Skip to content
BOL Conferences
Learn More - Click Here!

Thread Options
#317836 - 02/17/05 03:08 PM that darn cat
Anonymous
Unregistered

I have a tom cat, Max, that has been bringing me a bird or two everyday. Does anyone have any idea on how to stop the carnage. We have put a bell on him but that has not slowed down the slaughter! Making him an inside cat is not an option. I am starting to get calls from the neighbors too!

thanks!!

Return to Top
Chat! - BOL Watercooler
#317837 - 02/17/05 03:13 PM Re: that darn cat
Skittles Offline
10K Club
Skittles
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 13,965
TN
Don't know if this would help, but has Max been fixed? Sorry I can't be of much help. I have two cats, but they are house cats. They still sit at the windows and cluck at birds that are outside.
_________________________
My Opinions Only

Return to Top
#317838 - 02/17/05 03:14 PM Re: that darn cat
beegee Offline
Diamond Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,110
South
We got him at the pound a few years ago and had him fixed when we got him.

Return to Top
#317839 - 02/17/05 03:14 PM Re: that darn cat
Retired DQ Offline
10K Club
Retired DQ
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,766
Turnpike Exit 10
a bigger bell??
_________________________
Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. - Mark Twain

Return to Top
#317840 - 02/17/05 03:15 PM Re: that darn cat
E.E.G.B Offline
Power Poster
E.E.G.B
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,726
the sandy shore
To me, that indicates that the bird population actually needed thinning - most birds are fast enough to get away from a cat, or are smart enough to stay out of reach.

Do you know WHERE Max is catching them? IE, is he tree or fence climbing, or just in the yard?

I'd suggest a bigger bell or jingling tags, evidently the current bell isn't sufficient warning. Additionally, if he's catching them, say, near a feeder or birdbath, I'd remove the lure (or warn your neighbors who complain that they're contributing to the problem, if it's their feeder/birdbath.) If he's tree or fence climbing, I'd try trimming down his front claws to reduce upward speed.

Evidently Max thinks you need to be fattened up, if he's bringing you trophies.
_________________________
I disbelieved what he was saying so hard, I probably created an alternate universe where it wasn't true.

Return to Top
#317841 - 02/17/05 05:47 PM Re: that darn cat
Bankster Offline
Diamond Poster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,181
Yinzerville, PA
Our cat went on a killing spree of his own last summer, birds, chipmunks, moles, baby rabbits....everything, and he is on a 10-12 foot leash when he is out. This drove my wife crazy, so she went out and bought this long narrow cage-like net contraption to put him in when he is outside. She got it at a pet store, and I think it was called a Cat Walk. The cat didn't like it of course, but it slowed down his murderous way.

I did go out one evening and find him pinning a baby bunny under the netting, but I didn't tell the wife about that one.

Return to Top
#317842 - 02/17/05 09:47 PM Re: that darn cat
HRH Dawnie Offline
Power Poster
HRH Dawnie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,353
Anchorage Alaska
LOL Puddy...while that's sick, it's danged funny to picture

The bell only works if your cat is stupid enough to move while chasing birds. If it's anything like my cat, she freezes, luring them in with her evil eyes, then jumps three feet up in the sky and snatches the stupid bird. Ya gotta think...it was probably asking for it.

If the kitty isn't taking them to the neighbors for trophy shows, what the heck is their problem?

My neighbor kitty is quite a hunter, but does not chase birds for some reason (probably too fat to jump). I took this into consideration when I put up bird baths, and feeders for my kitty's to enjoy through their window prison. It's funny, but the neighbor cat will lay under the feeders and the bath, watching the birds, but won't attack them. My cats on the otherhand are FREAKING OUT inside the window which I really enjoy watching. If your neighbors are like me, and enjoy feeders, tell them to put them on higher mounts or even offer to pay for the new mounts to keep the peace. It's not expensive, and it will save the stupid birds life to be eating at lest five feet up in the air verses at death level (or your cats jumping level)
_________________________
Dawn Coursey VP/CRA Queen

CRA Rating is in...Oh who cares...I'm home with the baby.

Return to Top
#317843 - 02/17/05 10:07 PM Re: that darn cat
RR Sarah Offline
Power Poster
RR Sarah
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,505
Up North
I have a big picture window in my living room and one in my dining room so, to a dumb bird, it looks like they can fly through the house. Well, they try to...a lot. The neighbor's cat hangs out on our front porch and as soon as the stupid bird knocks himself out, the cat has a snack!
_________________________
Sometimes you have to burn a few bridges to keep the crazies from following you.

Return to Top
#317844 - 02/17/05 11:22 PM Re: that darn cat
Nanwa Offline
Power Poster
Nanwa
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,564
Clintonville, WI, USA
Sorry Anon, but your kitty is just doing what comes naturally. Actually, you should be honored that he is bestowing his prize catches as gifts to you. He is showing you what a good hunter he is, that he is earning his keep.

If you have a bird feeder, I would take it down. No need to lure the poor things to a dangerous area.

I heard that neuturing only worked in stopping cats from roaming and fighting amoung themselves. I don't know what can stop a cat from hunting.
_________________________
Member of the National Sarcasm Society - like we need your support!

Return to Top
#317845 - 02/17/05 11:28 PM Re: that darn cat
corkygirl Offline
Power Poster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,241
middle of the country
Be glad they are dead when your cat presents them to you, when we were first married one of our cats presented a mouse to my husband, on his chest while he was still in bed and - - - you guessed it, the mouse was not dead!!!! Sorry to say that I laughed out loud at him for a long time
_________________________
Treading water in a hurricane

Return to Top
#317846 - 02/18/05 03:44 AM Re: that darn cat
Kathleen O. Blanchard Offline

10K Club
Kathleen O. Blanchard
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,293
I had a cat who would kidnap live baby bunnies and bring them home unharmed and present them to us. We always wondered if she wanted kittens (she had had some kittens early on).

I don't think you can stop an outside cat from hunting. It is instinct. Do you have a porch you can screen in and keep the cat there?

Mine are indoor cats and go crazy when they hear birds outside!
_________________________
Kathleen O. Blanchard, CRCM "Kaybee"
HMDA/CRA Training/Consulting/Mapping
The HMDA Academy
www.kaybeescomplianceinsights.com

Return to Top