House cat harassing chickens

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When we moved into our house 5 years ago our neighbors were upfront with us about the fact that their cat wanders the neighborhood during the day. Our chickens are 6 months old and have been outside since October (much of that time with low fencing and no cover over the run). This is the first time I've notice the cat bothering the chickens. If I see it again I will definitely be talking to the neighbors.
 
I think you're making an assumption that the cat was somehow bothering or harassing your chickens. You don't know that. You didn't see that. All you know is your chickens were raising a ruckus and you saw a cat leaving your backyard. It's a pretty large leap from seeing a cat leaving your yard to say it was harassing your chickens. Perhaps it was the other way around, i.e, the chickens were harassing the cat as it happened to be strolling by or that they were just reacting to something to which they're unfamiliar.

My cat, who is an absolute murderess, is afraid of the chickens. No neighborhood cats nor any of the feral cats around ever bother the chickens. Would I trust a cat around young chicks? No, but a six month old chicken has little to worry about from a cat, IMO. I'm not saying it can't happen or even that your neighbors cat wasn't bothering your chickens, but be sure of the circumstances before drawing conclusions which you can't support.
 
imnukensc said:
I think you're making an assumption that the cat was somehow bothering or harassing your chickens. You don't know that. You didn't see that. All you know is your chickens were raising a ruckus and you saw a cat leaving your backyard. It's a pretty large leap from seeing a cat leaving your yard to say it was harassing your chickens. Perhaps it was the other way around, i.e, the chickens were harassing the cat as it happened to be strolling by or that they were just reacting to something to which they're unfamiliar.
Click to expand...

You're right. I am assuming the cat was bothering the chickens. You're also right that they were likely reacting to something unfamiliar.

I am still concerned of what could happen should a curious cat succeed at getting into the coop. I'm just as worried about what would happen to the chickens as I am of what could happen to the cat! Like you said, the chickens could very well have been harassing the cat. I've seen them eyeing, almost stalking, bunnies in our yard in a way that made me think that the bunnies wouldn't last long if the chickens were out of the run!
 
I am sorry, if you cat is coming into my yard it is Trespassing !
What if you have chicks in the coop? Or young birds?

I have the neighbors cats Shitting in my garden and peeing on my doors/cars/carport/snowblower/shed/pond... you get it? It smells.
My yard is Fenced and they come over it.

If you own a pet keep it on your property.

I also have KOI and have lost 2 to a cat. how do I know? Saw one, the other had cat prints all over the pond area right after I had added more dirt.

So nice if you live in the country where they have the area to roam and no one gives a shit. Here, I want my Organic garden/yard to stay that way !
 
PS to my original post .. I have bantams and yes, a cat could harm them seriously or kill them.

Also, the point is not that assumptions are being made, the point is that the cat should not be allowed to wander the neighbourhood and should not be in the OP's yard in the first place.

I love my cats but I know what they can and will do if allowed to roam.

If the suspect was a dangerous dog we would not be having this conversation and suggestions would be to put it down or ensure it is contained within a fenced zone. Cats are dangerous animals and kill other people's pets and wildlife; they should also be contained.

Just because you want to have and love cats, does not mean that the neighbourhood has to have and love your cats also.
 
Last fall a stray rooster and a stray cat slept together everyday. The first time the cat jumped out and scared the heck out of me(wasn't expecting a cat) After that I knew it was there. The rooster obviously didn't feel threatened by the cat and the cat liked the rooster.
 
Frustrating. I have a neighbor who feeds stray animals of any kind (deer and cats are their favorite). So now I have A LOT of stray cats (not even exaggerating here. Over 5.) that live in my yard and go over to my neighbors for food. Every time they sit there and stare at my chickens or walk near there.. I get so angry and throw things near them or chase them so they run away. I dread the day the neighbors stop feeding them or they move. I sure as hell won't be feeding them and I hope they don't decide my chickens are lunch or my eggs for that matter. Good luck! I CBA to trap them and give them to the pound because that is going to cost me more money then I even care to put in... lol.
They also stress my chickens out whenever my chickens see them or hear them fighting.. fun
 

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