How to keep cat out of chimney?

[tostaky]

We’ve just got a 6 years ild cat two days ago. This morning, i could not find her but my living room floor was full of sooty paws. When i brought some food out, she came down the chimney!!
ive looked at chimney sheep but if i look at my chimney, i can see there is a space on each side where she could be quite comfy, before the actual chimney shaft (whete the chimney sheep or balloon would go).

if you have a cat, how do you manage this? We want to be able to ise our chimney from time to time too so not looking to block it off permanently!
many thanks

When DD was little I had a large fire guard like this and fitted a hook and eye latch to attach it to the wall to keep both her and the cats from being able to pull it away. Not the prettiest to look at, but did the job.

https://www.diy.com/departments/extendable-fireguard-nursery-fire-guard-safety-child-fireplace-stove-woodburner-screen/5060477744369_BQ.prd?srsltid=AfmBOooNXQklBUGnqxB1YLyCBbKcE4P1bqMCOkyzL0o1TIom9QVjd27HIvE&gQT=1

We put a bookcase in front of it - but they only did it when they were kittens. Then we got a stove fitted and a bonus was the flue is blocked off at the bottom.

You could get a piece of wood cut so the chimney is blocked.

Thanks all - i have posted on the “pets” forum now

people used to have fire screens bit like a free standing large picture used to block the opening from draughts soot etc but easy to lift away for using the fire. they usually put them on in summer when fire was not being used. they usually had a decorative picture or some made a tapestry one. have a look at car boots charity shops etc or why not just lean a big picture against it? would look decorative too

My parents’ cat did this when they first got her. They blocked the chimney with a piece of cardboard until the cat was settled (and she then stopped doing it).

Awww she is just helping you clean the place!!!!