My neighbors cat killed my chicken

[Dani & Mikey]

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.

X3

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Perchie. Most likely an other predator took your bird. The cat's MO would have been to chow on the bird where he took it. I did have a cat that was capable of killing a full grown chicken (he took down full grown rabbits), but that is an unusual cat. I think the cat was enjoying the chicken show, and looking for mice/rats.

You could put out a notice, but IMO, you should call your ACO, and create a paper trail. Let the ACO trap the stray cat, and take it to the shelter.

 

[Hyroler]

i would be happy to have cat guarding chickens from mice and rats.Cats dont attack full grown chickens if anything cat is keeping your chickens safe.3

 

[christwodog]

How big was the hen? I never figured a house cat could take down a grown chicken, especially a brahma, but I guess anything is possible. I have never worried about cats too much, but I scare them off anyway.

 

[PirateGirl]

My cat loves to sit on the chicken coop. It's the highest thing he can climb on in the yard, he is safe from neighbor dogs, he can see everything from there. He also likes to watch the chickens. That being said, it doesn't prove one way or another that he would/could kill a chicken, just that it's a great spot to hang out for a cat.

Next time you find the cat on your property try and get a picture of it that shows it's on your property. Now you have proof if needed for animal control, now you have a photo you can show a neighbor and ask if they know who the cat belongs to. You now have a way to identify the cat, which hopefully can help you identify the owner, and then you can have a civil chat with them and voice your concerns. Good luck.

 

[mymilliefleur]

I find it unlikely that a house cat, even a large one, is going to kill an adult hen and then drag it away without leaving any trace. Even if it were starving, which it doesn't sound like this one was. Personally I would encourage the cat to come around. It may help keep any unwelcome rodents attracted to your flocks feed at bay.
Have you seen any other predators in your neighborhood? Fox? Coyote? I would suggest putting up a game camera near the coop, and for now keep your flock in the coop where they are safe.
Sorry for your loss, I hope it doesn't happen again.

 

[Johnnubs]

Our neighborS pit bull killed our pet , black sexlink laying machine we are heart sick, Dog is on my bucket list as well as owner

 

[Johnnubs]

We know how u feel we're so sorry

 

[LittleMissCountry]

So sorry about your chicken! I guess I have a different perspective about cats, as we have an outdoor cat. We tried to keep him indoors, but he would dash out the door every time it was opened. We finally gave up and let him stay outdoors. It isn't as easy to keep them in as some may think. However, I would be mortified if he ever killed a neighbor's chicken. Our next door neighbor has chickens and two outdoor cats. I know they couldn't make their cats stay indoors any more than we could, though.
I do see why you are angry and upset, and it is justifiable.

 

[happyfrenchman]

He looks well fed because he ate your chicken. A cat could definitely kill a chicken. These people that think cats are fuzzy bunnies.... (although bunnies are apparently killers too...). It could be a big Tom cat that lives wild. They can be quite well fed besides your chickens. I have a black cat that masquerades as a Black Copper hen.... she sits patiently in the flock and catches full sized squirrels. A cat could easily kill and eat a chicken. I would just shoot it and quickly bury it and say no more.