My neighbors cat killed my chicken

[chickenmom22]

I'm the same person who posted about losing a pullet several days ago to an unknown predator. Well today, I think I found the predator. I went out to check on the hens and there was a huge black cat sitting on top of my chicken coop, looking in at my chickens through the window. I scared it off, but I'm sure it will be back. Now the problem is, I don't have any proof that this cat killed my chicken, so if I confront my neighbor, it's pretty much my word against theirs. I also have no idea which neighbor this cat belongs to. It has no collar on, but is definitely well fed so it must belong to someone. I was thinking of writing a letter asking who owns the cat and putting it into all my neighbors mail boxes, but if their cat came home with the body of a chicken, they probably aren't going to come forward and admit it was their cat that did it. I'm not sure what to do, but I don't want to lose another chicken.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

As you have already noted there is no way that you can be certain or prove that this cat is what took me your little bird. I would simply let that 1 go. Secure your birds.....especially against domestic cats this won't be difficult.

 

[Teila]

I am a cat lover and have two of mine own but they are indoor, lead trained cats with an outdoor run and are not allowed to terrorize the neighbourhood.

I have had many run ins with wandering neighbour cats and I am going to have to stop myself from getting on my soap box and ranting

I am so sorry to hear of your loss!

 

[chickenmom22]

As you have already noted there is no way that you can be certain or prove that this cat is what took me your little bird. I would simply let that 1 go. Secure your birds.....especially against domestic cats this won't be difficult.

Well, I wasn't going to be rude about it. I was going to ask them to keep their cat indoors. My chickens are secure, they have a big run with a roof. I was letting them free range for an hour around my garden while I cleaned the house, went back outside and a hen was missing. I should be able to turn my back for a second without worrying about a neighbors cat jumping in and killing one of my chickens...

 

[chickenmom22]

I am a cat lover and have two of mine own but they are indoor, lead trained cats with an outdoor run and are not allowed to terrorize the neighbourhood.

I have had many run ins with wandering neighbour cats and I am going to have to stop myself from getting on my soap box and ranting

I am so sorry to hear of your loss!

View attachment 1323560

Thank you. She was a beautiful silver brahma and she was my favorite of the bunch.

 

[ashlandco]

I’m sorry

 

[Teila]

If you are interested, this thread is one I had a rant on and the OP's situation is similar to yours .. varying opinions:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/house-cat-harassing-chickens.1221699/

 

[HuskerHens18]

You can always add in the letter that if no one claims the cat, you'll take it to the humane society. Then if someone claims it, you'll know who to go to if it's back on your property. If no one claims it, I personally would take it to the shelter. Then it still has a chance o be adopted, and hopefully far away from you and your chickens.
This is just my personal opinion though.

 

[Percheron chick]

It's a huge stretch to go from cat sitting on coop to killing hen. Cats are attracted to chicken coops because there is feed in it. Where there is feed, there are mice and small birds.
Personally I have never had any issues with cats and full size chickens. Can a 10# cat take down a 5# hen without a fight, without making a ruckus? Could a cat drag off the body leaving no trace of feathers or the body? The largest thing my cats have caught are baby bunnies. They are interested in chicks and would kill them if given the chance. They avoid the chickens.
People's stray animals should not be on your property but something other than a cat walked off with the hen.

 

[Hyroler]

It's a huge stretch to go from cat sitting on coop to killing hen. Cats are attracted to chicken coops because there is feed in it. Where there is feed, there are mice and small birds.
Personally I have never had any issues with cats and full size chickens. Can a 10# cat take down a 5# hen without a fight, without making a ruckus? Could a cat drag off the body leaving no trace of feathers or the body? The largest thing my cats have caught are baby bunnies. They are interested in chicks and would kill them if given the chance. They avoid the chickens.
People's stray animals should not be on your property but something other than a cat walked off with the hen.

I AGREE