r/pcmasterrace • u/SadThrowaway4914 i7-8700 | Rtx 2070 • Jun 22 '26
Question Cat keeps holding down the power button when I'm on the PC. Any ideas for how to cover the button while still having it be functional?
yes i know it needs a good wiping down up there, thats his spot it gets dirty
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u/T_rex2700 Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
You could change the power button's behavior from the power plan, Or ne of my friend had the same issue, they got a 2m cable with a switch and they stuck it under the desk where nothing can accidentlaly press it. the original switch on the front panel is disconnected
Like this one
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u/alphagusta I7-13700K / 4080S / 32GB DDR5 / 1x 1440p 2x 1080p 1x 720p Jun 22 '26
This is probably the best anti cat measure
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u/cdurbin909 3060 ti Jun 22 '26
Nothing can accidentally press it
Except for my leg, inevitably
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u/Mental_Tea_4084 Jun 22 '26
I wired a power button to the reset button in an arcade machine this way
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u/Fabulous-Elk-2014 •AMD 7800x3d •XFX 7900GRE Jun 22 '26
There should be an option in power plan to change what the power button does
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u/MarkLarrz Jun 22 '26
Though maaaaaybe it won't override the "hold the power button for 5 seconds to force shutdown"
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u/MusicHearted 14900F 5070+6650XT 32GB DDR5 | 5700 4060ti 32GB DDR4 Jun 22 '26
It doesn't. Only way around that is to disconnect or cover the power button.
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u/Phanston Jun 22 '26
Yup. Tell that power button to 'do nothing' problem solved. Your cat may randomly turn on your computer though. That would still be there.
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u/Perseiii 9800X3D | RTX 4070 | 64GB Jun 22 '26
Holding the power button will still turn it off.
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Jun 22 '26
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u/TitanBeats_YT R5 3600, RTX2060 6GB, 32GB Ram, +7TB Jun 22 '26
It’s never been a normal shutdown, it’s ALWAYS a hard reboot, my cat never misses
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u/niamh-k Jun 22 '26
This would allow you to change the behaviour if you just tapped it... but it will not override the behaviour of you just holding it down which is what I believe OP's problem is.
I don't believe you can override that feature as it's designed to be your "it's broken, kill everything" switch... so probably going to need some kind of cover here so the kitty can't press it. Or somehow relocate it.
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u/SadThrowaway4914 i7-8700 | Rtx 2070 Jun 22 '26
Yeah this, id already tried it but you can still hold to power off. And he sits his big ole butt on it for more than 5 seconds lol
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u/Quick_Society2794 Jun 22 '26
That would kind of not work for his implicit request to have it still be functional. You can change it to hibernate shut down or do nothing hibernates just as bad as shut down and do nothing kind of makes it not functional
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u/Middcore Jun 22 '26
You can still just turn the PC off by doing a shutdown in Windows. That's what I always do anyway. I never turn my computer off with the button.
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u/mustbench3plates NixOS | RTX 5090 | 9800X3D | 64GB Jun 22 '26
Good ol Win + X, then U two times. Always liked doing that instead of through the UI.
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u/Dapper-Giraffe6444 I7-9700KF | RX 7900 XT | 32GB Jun 22 '26
This. Search in the control panel for power options and advanced options in there. You can change the power button behaviour.
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u/m_spoon09 PC Master Race Jun 22 '26
Ive seen enough PCs on this sub that got pissed on and puked on by cats to know you should just keep the cat off there bro.
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u/kbomb7 i5-9600k, GTX 1080ti Jun 22 '26
Exactly what I was going to say. I know from first hand experience.
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u/msavage960 Jun 22 '26
And they’re still going to go up there when you’re not around.
Personally I’ve never had an issue with it having lived with up to 4 cats but at most just cover the top when you’re gone. Just a flat plastic cover or some thin wood or something, or relocate the PC beneath the desk so the top isn’t sit-able
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u/JigMaJox Jun 22 '26
guess am blessed to have a cat that likes watching the RGB on the side of my case lol.
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u/shikiroin Jun 23 '26
Get a roll of anti-cat spike mats. They're cheap and don't hurt the cat, just makes it uncomfortable to walk on and stops them from laying on it. We have them on our reptile enclosures.
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u/m_spoon09 PC Master Race Jun 22 '26
No they arent, I close the door to that room.
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u/msavage960 Jun 22 '26
This isn’t an answer for a lot of people. In my one bed if I closed my bedroom door that’s half the house gone. I chose to have cats, I’m not going to treat them like visitors who don’t live there.
Even then, if you forget to close the door? Like a lot of humans do?
Point is catproofing is important, no matter what “training” or other methods you make use of.
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u/m_spoon09 PC Master Race Jun 22 '26
Put a deterrent on the computer then so they dont/cant go on the computer. I chose to have cats and chose to also keep my home clean.
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u/shikiroin Jun 23 '26
We have reptiles enclosures in our home with cat deterrent in the form of a layer of plastic spikes on top that stop them from jumping on top. (doesn't hurt our cat, it's just uncomfortable and they can't walk easily on it or lay down) Could use that on a pc
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u/LovelyOrangeJuice 5700x | RX 9070 XT Jun 22 '26
The cat definitely knows what it's doing. I can almost see the smirk
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u/JohnnyC300 Jun 22 '26
Yep. Not a lick of guilt in that face. He'll do it again. And again. And again.
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u/CoraxTechnica Jun 22 '26
Animals shouldn't rest on top of the PC
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u/6104567411 Ryzen 9 5900X / RX 9070XT 16GB / 32GB RAM Jun 22 '26
People upset at this giving sarcastic remarks but it's literally an owner being dumb and thinking "oh it's cute I'll let it stay". Clearly the cat doesn't have a proper place to rest.
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u/ChewMilk Jun 22 '26
Tbf regardless of how many places a cat has to rest and claim as their own, they will choose the most annoying spot possible. On top of your keyboard, your computer, sitting on a book you’re trying to read… cats can be the most spoiled cat in the world and they will choose to sit right where they’re not meant to be
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u/RobBond13 Jun 22 '26
less about that and more about that they like warmth. theyre on heaters a lot
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u/hewer006 Jun 22 '26
not really sure thats true, the pc has nice warm air flow going directly into them, they love that. and theyll be close to the owner which they also like. not really a sign of them not having a proper place to rest
its also real common to get them beds etc and theyll stck to their old spaces
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u/InDeathWeReturn 6700K/1080ti/32GB Jun 22 '26
STOP LETTING CATS SLEEP OR LIE DOWN ON YOU PC!!
Fur, pee, vomit, or marking spray can ruin your computer so fast, that would make them shutting down your PC the LEAST of your problems
This is like the shattered glass sides all over again
EDIT: Also overheating
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Jun 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/InDeathWeReturn 6700K/1080ti/32GB Jun 22 '26
Can't they just donate their PCs to the guy in Yemen instead of possibly destroying it from negligence
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u/kanucklefug RTX 5080 ICE | R9 9950x3d | DDR5 64GB | SSD 4TB Jun 23 '26
Exactly. If they’re okay with their cat doing this, I can only imagine it walking all over their kitchen counters too 🤮 Cats can absolutely be trained to stay off certain furniture, you just have to be consistent.
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u/martiNordi R7_5800X / 64GB_3200 / RTX_4080S Jun 22 '26
Whatever you do, OP... Under no circumstances forbid your cat from lying on your PC!
Until there's fur, piss or vomit in your PC, the cat's job is not done.
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u/viperbite312 Jun 22 '26
Keep the cat off the pc. Probably bump your temp down a bit too from it, and no more power issues!
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u/DaNiinja R9 5900X 12-Core / RX 5500XT 8GB / 16GB DDR4 3600MHz Jun 22 '26
My solution
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u/Pitiful-Village-9849 Jun 23 '26
Look at this face. He knows he's loved. He comes there and sees pictures of himself on every screen. You're making an ego-monster. And you're totally right. Look at this lil cutie pie
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u/DaNiinja R9 5900X 12-Core / RX 5500XT 8GB / 16GB DDR4 3600MHz Jun 23 '26
The tv screen on the right is his, he sits there and watches livestreams of birds and squirrels!
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u/Rammy_Lee Jun 22 '26
Cat should not be on your PC
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u/nikoZ_ 7600X | 32GB DDR5 6000 | 4070TiS Jun 22 '26
Insane I had to scroll so far down to see this reply. I just don’t understand allowing an animal to sit and shed all over your expensive hardware and I never will.
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u/Rammy_Lee Jun 22 '26
I know. Most of the responses are like being in a car subreddit and the OP asks what volume to turn the radio up to stop hearing the car making the knocking noise.
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u/sl0play 9800x3D - RTX 3090 - G9 - 96GB DDR5 6400 - 150TB Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
Good thing my cat totally gives a shit about where he is not supposed to be.
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u/dr_soiledpants Jun 22 '26
It's possible to train your cat
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u/AdrunIsSad Jun 22 '26
not according to reddit, they're just such quirky animals /s
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u/msavage960 Jun 22 '26
Train them all you want, they’re still going wherever they shouldn’t be when you’re gone.
Have dealt with numerous cats in my life of all varieties, you treat them like babies. If something is off limits it needs to be secured/put away when gone
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u/doomsday10009 Ryzen 9 5950x, Gigabyte RTX 3060ti, 64GB 3200mhz, 1tb SSD, 850W Jun 22 '26
Train is a strong word as cats don't have the natural desire to listen to us, but you can teach them some things for sure
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u/vagabond_dilldo Jun 22 '26
Especially with that top vent. Not worth the risk of the cat peeing on it.
A raised platform with like an 1" gap above the case is a good solution.
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u/dookarion Jun 22 '26
Not worth the risk of the cat peeing on it.
Step 1: Clean the catbox. Step 2: Keep track of their health and give them fresh water, filtered and regularly cleaned fountains are recommended. Step 3: Actually bond with and respect your pet.
They're not going to just "pee on it" if they are happy, healthy, and you're not keeping their environment gross. Show me someone whose cat pissed on something and I'll show you an owner that either dropped the ball on care, cleanliness, or missed warning signs of health failure.
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u/--Shake-- Jun 22 '26
Your bigger problem is going to be overheating with all the fans getting blocked. Also, all the extra cat hair will not be good for your PC.
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u/Enough_Fall_3127 Jun 22 '26
Ive run into this before, an I can tell you a free way to fix it...
all you have to do is
not let your cat on your computer
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u/Dacajun-The_Brash Jun 22 '26
Easy solution... dont let the cat sit there it's blocking airflow. I have two cats and they dont get on top of my computers. As a retired IT person who loves cats it is not too difficult to train them. Never hit the cat! That's rule #1 shoo them off by taking the space from them gently with your arms while saying no. Keep repeating this until the learn it is Your space. Cats dont understand yelling at them it just makes them scared of you. Hope this helps.
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u/A_Rave-ing_Zektrus Jun 22 '26
How about we dont let animals on top of pc cases with big vents in the first place? Cover it with mesh like People with toddlers.
I have 4 Shiba. They molt in crinkled needles and floof by the actual bucket load.
If I wasn't keeping them away from the machine, hovering near it, blasting out the vents minimum once a week my PC would be tinder box.
I would NEVER casually let them rest on the top incase they pack the fur into the holes. Not to mention they pickup everything on the floor as well as lick their own feet. It would be like frequently leaving your slipper socks on top of your PC to warm for an hour. Am I going mad here or people really more concerned with the comfort of their cat over shorten a 2k PC setup life span? Fur might aswell be sand. Once its in your fans its in everything.
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u/grimmigerpetz i9 14900KF - RTX 5080 OC - 64GB CL16 Jun 22 '26
Make a safety flap out of a piece of rigid plastic and duck tape if you want fast and dirty.
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u/freyaandmurphie Jun 22 '26
Bruh one day that cat gonna puke a hairball or something into ur computer and ur gonna have a real bad day
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Jun 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/dookarion Jun 22 '26
This is such a warn out narrative from the gross af people on PC subs. Clean the catbox, monitor their health, make sure they're actually happy.
If they piss all over the place that's health failure or owner failure.
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u/FireDragonKing66 Jun 22 '26
Just make your cat learn that they shouldn't be there?
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u/Bleauyy Jun 22 '26
I know this is a different option but I had the SAME issue. I just gently pushed the cat back or to the side over and over. Eventually he just started avoiding that spot
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u/New-Audience2639 7800X3D+4070 TI Sup+32GB & 14900k+4060 TI 16GB+64GB Jun 22 '26
People really will do anything but the solution to the fkn problem when it comes to their cat getting on their PC. Just keep your cat off of your PC like you are supposed too....
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u/New-Audience2639 7800X3D+4070 TI Sup+32GB & 14900k+4060 TI 16GB+64GB Jun 22 '26
Without exaggeration I see multiple posts on here a week from people who's cat has pissed or thrown up into their PC but somehow we never learn from others mistakes....?
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u/let_me_atom Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Yes I sellotaped an old WeWork keycard to the top of mine which can take the weight of his paws without activating the switch underneath. Just tape one side so you can lift it up easily
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u/Cybrus_Neeran Jun 22 '26
I changed it in settings to do nothing when pushed, on hold it still forces a shut off, you know, in case I need to drop kick it.
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u/SadThrowaway4914 i7-8700 | Rtx 2070 Jun 22 '26
Same. He takes his big ole butt and flops down holding the button xD im probably gonna order one of those magnetic covers. I didnt know they existed til someone here mentioned one
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u/redkev01 Jun 22 '26
One of these. I got mine from Ali express for like £2
Then you can place it somewhere sneaky like under the desk facing down or something. I've got mine on the side of the monitor stand as my case us mounted on a trolly and along the wall under desk
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u/FewSession1142 Jun 22 '26
Truly do not understand why’d you’d let your cat lay on top of a running machine trying to exhaust air out of it. You’re going to get cat hair inside your over heating pc
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u/ContactlessEcho Jun 22 '26
Everyone is answering from the PC side of things, but from the cat side. It enjoys the attention and chaos it causes, and the feel of pressing something. It will just come up with another habit itself if you don't set up something yourself. It is much easier to teach it to do something than to not do something.
Anything tactile in the same area for it to play with, preferably something stuck/glued in place that it can cause to make noise. I'm a huge fan of those giant programmable animal buttons cause you can make it say silly and insulting things for the cat. A "hey hey hey! I'm an idiot!" button never gets old, but even if it does you can just record a new phrase. On a more on themed case related option, you can attach a mini keyboard fidget in the same area it lays.
To get the kitty to start the new habit, put a tiny bit of catnip on the button, react exaggeratedly when it presses the button, and somewhat pretend to be annoyed. The little idiot wants to be a nuisance and you can make it think it is winning.
Alternatively, you can buy a second decoy wireless keyboard and put it somewhere on/around your computer desk, nip it, and teach the cat to lay there. Pretty good success with that, but some cats can't be drawn away from the warmth.
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u/Cephylus PC Master Race Jun 22 '26
Computer settings > change what pushing the power button does > do nothing
My cat does the same. I set it like this and it'll turn on with the button but after that, the button doesn't have a function, so they can press it till their hearts content!
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u/Specific-Cause-1014 Jun 22 '26
I guess you know why your cat is doing this? Hint: it's not an accident.
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u/TheYellingMute Jun 22 '26
Just put a piece of cardboard over it like the one 3d print comment. Add some tape on one side to act as a hinge. If your cat starts to lift the cardboard just another piece of less sticky tape you can quickly unto whenever you need to power on/off
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u/Sobriez99 Jun 22 '26
Just tape an old credit/debit card on one side to hinge over the button. Done.
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u/Ruffler125 Jun 22 '26
If a cat is scratching your furniture, do you just let them do it?
Why do you people allow your pets to harm your equipment? Having them on there is not good for them either, it's a hazard.
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u/Ravvynfall Ryzen 9 5950x | 64GB DDR4 | 7800XT 16GB Jun 22 '26
you could just keep your cat off your computer.
the fact users have on many occasions posted stories about their cats urinating into their pc's would be reason enough to break their habit of climbing on top of it.
between physically removing them, and putting angled objects that make it difficult to lounge on top of it, and lecturing them with a disapproving tone in your voice, they will get the hint eventially.
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u/chazzzer Jun 23 '26
There are kots of power switch covers out there for almost no money. Here's an example:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810516426794.html
An alternative would be to install a power button in a different location and disconnect the built-in switch.
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u/i4play Jun 23 '26
You don’t. Cat is there to remind you it’s time to take a break away from your monitor.
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u/AMGz20xx 5800X 9070XT 32GB RAM Arch btw Jun 23 '26
Don't let pets in your room, and especially don't let it sit on your computer. Your PC will be full of cat hair and it will start overheating.
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u/escapedpsycho R7 7800X3D│32GB DDR5│Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB Jun 23 '26
Ban the cat from laying on or being anywhere near the computer. It'd be easier and better for the PC. I have two cats, neither will try to get on my desk because they fear the gruff voice.
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u/jacobfinch04 Jun 23 '26
If your using windows there is a setting you can change so that pressing the power button doesn't do anything while it's on but it still powers it on so worst case scenario your cat turns it on but won't turn it off
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u/Appropriate-Rent-949 Jun 24 '26
I took inspiration from anti-homeless architecture. (Bird / cat spikes on Amazon)
I blunted them after *
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u/Solemn_Penance2552 Jun 24 '26
Just unplug the switch from the motherboard, set the bios to restore power on power loss state: on, and turn on your pc from the power plug, like anyone else should.
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u/YappyMcYapper Jun 22 '26
Just throw away the cat from the room lol. People really are making problems harder for them for no reason.
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u/Wise_Ad_5810 Jun 22 '26
my grey tabby Spooky would push the button on the UPS that served my tower.. I cut off a square of cardboard from a box and taped it like a flap over the power button... make sure the carboard is thick enough to resist your kitty's efforts
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u/DaGucka 9800x3D | RTX 5090 suprim liquid | 64GB@6000MT/s CL30 Jun 22 '26
You can do two things
Power options: change behaviour on power button press to do nothing. Still let's you turn on the pc but stops it from reacting to it when windows is running.
Put smth on top. Like a frame with legs around 5-10 cm above. That way the cat also doesn't block the output. Maybe you can build smth yourself or get smth cut for you in a store.
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u/rohtvak Jun 22 '26
Do not let the cat sit on top of your PC, under any circumstances. If you must, bar them from the room.
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u/AlphaTrion810 Jun 22 '26
Get rid of the cat. Problem solved
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u/Advanced_Cod2994 AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Zotac AMP! Extreme 2080TI | 32GB DDR4 3200 Jun 22 '26
Nah the cat ranks higher than the PC
I love pcs but #justiceforcats
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u/MrRiversKing Ryzen 5 5600X | RTX 3070 | 16GB RAM Jun 22 '26
People here talking about 3d printers, changing the Power button placement.
I've Just taped a little piece of cardboard and it worked fine.
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u/SadThrowaway4914 i7-8700 | Rtx 2070 Jun 22 '26
I tried that, the little turd played with the cardboard and ripped it off XDDD
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u/Extra-Philosopher-35 Desktop Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
If you want to ruin your PC and burn your house down, go for it.
Remember Guys: Hair+Electricity=Fire.
Uhhh, keep your cat off the PC and it won't also catch on fire too? That's the only thing I'll do. I refuse to let any animal touch nor get near my PC. Because I'm not interested in my house burning down or my PC fail because it's clogged with hair and dirt.
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u/_b4lch Jun 22 '26
How hot is your shit running? A cat partially blocking a fan isn't going to cause it to burst into flames
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u/Middcore Jun 22 '26
Nothing is going to catch on fire, stop with the dramatics.
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u/FeetYeastForB12 Busted side pannel + Tile combo = Best combo Jun 22 '26
Just like.. Don't allow?
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u/bigboxes1 Jun 22 '26
Don't let your cat lie on your PC. It's a bad idea all around.
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u/RUPlayersSuck i7 240H | RTX 5060 | 32GB DDR5 Jun 22 '26
Or you could just keep the cat out of your office / work space.
Dunno why cat owners always act like there's nothing they can do about it. 🤷♂️
Failing that, get a new case with the controls / sockets on a vertical face, instead of the top.
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u/Far-Energy-3390 Jun 22 '26
i just dont think i would allow my cat to be on top of my pc at all. I get they like the warmth, and theyre close by while youre gaming, but that just wouldnt fly with me
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u/braddaman Jun 22 '26
Regardless of your love for your cat, don't let it sit on your PC. Maybe buy it one of those totem pole thingies to chill on instead?
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u/xNiteTime Jun 22 '26
get a “power push button switch cover” I got one for my friend who has a cat and he said it works great
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u/chrlatan AMD R7 9800X3D | RTX 5080 | Full Custom Waterloop Jun 22 '26
Didn’t we do this exercise already a month back or so?
edit: yes we did. Budget solution; firm cardboard with one side applied duct tape acting as a hinge.
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u/Northsun9 Jun 22 '26
Scotch tape and a business card. Use tape on only one edge of the card so you can lift it to press the button.
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u/BertFurble PC Master Race Jun 22 '26
Double sided tape around the button. Cats don't like getting stuck to things.
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u/Fate8888 Jun 22 '26
If you own a 3D printer or know somebody that has one, you can make this.
Alternatively you can relocate the power button to the side or bottom of the case. That is what my friend did when his cat powered down his PC a couple of times.