there. When I left, it peeled off the walls, appliance, and floor w/out damage and leaving no horrible, sticky residue. The variety of colors and patterns available means you'll probably be able to find something that will look okay.
My cat never looked at those areas as possible places to explore/hide. That happy result was probably greatly assisted by the fact that I put it up before she ever was in the apartment. But I think if you went high enough, it would discourage most cats, even those who 'know' there used to be an opening there.
Hope this helps someone!
Answered by: Colbey
Date published: 2020-04-03
