Cats inside house (2 Cats Dead; 1 Cat Adopted; 1 Raccoon, 1 Possum Relocated)

[Pbartender]

As far as enriching the interior environment, I would like to hear more, as I would like them to make the choice to stay in more, but I want them to have an understanding of the world outside, to not wonder their whole lives- "what's over that fence?" Instead they know there is a big dog on the other side that doesn't like them.

We've got a cat. He's only been outside once or twice, when he thought he wanted to sneak out there. He changed his mind and came back in.

Here's what you do. First, make sure the cat's got plenty of places he can hang out and look outside... Especially if the view is bushes or lawn or trees. For most cats, sitting on a sunny window ledge and watching the birds and squirrels outside is just as good as actually being out there. Also, hiding places for the cat to explore and sneak through are good... Even an empty paper grocery bag or cardboard box can keep many cats interested for days.

Second, if you can, get some other pets. Not other cats, other pets. Aside from our cat, we've got a dog, a tank full of fish, a cage of gerbils and a small terrarium that our kids use for interesting bugs they find in the yard (katydids earlier this year, and now a great big Chinese mantis). Small pets, like the gerbils or fish, should kept in places where the cat can see them, but can't get at them... Our cat will spend hours pretending to stalk and hunt the gerbils, fish or bugs. Meanwhile, our dog and cat have a playful rivalry going on... The dog polices the cat when he get himself into trouble, and the cat will pounce and play tricks on the dog when she's not looking. The upshot of that, is that all the various pets tend to keep each other busy and out of trouble when we aren't around to pay attention to them.

Finally, experiment with various toys until you find something your will will play with on his own. Simple fluffy puff balls, curlicues of plastic and knobbed bouncy balls are some of our cat's favorites... Stuff he can bat around on the floor and then pounce after.

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

PS. Turns out the neighbor's cat just got out when one of her kids smashed a window open (she has 5-6 young children). I still think there might be a feral cat wandering around. I also wouldn't be surprised to find some racoons or possums about, but have seen no signs. Southern Flying Squirrels yes, Racoons, & possums, NO.

Things look like they might work out. At least if I have to trap a cat, I don't have to worry who it belongs to.

Awesome.

My parents have outside cats. They used to keep the cat chow* in a closable garbage can outside, until these raccoons started getting into it.

They tried a humane trap, which worked to trap the cats; I'm told the sight of one cat sitting in the cage surrounded by her friends was rather comical. Then someone asked Dad what he'd do if he caught a skunk. So, the humane trap went.

Later on, after they'd moved the can into the garage, one of their neighbors mentioned catching some rather fat raccoons and selling their pelts.

Now the cats hang out in the garage in the evenings; there's a pet door, so they can get in or out, but that's closed after the parents go to bed, and the cats are conditioned to come for treats about that time.

Brad

* - The dog eats it, too; apparently, it tastes better, and also it's more social.

 

[megamania]

I remember your situation then. Sucks you have a new neighbor that also has cats running around.

Under the circumstances I believe you are doing all you can. Be sure to explain this to the new people so they don't go nuts on you as well however. They may not be aware of the mess their cats are leading to.

 

[Mark Chance]

Bummer, V.D.

Around here, I get my hands on any animal without a collar, it goes to the SPCA. The most recent was a black lab. Great dog. I'd've kept him if I could've afforded him. People who can't be responsible for their animals deserve to lose them.

Or, maybe I'm just a jerk.

 

[Nyaricus]

Not really, I had a cat that took down a German Sheppard, and it wasn't even a close thing.
The Sheppard charged; my cat leaped and dug its claws into the dog's face right behind its ears, the back claws now free to shred ad infinitum, which they did. The dog staggered back into the street and died on the spot from blood loss. The owner of the dog tried to press charges, right up until the police officer asked why the dog wasn't on a leash and in my yard. Needless to say the blood trail was evident so the beginning location of the altercation was easy to trace. We as a society often forget that cats were also domesticated to hunt.

That's frickin' cool!

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

I am now offically a Cat Hater.

30 Years as a Cat Lover is now history.

This morning there was a cat (not one I'd seen before) using our deck as a scrathing post. The deck my wfe has spent the last month re-sanding & re-painting. It now has lots of claw marks all over it.

Cats in my yard must not be. If that involves death to the kitty. I'm OK with that (which is something I never thought I'd say).

2 Years ago, if someone had said "There's that cat on my property, where's my gun?" I'd have said:

"You can't shoot the cat, that'd be mean & cruel."

Now: "Hope you're a good shot."

A person can only take so many cow-pies (or kitty-pies) in my case, before a limit is reached.

Mine has been reached. Tomorrow, I'm calling Animal Control & & asking them exactly how they want me to set up my own Animal Trap (They told me once, but I want to write it all down so I do it exactly). I'll then go to the Farm Store here & town & pick up an small animal trap (they have lots, around 30 Bucks). Set it up, & start sending kitties to death row.

I have no desire to be the Angel of Death for cats, but irresponsible pet owners have left me no choice. You won't keep your cat from doing nasty stuff in my (& others) yards; I'll do it for you.

While this cat may be a feral stray (which is a whole other issue of owner iresponsibility), this problem isn't going away. For me or thousands of others like me.

Feral Cats & Dogs are a major problem in areas all across this country (and many other countries). At some point, somebody has to stand up & take responsibility. I'm standing up now (due to the problem being right in my own back yard).

To cat owners:

Once a cat is beyond your control, there are very few allies for it, & hundreds of potetnial enemies.

I'm now firmly (though unwillingly) in the Enemy Camp.

 

[jaerdaph]

Just don't bury the carcasses in the abandoned pet sematary on the hill that was built on the ancient Indian burial ground.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Different Cat.

Taking Crap in Yard.

Dead Baby Cardinal as well.

CAT MUST DIE!!!!!

First time I've ever said those words, but I'm not going through a repeat of kitty hell again (in reality, cat must go to Animal Control, who will probablly kill the cat).

 

[Lewis526]

Where are all these cats coming from? I betcha there's some crazy old cat lady somewhere in your neighborhood who has about fifty of them, and can't keep track of more than thirty at a time. Go ahead and trap the bastards.

 

[Blackrat]

Wow. What a cruel man. Those were my initial thoughts. But now I'd say you're doing exactly the right thing. I've seen my share of feral cats too. And most of them are perhaps better of killed by animal control people.