UGH.. What to do...

[pulletmom#1]

i had that problem once and i fixed that problem with a water baloon! cats hate to get wet,lol! plus it scared the begebers out of it. needless to say ,it never came back again!

 

[kizanne]

A water gun is much cheaper than a paint gun and cats can be trained.

The cat is someone else's pet.

I would definately make sure you can have chickens cause if you get into a match with the neighbors you could be out chickens altogether where they at most would have to pay a little money to get the cat back from animal control.

I have three cats who actively hunt my chickens (my cats) however, they only do that when the chickens back is turned and the minute one of the chickens make eye contact they give up, lie down, run away. They are afraid of the chickens, the chickens are better pack animals than cats. If one feels at all threatened by the cat they sqawk and all 11 come running. All the pack of chickens have to do is look at the cat and he's shaking in his boots.

The chicks I would worry about but if they range with the big girls they most likely would be ok but it is a chance you take. I'd let them out if you can be around with a water gun. A few squirts and the cat ought to get the idea. As long as it isn't starving it will move on.

 

[benjoycei]

My neighbor's cat tried to taste one of my full size chickens ONE time...she pecked him and chased him into the woods.
I would not let little ones out unattended

 

[benjoycei]

pulletmom#1 :

i had that problem once and i fixed that problem with a water baloon! cats hate to get wet,lol! plus it scared the begebers out of it. needless to say ,it never came back again!

Excellent idea!!!!

 

[Chemguy]

We live in a part of town that is off all main routes, and which apparently seems like a great place to ditch fido or kitty. So, we get a constant stream of new domesticated predators. I've found that a great way to divert them to other areas is to scare them. I suppose that it works because they're already on edge. All it takes is a little nudge. Now, the tool I use for this is a BB gun. No, not to kill (it would only maim/injure at best). I hung a large metal sheet from a tree near the coop, almost to ground level. All I have to do is shoot the metal and the strays take off running. I've had a few returns, but after the 2nd or 3rd time I don't see them again (for whatever reason). So, there are my two cents, based on limited experience.

 

[T-Amy]

Quote:
Great idea! We did that with a bear that got too close to the house. If they learn it's a plentiful area to get a meal, they'll come back. if it's too much work, they'll hopefully stay away. I've found with some wild critters though, they don't give up as easily. Now if I could just keep my cat off the counter! I don't think the BB gun is a good option since I'll likely miss & shoot my stove. Or window.

 

[mommto3kiddos]

Thanks everyone, I love hearing everyones side of the story.. And as an animal lover I know how passionate it can get!

My husband said the cat was in our driveway when he got home, so its def lovin our house..lol It did have a collar on, yet it had NO tags.. My husband said it looked kinda scruffy and ragged to him..

I asked my immediate neighbor if they knew the cat and they said no, it was a newbie to them.. We have a stray cat that we all kinda baby thats an orange tabby in the neighborhood, but this guy is a new face.. And from his reaction today I would say hes feral or pretty close to it..

I have dealt with feral cats in the past, and though I hate to take ANY animal to a local shelter I much rather do that than to see it starve, run over, or shot!! I also dont need little furry cat babies running around.. I did set our live trap out tonight beside the coop with some fancy feast inside. If I catch him I will determine what to do with him then. I just hope I do before he decides to snag him some baby chick dinner..

Oh and yes we can have our girls (legally). We live in the county so we are zoned for farm animals.. Teased hubby I could get a cow if I wanted..

We litterally are a small subdivision in a cow field..lol

 

[mancina]

Someone loves the cat as much as you love your chickens. Cats are hunters and it's not reasonable to expect them to leave your chickens in peace. My cats are afraid of my chickens, but they wouldn't be afraid of tiny chicks, so just keep the little ones inside the coop. And for heavens' sake, don't capture the cat and send it to the pound! Don't shoot it, either! Water guns or balloons would be fine.

 

[mommto3kiddos]

Oh and I wanted to add this guy is not going to be shot, so no worries.. Though I am diggin the water balloon idea, though I think hes too feral to get that close to him.. The tin ideo is cool too!! Love you all creative thinking!

 

[mommto3kiddos]

Mancina - so if I catch it and don't take it to the animal shelter and I cant find an owner (saying it was dumped).. What should I do with it?? Surely you wouldn't want me to let it go so it could get run over or starve to death or have several offspring over the next few months so they can get eaten by dogs, hawks or run over too???

To me its more humane to have a feral cat euthanized than to have it hit by a vehicle or chomped up by a local dog.. Not to mention if its FIP or FIV positive and running around the neighborhood!