My cat is grossing me out with her kills

[gritsar]

I have an outside cat, the first outside cat I've owned in alot of years. I had siamese, but they were strictly indoors and if by chance they saw a mouse skitter across the floor they expected ME to do something about it.
Anyhow, back to this so-called barn cat. She's killing everything! I didn't really mind her killing the mice or even the moles. She even caught the mutant sized rat that lived in the shop (my SO has pledged his undying love to her for this). Now she has moved on to the songbirds and catches something at least once a day. This morning when I walked outside there was a large dead squirrel waiting for me on the stoop (and I swear the cat was grinning...she knows it grosses me out). I despise her killing the songbirds. I really hate to even fill the feeders anymore because I feel like all I'm doing is inviting them to the kitty buffet.
This really bothers me because I'm afraid about what's gonna happen with the chickens. I know I can keep them safe in their run and coop for the most part, but I had hoped to be able to free range them a bit once they got grown. Any suggestions as to how to cut down on her successful kill rate? The cutesy little belled collar didn't work. And stupid question ahead~~~~> Will a full grown rooster have any effectiveness as far as protecting the hens go?
P.S. To answer the obvious question: Yes, she's well fed; twice a day plus treats and no, getting rid of her isn't an option. Not only do I feel deeply that choosing to have an animal is a lifetime commitent but there's the old SO and the mutant rat thingy.

 

[silkiechicken]

Watch out for chicks but an adult hen or rooster can give the cat one big peck in the eye and she won't even look at them. My cat kills mice but wont even give chicks eye contact after meeting adult chickens. Just keep an eye on her with your birds when they are small.

 

[ksacres]

Now before you get mad at kitty for depositing dead things on your doorstep- many cats consider this a "gift" to their owners or people they like. My Grandmother's cat once brought her a live mouse-and the cat was like-your welcome

 

[gritsar]

Thanks, I kinda thought that's how it might be. Actually I'm thinking of cutting to the chase and borrowing a large, aggressive roo to kick her black kitty *** one good time and solve the problem.

 

[LoneCowboy]

I had a cat that was indoor/outdoor She had a little kitty door. So she was always killing stuff and bringing it indoors. I'd come home from work, and the house would be full of feathers.

Every night at about 3am, she'd bring me a live mouse. It was a game for her. She'd meow that I've-got-something-in-my-mouth-meow, that would wake me up. She'd drop the mouse, and it was my job to catch it in a cup and throw it back outside for her. If it would get away, she'd give me that, HOW COULD YOU! look.

The neighbors called her the Red Death. I noticed that there we're bells all around their bird bath. A few weeks later, chicken wire around the top. A few weeks after that, the bird bath totally disappeared. All their bird feeder kept getting higher and higher.

So yes, I feel your pain. She took on a pheasant and won, so I'm not sure your chickens are very safe. Maybe if she understands that they are pets too.

Good luck

 

[hsm5grls]

I have two outside boy cats and they catch the doves here. They always leave them on the pourch and it is very gross. They seem so proud of themselves for catching them and it bothers me a lot. We quit feeding the birds here to for the same reason.

 

[1acrefarm]

My stepson has 4 cats. I do not allow them outside. Cats are way to detrimental to our native species. Some may argue its the natural order of things but cats are not a native predator. They severely throw the balance off. It would be nice if all they went after were mice and rats.

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

I have a couple cats that are really good hunters... they have never attempted the bother the large chickens, our Alpha hen Rosie keep the cats and dogs in check, and they free range. However, our banty rooster broke out of his cage on my daugther during feeding time and he didnt last long.. We didnt even get a chance to catch him.. Unfortunately all that was left was a pile of feathers.. but I wont get rid of the hunters.. but I wont let the bantys free range either..

 

[jkcove08]

You will have to teach her that it is not OK to go after the chickens when they are bigger. You will not be able to trust her if you have chicks. Even with a broody momma all she has to do is scatter the chicks and they will be fair game. A few good wacks with a stick or sprays with the hose will let her know that the chickens are off limits. My cats will take the chicks every time if I let them stay with the mommas. I even tried to pen the mommas and chicks up onces and a couple chicks got through the fence and the cats got them right away. Just easier to take them to the brooder. Jenn

 

[cristina33]

I was always told that the cat is trying to feed her family (thats us :| ) when she kills and leaves it on the steps. My cat tries to feed us all the time but has never gone after my chickens. I do not let my silkies free range because they are smaller. But my standards are fine sometimes they chase the cat its rather funny!
Take Care
Cristina