Tore her heart out but didn't eat anything

[DixxieChick]

This afternoon I went out to put the girls away and could not find Oney, a salmon faverolle who spends all her time in the run. She was blinded in one eye by a hawk months ago and can't find her way back in if she goes out. I sent the older kids to look for her and they found her behind a tree near the run. Her heart was expertly removed and lying nearby, still attached by a large blood vessel. Nothing was eaten. It was all so clean. Has anyone seen this or have any idea what could have done this? I suspect one of our cats. She has been hateful since my husband gave her a good smack on the behind for going after a chicken when we first got the hens. I swear she has held a grudge ever since.

 

[Willowspirit]

Well, I wouldn’t even charge a cat with holding a grudge but since she was interested before she probably stayed interested. I suspect you are right it was the cat since nothing was eaten. My dog once killed a pigeon in a similar manner. And being well fed didn’t eat it once it was dead and uninteresting.

And I’m sorry for your loss.

 

[DixxieChick]

Thanks. She finally showed her face today, hissing and spitting and growling when I picked her up. Now I know it was her. She has never hissed or growled before. I still cannot believe she did it

 

[Willowspirit]

Thanks. She finally showed her face today, hissing and spitting and growling when I picked her up. Now I know it was her. She has never hissed or growled before. I still cannot believe she did it

Cats are natural predators. Some do not express this in their behavior but some do and apparently yours is one. Have you considered rehoming her as a mouser or ratter? I’ll bet she’d be terrific. Many cats are not.

 

[DixxieChick]

She is a excellent mouser/squirreler/birder/anything that moves-er. I love that she keeps the rodents in check around here but we have to readjust some things if we are going to make it.

 

[cmom]

Sorry for your loss and for your cat and added stress for you. I wonder if there is a such thing as a training collars for cats and every time she gets too close to a bird she gets a tone, vibration or a shock. Good luck...