Cat help Plz!

[Teresaann24]

So a little ago I posted about a cat I believed to be feral who was attacking and killing my chickens. Long story short the thread got locked due to some rude comments made back and forth by some BYC members. So I wanted to give an UPDATE and get some Advice. So I befriended the fellow he is SUPER sweet but still VERY timied of me and others. I have been feeding him and giving him water and lots of kitty scratches everyday.

My concern and what I need advice on is...If I can't rehome him and he stays here if I keep him well fed will he still attack and kill my free range chickens. NOW I never saw him kill any of my chickens he was just a Suspect because he was the only thing around and he SEEMED feral. I have wondered if they were killed by something eles and he just scavenged the dead chickens. Whatever killed them was cat like...Cleaned all feathers from chicken and could climb and took on adult roosters.

PLZ NO saying killing the cat I AM NOT GONNA KILL THE CAT I just need advice if I am going to be able to let my chickens free range with this cat around if he is fed properly. Thanks!

 

[sandracollins]

I have 5 cats that live very happily with my chickens and ducks the come with me everyday to feed and water them,just introduce him slowly to them .First outside the run then inside,keep a handful of stones with you and if he gets too interested in any one of the chickens just throw a stone at him and he will back off.He should be fine but just keep an eye on him for a while.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

Ohhh yes I remember this....I was the one that said he/she looks like a bengal, I have one that looks Exactly like him. I was very doubtful that he was even killing your chickens from the start and I think its great that youre feeding him. I seriously dont believe you will have any probs with him....when you let them out just keep on eye on things and see how he reacts. Im willing to bet the chickens were killed by something else and he was there eating on them, poor thing was prob very hungry. Im sure you will get Many people on here telling you to shoot him, that seems to be the way on here, But I think you will have a nice pet and he will keep the mice away..Good Luck !

 

[WillieBoy]

I had a free roaming cat kill two full grown NHReds of mine last fall.One can make predictions as to what the cat in question will do.When free ranging chickens they are always at risk, it goes with the turf.
My cat doesn't bother my hens, shes very happen to stick to rodents. Feeding your new friend may or may not make any difference. As you mentioned, you never saw the cat actually kill one of your chickens, sooo.
One never knows, their is no shortage of cats that just love to kill for fun/instinct.Some here say they don't believe a cat can kill a full grown large hen,i saw it happen, i know better. Some cats never look twice at a chicken and aren't at all intereted.I guess you'll find out what your new kitty friend is all about, in time...

 

[CountryPantry]

I have two feral cats that live in my chicken coop. The don't kill the chickens or eat the eggs and have raised 3 litters of kittens out there. I have no rats or mice any where near my coop. They are oppurtunitstic, if they find a dead chicken they will eat it, but only after something else kills it. I feel sorry for the kittens as they are growing up, the chicken are the strictest baby sitters that you have ever seen. They keep those kittens in line and don't let them get into trouble.

 

[drumstick diva]

countrypantry it would be great if you could have your feral cats neutered so they won't have a fourth litter. What happened to the kits from the first 3???

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

I am happy to see that you are giving the little guy a chance. If you intend to keep him around for a long time, it would be wise to trap him and take him to the vet and at least get the necessary shots and neuter him. He sounds like he likes human company and may turn into a great pet and rodent service. I suspect he may have been eating the dead carcasses because he was hungry. Only time will tell if he will be a chicken killer. Keep giving him lots of love and food. Might turn out to be the best investment you make!

 

[TreeHugger]

A starving cat will behave differently then one that is being fed off the back porch. I would just see how he acts around them for a while. Years back I had a big stray tomcat that constantly beat up on my neutered males and sprayed all over the back porch. I really hated that cat. However, when I finally got close enough to touch him he rolled over so I could pet his stomach. Hobo ended up going for a ride to the vet to get fixed and was the best (and laziest) porch cat after that.

I recommend you spay or neuter.