A cat killed The Duchess of Yolk :(

[Kazfam]

There are only about 10 houses close to me (semi-rural) and I've been from door-to-door asking about the ownership of the cat. Others wondered also, it seems everyone has seen it. It is actually a very striking looking cat, and even a non-cat fan like me will admit that.

I have set out a trap, and we'll see what tonight brings. And (please don't flame me) I'd have no problem taking permanent measures but it could not be done safely.

Has anyone used a homemade repellent or commercial perpetration that works? I figure this is not the only cat I will have to deal with ever.

-H

If it is feral (which is seems to be) it needs to go. And now that it has a food source - you must catch it and get rid of it - either via your local animal control or take care of it yourself.
So - a live trap with bait while your girls are locked up is the best option. The local animal control will offer you the use of a trap if you don't have one.
We have 4 outdoor cats - every once in a while a feral cat shows up and thinks it's in charge. That cat does not last long around here. Catch and remove.

Sorry about your girl Helen.

 

[Pdxile]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I've had a live trap set up for a few days now; nothing. This leads me to believe the cat is someone's pet and sleeps inside at night. Makes things a little more difficult. I think I'll go get a good book and a beer and sit quietly in the yard with a hose. Maybe it will show up.

 

[iwiw60]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I've had a live trap set up for a few days now; nothing. This leads me to believe the cat is someone's pet and sleeps inside at night. Makes things a little more difficult. I think I'll go get a good book and a beer and sit quietly in the yard with a hose. Maybe it will show up.

Quote: With a hose? Wetting it down won't do a thing, only for the moment. Sit out there with your book and beer and a .22 .. end of story..end of problem.

 

[JeanR]

I have never kept a cat that killed song birds--one kill is reason to find a new home where risk is less. Never had a house or barn cat that killed chickens--happily, but would have found a new home!

That said, it is up to us to keep our chickens safe from predators of ALL kinds--chickens are prey animals and there are so many lurking about for a chicken dinner. I do not have ANY to feed to predators! SO, after a hawk snatch, I was pretty careful about free ranging. THEN two lovely dogs (wouldn't harm a thing their owner claimed) killed two hens, one with chicks. My dog alerted me, as I was in the house only for a short time--but she couldn't stop them. The two dogs met me, tails wagging telling me what good toys I had in my yard. I dragged them into my dog pen (rarely used, but I never let my dogs roam, either, and had a safe place fof them when I was away. Called the Dog Catcher, who came and picked them up. One dog had an expired license on his collar, and he contacted the owner--as the crowflies, about 3 miles away across two lakes! She paid a good price for the hens, as I had to locate their variety and required shipping expense also.

My chickens now have large pens with netting over the top, apple and plum trees for shade, keep the grass mowed. Do not let them out when the grass is wet, so the pens stay green, except all around the edges where they scratch and have dust baths. They are happy, safe, and I can know they will not be in cages or small pens. It is our responsibility, if we have attractive prey--to keep them SAFE as we can! Good luck!!

I live where there are coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, mink, bobcats, wolves, weasels, varieties of hawks, unexpected traveling dogs, (guests, please keep your dog in your truck/car!) Only predators that are difficult to protect from, are BEARS. And for the first time in 60+ years, had a sow and 2 Grizzly Bear cubs, trash one poultry house and 5 outside summer pens--killed and ate 22 breeding birds, best of years of poultry breeding. Survivors were in 2 other houses, damaged, but not entered. (guess after consuming 22 birds, they were full and tired)/ NOW, the 2 remaining houses have hardware cloth over every window-connected and-ELECTRIFIED. Turn it on every night and off in the morning, after bears are out of their dens in April--until we learn that they are denned again for the winter, in Oct/Nov.! . The State Fish, Wildlife did the work and provided the materials. No, I would dispatch a Raven after my chickens, but only a stupid person, however a skilled hunter, would try to shoot a Grizzly BEAR or BEARS in the dark! And the fine would not be pleasant, either! SSS doesn't work with bears!

Sorry and sad for loss ofThe Dutchess....

 

[GreenDragon]

i have a huge tom living at my place and today (only second day my chickens have been in there pin) hes been eye balling hard core. even went in the pin and laid down watching them. i knew what was going through his mind, but my wife wont let me shoot him. so we are driving far away today and setting him free away from our home. shooting is easier and fast and a sure way to be rid of that predator.

 

[Pinkaboo]

i have a huge tom living at my place and today (only second day my chickens have been in there pin) hes been eye balling hard core. even went in the pin and laid down watching them.  i knew what was going through his mind, but my wife wont let me shoot him. so we are driving far away today and setting him free away from our home. shooting is easier and fast and a sure way to be rid of that predator. 

Is it a stray? Maybe a cat rescue place will take him
You can't shoot the poor thing!
Good option taking him away and leaving him
Leave him somewhere he can find food though,
Not on the edge of a motorway ; )

 

[iwiw60]

i have a huge tom living at my place and today (only second day my chickens have been in there pin) hes been eye balling hard core. even went in the pin and laid down watching them. i knew what was going through his mind, but my wife wont let me shoot him. so we are driving far away today and setting him free away from our home. shooting is easier and fast and a sure way to be rid of that predator.

Yay!! Got him! I'd advise keeping the trap "set" ... where's there's one there just might be more...

 

[Pdxile]

Yes!!!!!
This morning the cat was in the trap!!!!!
I drove him to a big farm about 5 miles out of town. They had lots of barns so I imagine they will have a lot of mice to eat!
Thanks everyone.

 

[enola]

You do realize you just dumped your problem on somebody's doorstep don't you?

It is actually illegal to dump dogs and cats......

 

[Pinkaboo]

Yes!!!!!
This morning the cat was in the trap!!!!!
I drove him to a big farm about 5 miles out of town. They had lots of barns so I imagine they will have a lot of mice to eat!
Thanks everyone.

He will like it at a farm
Don't be supprised if he makes his way back though!